Celebrating Visionary Leadership
The Phoenix Award Committee has made a truly fitting selection for its Glass Person of the Year 2025: Mr. Carlos Moreira da Silva. This prestigious recognition acknowledges not only his remarkable contributions to the global glass industry but also his profound impact as a transformative leader.
Mr. Moreira da Silva’s journey is a compelling narrative of strategic vision and unwavering dedication. As a key architect of BA Glass’s ascent, he masterminded its transformation into the world’s fourth-largest glass container manufacturer. His influence spans decades, from his impactful tenure as CEO (1998–2003) and Chairman (2003–2019) to his current role as a significant shareholder through TEAK Capital. Through each phase, his strategic foresight has been instrumental in propelling BA Glass to its current standing as a global benchmark for innovation, resilience, and sustainability within the packaging sector.
Born in Porto in 1952, Mr. Moreira da Silva’s path from humble beginnings to international business acclaim is a testament to perseverance and intellect. His academic background, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Porto and a PhD in Industrial Management from the University of Warwick, laid the groundwork for his distinguished career. His early foray into academia at the University of Porto quickly transitioned into executive leadership, with impactful roles at EDP and the Sonae Group, where he notably launched the newspaper Público and integrated Tafisa into Sonae Indústria.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2000 when Sonae acquired a significant stake in BA Glass, a company then operating only three production plants. It was under Mr. Moreira da Silva’s leadership that a successful Management Buyout in 2004, alongside the Silva Domingues family and key executives, truly unleashed BA Glass’s potential. Under his guidance, the company embarked on a period of unprecedented growth fueled by strategic acquisitions, expanding its footprint to 14 manufacturing plants across Europe and Mexico and achieving an astonishing daily production of over 20 million glass units. 
Beyond mere production figures, Mr. Moreira da Silva’s legacy is deeply embedded in BA Glass’s culture. The company’s commitment to employee well-being and environmental responsibility reflects his core values. Recent investments of €30 million in energy and environmental projects, including photovoltaic plants, advanced emissions filtration systems, and a collaborative hybrid furnace project with FEVE, underscore this dedication. BA Glass’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 serves as a powerful illustration of its forward-thinking approach and commitment to future-proofing the industry.
The continuation of this legacy through his son, Tiago Moreira da Silva, now leading BA Glass, further solidifies the enduring impact of Carlos Moreira da Silva’s vision. This recognition as Glass Person of the Year 2025 is a well-deserved tribute to a leader whose strategic acumen, commitment to innovation, and unwavering focus on sustainability have left an indelible mark on the global glass industry.
Source: Phoenix Award Committee with additional information added by GlassBalkan
