Joao graduated from Thames Polytechnic in 1981 with a BA Hons in Business Studies.
Following graduation, Joao pursued a career in banking, joining BPI, one of Portugal’s biggest investment banks, when it was in its infancy.
After 25 years with BPI Joao turned his hand to developing the Quinta Do Vallado, a wine estate in the Douro Valley which had been owned by the famous Ferreira family which Joao comes from.
He has since refurbished the Quinta and invested heavily in its wine offer, including a hotel.
The business acumen and marketing skills Joao developed at Thames Polytechnic have certainly been put into good use.
Joao was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the university in 2018 in recognition of his achievements. Upon receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Joao advised the students sat before him to “continue learning all your life” and “always work to the creation of value. ”
