Professional Affiliation

Senior Director, Global Strategic Risks at ExxonMobil

Expert Bio

João A. de Castro Neves is a seasoned geopolitical strategist and external affairs expert with over two decades of experience in risk management, international government relations, and strategic communications. He currently serves as Senior Director of Global Strategic Risks at ExxonMobil, where he provides high-level analysis of geopolitical and policy risks to inform executive decision-making and enterprise risk management. In this role and his previous position as Senior Director of International Government Relations, he has led global engagement strategies, facilitated high-level meetings between ExxonMobil’s senior leadership and national policymakers, and managed the company’s Brazil portfolio for international government relations.

Before joining ExxonMobil, João was Director for Latin America at Eurasia Group, where he led the firm’s research and business development in Brazil, establishing it as a top-tier political risk advisory for investors and corporations. Earlier in his career, he founded and managed a political consulting firm, advising major organizations on political risk and policy issues.

João has been a trusted advisor to business leaders, policymakers, and investors, frequently engaging with global think tanks, international organizations, and the media. He has contributed to academic and policy publications, delivered keynote speeches at high-profile conferences, and served on advisory boards, including the Canadian American Business Council and the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute.

Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised across multiple international capitals, João holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of São Paulo