Henrique Alcantara: A Life Without Limits

At 5,895 meters above sea level, standing at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Henrique Alcantara could see the world from a completely different perspective. It wasn’t just about the climb—it was about preparation, resilience, and pushing limits.

This wasn’t his first challenge, and it certainly wouldn’t be his last. He once attempted to climb Mount Everest, competed as a high-performance athlete, and took that same mindset into the corporate world.

For Henrique, every step—whether on a mountain or in business—requires strategy, endurance, and a clear goal.

A Leader Who Sees the Bigger Picture

Henrique’s approach to leadership is simple: stay adaptable, communicate clearly, and keep moving forward.

Having lived in multiple countries, far from family, he learned early on how to navigate change without hesitation. While others fear instability, Henrique thrives in it. His ability to read situations, adjust strategies, and keep a team aligned makes him an effective leader, no matter the environment.

Above all, he believes in leading by example. Instead of just talking about discipline, determination, and high performance—he lives it.

A Career Built on Understanding the Whole Business

Henrique started his career with a rare opportunity—he was one of only 20 people selected from 25,000 applicants for a prestigious trainee programme. The role allowed him to experience every part of the business, from manufacturing to sales, logistics to finance.

Early on, he knew he wanted to be a complete executive—someone who understood the business from every angle. It was during a finance rotation that he discovered his passion for complex problem-solving and data-driven decision-making.

Finance, to him, wasn’t just about numbers—it was about understanding market trends, optimising resources, and making decisions that shape the entire company.

Navigating Different Markets

Working across Brazil, Latin America, and the Middle East, Henrique has tackled some of the toughest financial challenges.

?? Brazil: A stable yet credit-sensitive market, where financial tools like credit cards help manage risks.

?? Latin America (outside Brazil): Requires careful strategies to secure payments in USD.

?? Middle East: In certain regions outside the GCC, access to USD can be challenging, adding complexity to international transactions and financial operations.

Beyond financial risks, there are also logistical challenges. Selling frozen food in countries without a reliable cold chain means choosing the right partners and evaluating financial risks carefully.

Embracing Responsibility

Henrique doesn’t shy away from responsibility—he embraces it.

His role isn’t just about analysing numbers but about translating market complexities into clear insights for decision-makers. He thrives on advising CFOs and CEOs on pricing, supply, and financial strategies, knowing that his work directly impacts the company’s direction.

As he often says, quoting Vicente Falconi:

"Real power is the ability to see everything happening in an organisation, structure that information, and turn it into clear action."

Turning Finance Into a Well-Oiled Machine

Henrique is known for transforming financial departments.

?? In Qatar, he built a structured finance department from the ground up, reducing overdue payments to historic lows.

?? He implemented AI-driven forecasting tools, improving the accuracy of financial planning.

?? He introduced a job rotation programme, ensuring that his team members can step into different roles when needed, increasing efficiency and collaboration.

His approach is simple: finance should not just support the business—it should drive it forward.

Pride in a Global Brand

Henrique has been with the same company for over a decade, not because of routine, but because he keeps finding new challenges.

"I’ve lived through different companies within the same company," he says. The business has changed, leadership has evolved, and Henrique has adapted every step of the way.

What drives him the most? Knowing that he is part of a company that feeds millions of people in over 100 countries.

A Career is Like a Marriage

For Henrique, the relationship between an employee and a company works like a marriage—both sides must grow together.

"The moment one side stops adapting, things fall apart. But when both evolve together, the relationship lasts."

In an ever-changing business world, Henrique keeps doing what he does best: climbing new mountains, finding new paths, and never standing still.?