- Angélica Laureano becomes Executive Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, leading the push for Petrobras’ decarbonisation and renewables.
- Her appointment makes women the majority on Petrobras’ Executive Board for the first time, highlighting its commitment to gender equity.
Brazilian state-controlled energy company Petrobras has appointed Angélica Laureano as Executive Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, following the departure of Mauricio Tolmasquim in May.
The company announced the appointment on Wednesday, July 16, highlighting Laureano’s extensive career and leadership experience. Laureano has worked at Petrobras for 37 of her 45 years in the energy sector, holding roles in Materials, Supply, Gas and Energy. She also served as President of Gaspetro, a joint venture between Petrobras and Mitsui Gás S.A.
In addition, Laureano will oversee the Executive Office of Energy Transition and Sustainability, established in 2023 to centralise Petrobras’ decarbonisation and renewable energy strategies. The office coordinates efforts across gas and energy processes, climate change initiatives, and innovation in sustainable fuels.
“We will continue to invest heavily in decarbonisation projects, the production of more sustainable fuels, and the diversification of renewable energy sources,” Laureano said. “As leaders in the energy transition, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050.”
With Laureano’s appointment, Petrobras’ nine-member Executive Board now includes five women, including company President Magda Chambriard. This marks the first time in the company’s history that women hold the majority of board-level positions.
Meanwhile, Petrobras said the new composition reflects its commitment to diversity and gender equity, reinforcing its leadership in Brazil’s energy sector.
“We are committed to increasing female participation in all sectors of Petrobras,” said Chambriard. “We believe a diverse team creates a healthier and more productive work environment. I hope we can inspire more women to pursue leadership roles, especially in the oil and gas industry, which remains male-dominated.”
The appointment underscores Petrobras’ dual focus on energy transition and inclusive leadership as it navigates a changing global energy landscape.