Leading with a Global Perspective
As global CEO of BRF, Pedro de Andrade Faria, ’02, helms one of the world’s largest food companies, with revenues in the billions and more than 110,000 employees. Faria’s Booth education provided him with the skills to lead in such a demanding role.
“I remember vividly going through LEAD, and they said my leadership style would have to evolve as I went further in my career,” Faria says. “I believe that today the biggest asset that I have, and Chicago Booth gave me this, is the opportunity to be a people leader—an inspirational character, rather than just a person who has all the answers to a problem.”
At a time when globalization is top of mind for many, Faria has continued his company’s trajectory toward expanding in the global marketplace. After joining the Brazil-based corporation in 2013 and becoming CEO two years later, Faria saw BRF record revenues of $10 billion in 2015, with more than 50 percent of those revenues coming from outside of the country.
“Previous to Booth, I had no experience outside of Brazil,” Faria says. “I felt ambitious, and very curious. Spending time in Chicago, I had the opportunity to meet brilliant people from all over the world, and this really helped me gain a global perspective.”