The Phoenix Award Committee is honoured to announce that Mr. Carlos Moreira da Silva, visionary industrial leader and a key architect of BA Glass’s transformation into the world’s fourth-largest glass container manufacturer, has been named the 53rd recipient of the Phoenix Award and The Glass Person of the Year 2025 for outstanding achievements in business leadership in the glass industry.
Moreira da Silva’s influence on the global glass industry is both profound and enduring. From his tenure as CEO of BA Glass (1998–2003) and Chairman (2003–2019), to his current role as a major shareholder through TEAK Capital, his strategic foresight has propelled BA Glass to become a beacon of innovation, resilience and sustainability in the packaging sector.
Born in Porto, Portugal, in 1952 into a large and deeply principled family, Carlos’ journey from humble beginnings to international business acclaim is a powerful testament to perseverance, intellect and leadership. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Porto and later obtained a PhD in Industrial Management from the University of Warwick, UK.
His career began in academia as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Porto in 1973. After becoming Assistant Professor, he pivoted to executive leadership in 1986, serving as Executive Director of EDP and later joining the Board of Sonae Group. While at Sonae, he launched the newspaper Público and led Sonae Indústria, notably steering the integration of Tafisa in 1995.
In 2000, Sonae acquired 49.9 percent of BA Glass, which at the time operated only three production plants. By 2004, Carlos led a successful Management Buyout (MBO), alongside the Silva Domingues family and key executives, taking full control of the company. Under his leadership, BA Glass grew rapidly through a series of strategic acquisitions, reaching 14 manufacturing plants across Europe and Mexico, and producing over 20 million glass units daily.
Today, BA Glass stands as a model of sustainable industry, investing heavily in decarbonisation and innovation. In 2024 alone, BA Glass invested over EUR 30 million in energy and environmental projects, including photovoltaic plants in Spain and Bulgaria, advanced emissions filtration systems, and a pioneering Hybrid Furnace project in collaboration with FEVE.
The company’s culture, deeply influenced by Carlos’ values, prioritises employee well-being and environmental responsibility. Its goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050 demonstrates a clear commitment to future-proofing the industry.
Carlos’ legacy continues through his son, Tiago Moreira da Silva, now leading BA Glass, reinforcing a tradition of excellence and innovation in glass manufacturing.
Carlos’ career milestones also include:
- 2010: Winner of the Ernst & Young Businessman of the Year Award in Portugal
- 2001–2024: Strategic acquisitions expanding BA’s footprint in Portugal, Spain, Poland, Germany, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Mexico, making BA likely the largest independent glass company in Europe
- 2025: TEAK Capital’s acquisition of Italy’s Vetrerie Riunite Group
Beyond his business achievements, Carlos is a dedicated philanthropist and thinker. He was actively involved with the Serralves Foundation and participates in several industry-university interface initiatives and non-profit organisations. Since 2007, he has served as a Visiting Professor at the University of Porto’s Faculty of Engineering, continuing to mentor the next generation of industrial leaders. Since 2024 he has served as the Chairman of the Portuguese Business Roundtable.
The Glass Person of the Year 2025 award recognises not just a lifetime of accomplishments, but an unwavering commitment to responsible leadership, sustainable industry practices and community involvement.
The Phoenix Award Committee is delighted to confirm Carlos Moreira da Silva is the 53rd recipient of the Phoenix Award and the 2025 Glass Person of the Year. According to the committee’s regulations, the award will be presented to Carlos by Demetrius Rankin, the PAC 2025 Chairperson, during a banquet and award ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 17 in Porto.