2019 Global CFO Excellence Awards

Acquisition International - 2019 Global CFO Excellence Awards 15 Quinta do Lago is a luxury golf, leisure and residential resort in the Algarve, Portugal. CFO Miguel Sousa talks us through his role in driving the firm to success. Quinta do Lago estled within the privacy and security of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, Quinta do Lago is a unique Mediterranean resort that allows guests to live an active outdoor lifestyle all year round. The firm’s financial department works with internal clients including QDL employees, as well as with external clients in the resort, for example high-end real estate clients. Thanks to a long career in the sector, CFO Miguel is able to oversee finance, planning analysis, procurement, technical and IT for the firm. He discusses his career and experience in detail and outlines how this has driven him to the position he holds currently. “I graduated in Business Management from the Instituto Superior de Gestão. Since then I have amassed more than 15 years’ experience in statutory reporting, financial and management accounting, financial planning and analysis. “Prior to my work with Quinta do Lago, I worked with NetJets Europe as Accounting Controller, in the Lisbon headquarters. I started with Quinta do Lago in 2014 as Director of Finance and Administration, and in 2016 I was given the opportunity as Chief Financial Officer for the Group, which I am incredibly proud to hold today. “Additionally, one of the biggest challenges and opportunities I have faced in my career was when, in addition to my role as CFO for the resort, I was promoted to join the Executive Board for Quinta do Lago Group. This came with great responsibility in modernising the financial departments and process improvement. Over my time in this N role I have learned so much from the other Board members and the opportunity certainly made me a better CFO for the resort.” In his current role Miguel works hard to drive Quinta do Lago to success with a focus on attracting customers seeking a truly luxurious experience, which is emphasised through his business strategy. “As Quinta do Lago Group is a luxury brand offering an unparalleled leisure and lifestyle experience in the Algarve, my strategy comprises of a 3-year plan with three key targets: centralise, consolidate and capitalise. Restructuring of the financial department model to be managed by tasks and not by company. Next, consolidation of this with the incorporation of new businesses, such as the hotel and three new venues for the resort. Finally, we have the foundations for success to collect and capitalise in year three.” Moving forward, Miguel remains dedicated to driving Quinta do Lago to even greater achievements throughout 2019 and beyond, as he is proud to conclude. “Over the coming years my core focus is on enhancing the success of Quinta do Lago and creating and adding value for its shareholders. This will remain my aim as I and the company look forward to a bright and exciting future.” Company: Quinta do Lago Name: Miguel Sousa Address: Quinta do Lago, Ed. Vigiquinta, 8135-024 Almancil, Portugal Telephone Number: +351 289390700 Web Address: www.quintadolago.com Best Tourism Finance Director 2019 - Algarve