COA names LATAM Airlines, Banco do Brasil, Rappi and Atlas Renewable Energy for 2026 BRAVO awards

The Council of the Americas will honor four Latin American companies and executives at the 31st BRAVO Business Awards in Miami on Nov. 19, 2026. The honorees span aviation, banking, tech and renewable energy, underscoring the region’s business transformation and investment story.

Why it matters: - The BRAVO Business Awards highlight companies and leaders shaping economic development across Latin America. - This year’s honorees reflect major shifts in aviation, banking, digital commerce and clean energy. - The gala comes as business leaders in the region are focused on innovation, investment and long-term growth.

What happened: - The Council of the Americas announced the honorees for the 31st BRAVO Business Awards. - The gala will take place Nov. 19, 2026, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami. - The 2026 honorees are Roberto Alvo of LATAM Airlines, Banco do Brasil, Rappi and Carlos Barrera of Atlas Renewable Energy. - The awards will recognize leadership that has expanded opportunities and increased investment across the Americas.

The details: - Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines, will receive the BRAVO CEO of the Year Award. - LATAM Airlines is being recognized for its transformation during a difficult period in aviation, including financial restructuring, digital evolution and stronger long-term growth. - Banco do Brasil will receive the BRAVO Legacy Award, accepted by CEO Tarciana Medeiros. - Banco do Brasil is Brazil’s oldest financial institution and one of Latin America’s largest banks. - The bank is being recognized for its role in Brazil’s economic, social and sustainable development. - Rappi will receive the BRAVO Beacon of Innovation Award, accepted by founder Felipe Villamarín. - Rappi was founded in Colombia in 2015 and helped pioneer the super app model in Latin America. - The company has expanded into quick commerce, financial services and technology partnerships. - Rappi has reported positive EBITDA, a milestone in its path toward sustainable growth. - Carlos Barrera, founder and CEO of Atlas Renewable Energy, will receive the BRAVO Innovative CEO of the Year Award. - Atlas Renewable Energy was founded in February 2017 and has grown into the largest independent renewable energy producer in Latin America. - Atlas has built projects across Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. - The company has developed BESS del Desierto, described as Latin America’s first and largest standalone battery energy storage system. - Atlas completed a $3 billion portfolio refinancing in 2025, which the release describes as the largest transaction of its kind in Latin America’s renewable energy sector. - The 2026 gala will also bring together multinational and multilatina executives, government leaders, entrepreneurs and global investors. - Susan Segal, president and CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas, said the honorees reflect innovation and leadership strengthening industries and prosperity across Latin America. - Maria Lourdes Teran, vice president of AS/COA Miami and chair of the BRAVO Business Awards, said the event will convene the region’s business community in Miami for a conversation about Latin America’s future. - The Council of the Americas Symposium will take place the morning of the awards. - Symposium topics will include the AI economy, data center and cloud infrastructure investment, how companies are using AI for strategic advantage, Latin American companies expanding in the U.S. and broader business opportunities in the region. - Sponsors include Amazon, CAF, Chubb Latin America, LLYC, Philip Morris International, Bank of America, Castillo Hermanos, Citi, Moody’s, Salesforce, The AES Corporation, BlackRock, FedEx, Grupo Mariposa and SBA Communications. - McKinsey & Company is listed as knowledge partner. - Americas Quarterly, Bloomberg Línea, CNN en Español, El País and Exame are listed as media partners.

Between the lines: - The honorees show how Latin American companies are being judged not just on scale, but on resilience, digital capability and sustainability. - The selection of aviation, banking, delivery tech and renewable energy also signals where the region’s most visible transformation is taking place. - The symposium agenda suggests AI and infrastructure are becoming central themes in the region’s next phase of growth.

What's next: - COA will host the BRAVO gala in Miami on Nov. 19. - Business leaders will gather the same day for the Council of the Americas Symposium. - The event is likely to frame Latin America’s growth story around technology, capital investment and energy transition.