Ambassador Rui Moreira took up his duties as Permanent Representative of Portugal to the OECD on 9 April 2026.
Mr. Moreira began his professional career in international shipping in Norway, before returning to Portugal where he led one of his family's business in the same field (E.A.Moreira SA). His professional trajectory includes senior executive and board positions in shipping, port infrastructure, and container terminal operations, as well as investments in real estate, industry, agri-food and fisheries across Europe, South America, and Brazil. He also served in academic and advisory roles, including as a member of the Senate of the University of Porto and of the Advisory Board of the Catholic University of Portugal.
Between 2001 and 2013, he played a central role in Porto's civic and economic governance, serving as President of the Community of the Port of Leixões and Chairman of the Porto Chamber of Commerce, the oldest business association in Portugal. He later became CEO of Porto Vivo SRU, the public company responsible for the urban rehabilitation of Porto’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, co-ordinating complex public-private partnerships and internationally recognised regeneration programmes.
In 2013, he was elected Mayor of the City of Porto as an independent candidate, suspending all private business activity upon taking office. He was re-elected in 2017 and 2021, completing his final mandate in November 2025. His tenure was marked by strong international engagement, co-operation with global cities, and participation in multilateral initiatives, including as a member of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth.
He has received numerous national and international honours from European and Latin American states in recognition of his public service and contribution to international co-operation. Alongside public office, he maintains an active intellectual presence as a published author, media commentator, and regular participant in international conferences and policy forums.
Mr. Moreira graduated in Business Studies (Bachelor Hons) in the Thames Polytechnic (currently Greenwich University). He speaks fluently five languages (Portuguese, English, German, French and Spanish).