European CEO of the Year Awards 2024

5. The company has always invested in Research and Development (R&D) as a driver of our daily activity to anticipate future needs, increase internal know-how, and create value for the company and our customers. The challenge is to go even further: from a leading solution in fuelsaving and emission-reduction systems to a solution responsible for reducing polluting emissions globally. The opportunity exists. We have the means, the determination, and the audacity. Our innovative strategy aims to be increasingly present in all economic activities. Combining this strategy with our knowhow will allow us to achieve our objectives. We have a culture of entrepreneurship that is in our genesis and that we highly value. Although the global context is adverse today, this fact represents a vast opportunity for us. It is a suitable time to capitalize on our offering. We have "anti-crisis" approaches for clients who need to rationalize costs and solutions for those who want to reduce their business's environmental impact. We are also paying attention to sectors such as energy and transport, where massive changes are being made. Sustainable Development is the basis of UTIS' environmental policy. We are committed to contributing to building a better and greener world, ensuring that sustainability is at the core of everything we do. This commitment should reassure the market about our values and dedication to environmental responsibility. The environmental commitment aims to cause less damage, mitigate negative operational impacts, and save energy by operating our facilities in compliance with local laws, rules, and regulations. We apply innovative ecological technologies to reduce CO2e and are committed to Environmental Entities' regulations and controls. UTIS implements sustainability and product management practices in its products' design, manufacture, and distribution phases. This strategy increases UTIS's contribution to sustainable construction, minimizes its impact on human health and the environment, reduces waste produced by operations, and uses waste in the alternative fuel system. In addition, UTIS reuses its own and other industries' byproducts and promotes recycling. UTIS promotes environmentally responsible perspectives and practices by continuously managing and integrating the environmental management system into our business processes with clear responsibilities. We encourage suppliers, customers, and other business partners to adopt similar practices. We know the need to collaborate closely with our stakeholders and encourage all interested parties to communicate their environmental, social, and governance concerns. UTIS is committed to providing ongoing training and applying industry best practices to support our understanding of our responsibilities to operate in an environmentally responsible manner and achieve a high standard of environmental commitment. When it comes to challenges, how do you face times of change or difficulty? How do you turn challenges into opportunities? While at UTIS, I have faced various challenges and opportunities that have shaped my leadership and the company's direction. One significant challenge has been navigating the rapidly changing market dynamics and technological advancements in the energy sector. To address this, I have focused on fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within the organization. We have invested in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve our offerings. Another significant challenge has been to expand our global footprint while upholding the quality and reliability of our solutions. To overcome this, we have strategically forged robust partnerships with local companies and institutions in various regions. On the opportunity side, the increasing global focus on sustainability and green energy has opened up numerous growth avenues for us. By leveraging our patented hydrogen technologies, we have successfully ventured into new markets and sectors, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and assisting our clients in achieving their sustainability and growth objectives. This strategic move has not only expanded our business but also reinforced our position as a key player in the industry. Adapting to these challenges and opportunities has required a proactive and flexible approach. I have emphasized the importance of continuous learning and development for our team, ensuring that we remain relevant and responsive to the evolving landscape. This mindset has enabled us to turn challenges into opportunities and drive the success of UTIS in a competitive and dynamic industry. What are your plans for the future? The future depends on hydrogen technology, and despite Portugal's modest size in the global context, it has achieved exceptional scientific and technological successes that make us proud as a nation. Furthermore, we are immensely proud that UTIS, a Portuguese company, has earned the highest awards and is recognized both nationally and internationally for the excellence of its patented technology and products. Accordingly, my plans for UTIS are centred around solidifying our position as a global leader in sustainable and hydrogen energy solutions and continuing to drive innovation in the industry. We are committed to expanding our technology offerings and entering new markets to address the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy solutions. Moreover, as we plan to build upon today's success, we are mindful of the importance of achieving a work-life balance for our human resources. The professional success we have attained, recognized by everyone, has come with long and intense working hours. Balancing work and personal life, paying close attention to physical and mental health, and minimizing stress are essential for creating a healthier, more balanced, and more profitable company. As the CEO of UTIS, I've always strived to enhance our team's competence and quality of life. This focus has led to lower absenteeism, increased innovation, an improved company image, and exceptional productivity. Our ambition and professionalism drive us to continually improve these results, making these objectives a fundamental part of my leadership vision, to which I am fully committed. I am also committed to ongoing professional development, particularly in management and technology. Strengthening and expanding the team that collaborates directly with me is crucial for launching new projects and achieving the global internationalization of UTIS.

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