Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Olavo Guimaraes, Hawksford
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Olavo Guimaraes, Business Development Manager LATAM, Hawksford.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I am Business Development Manager for Latin America at Hawksford, focused on developing relationships across Brazil and the wider LATAM region.
My role is to work closely with clients, families, entrepreneurs, investors and advisers, understanding what they want to achieve and connecting them with practical, compliant solutions across Hawksford’s international network. A large part of that is helping clients navigate cross-border opportunities with confidence, whether they are expanding internationally, structuring assets or planning for the future.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most. Much of my time is spent speaking with clients and advisers, understanding their objectives and identifying where Hawksford’s global expertise can add value.
I also work closely with colleagues across different jurisdictions, as many client needs require coordinated international support. Whenever possible, I like to meet people in person. Our industry is built on trust, and strong relationships remain essential.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have requested.
The most interesting requests are often those that involve several jurisdictions and require a joined-up approach. Recently, I have supported entrepreneurial families considering international structuring, businesses exploring expansion into new markets, and clients thinking carefully about succession and long-term wealth preservation.
Those conversations are rewarding because they combine technical knowledge with a very personal understanding of each client’s goals.
What challenges do your clients face and how you helping your clients to overcome them?
Clients are facing more complexity, particularly around regulation, tax, governance and cross-border activity. For families, the focus is often on protecting wealth, planning succession and preparing the next generation.
For businesses, international expansion brings questions around structuring, compliance, substance and ongoing administration. We help by simplifying that complexity and connecting clients with the right expertise across Hawksford’s international network.
Are there any top of mind themes for you or your clients?
In Brazil and across Latin America, asset diversification and protection are key themes.
Many families are thinking carefully about succession, governance and how to preserve wealth across borders. At the same time, more entrepreneurs are looking beyond domestic markets and exploring opportunities in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
What is your proundest professional archievement?
Having spent more than 20 years advising on M&A transactions, I have been fortunate to close numerous transactions involving founder-led and family-owned businesses. Every deal is a unique journey. Beyond the financial and strategic considerations, there are often personal aspirations, family dynamics, competing interests, risk management challenges and significant emotional investment from all parties involved.
One achievement that remains particularly memorable was successfully leading two related transactions simultaneously for two retail groups. By structuring the process carefully, we were able to divide the assets between two strategic buyers, creating an optimised outcome for all four parties involved. It required extensive negotiation, creativity and stakeholder management, and remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I think I would still be doing something that connects people, opportunities and ideas. Perhaps entrepreneurship, diplomacy, international relations or education. Learning, building relationships and helping others achieve their goals have always motivated me.
How do you relax after a long day?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, usually around good food and a nice bottle of wine.
I also like playing tennis, swimming, reading and travelling. Curiosity is a big part of who I am, so even when I relax, I often find myself learning something new. And, being Brazilian, a good conversation is always one of my favourite ways to unwind.
Hawksford’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
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