At 53, Isabel Guerreiro has built one of the most inspiring careers in banking in Portugal.
She started as a computer engineer and became the first woman to lead a major bank in the country. She has a clear plan and is focused on getting results.
She joined Santander Portugal in 2005 and led the bank's move to digital technology.
She helped grow the number of online customers, used new tech, and improved mobile payment systems. Under her leadership, Santander cut the average time it takes to approve a loan in half. She also used robotics to automate many back-office tasks. Since 2020, she has been the Head of Digital for Europe, leading the bank's digital plans. She is also on the Executive Committee of Santander Portugal and the Board of Santander Poland.
Her career shows steady determination and the ability to adapt.
She started her career at Novabase, moving from a programmer to a senior manager. She earned an MBA from INSEAD while raising twin daughters. Her colleagues say she is analytical, confident, and full of energy. She values teamwork and different viewpoints.
Guerreiro believes that while progress for women in male-dominated fields still has a long way to go, there have been major improvements in inclusion and equality.
She studied at Instituto Superior Técnico and later at Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. She is part of a new generation of leaders who combine technology, strategy, and understanding of people.
Related News