Carolina Afonso

Carolina Afonso has a diverse work experience that spans across various industries. Carolina is currently the CEO of Gato Preto, a retail home decor and furniture company. Prior to this, they held the position of Chief Marketing Officer & eCommerce at Gato Preto, where they were responsible for the marketing and eCommerce department. Carolina also served as a Marketing Director & Management Board Member at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Portugal, where they oversaw marketing, digital transformation, corporate communication, and digital marketing. In addition, Carolina has experience as a Marketing Director at ASUS, a Marketing Communication Manager at Listopsis, and in research and services for the UK market at the BPCC - British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. Carolina began their career as a Trainee in the Economic Delegation of aicep Portugal Global. Alongside their professional roles, Carolina has also been a University Professor and Coordinator of Executive Courses at ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics & Management, where they taught various marketing subjects and supervised master theses.

Carolina Afonso obtained a PhD in Administration, Business, and Marketing from Universidad Complutense de Madrid from 2011 to 2016. Carolina later completed an Executive Course in Finance at Nova School of Business and Economics in 2023. In addition, they received a Master's degree in Marketing from ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics & Management from 2008 to 2010, and a Post Graduation in Marketing Management from the same institution from 2006 to 2008. Carolina also pursued a Specialization in European Studies & Law at De Haagse Hogeschool/The Hague University of Applied Sciences from 2002 to 2003, and obtained a Degree in International Relations from Universidade Nova de Lisboa from 1999 to 2003. Alongside their formal education, Carolina has earned certifications in Search Inside Yourself from the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) in 2021, Google Adwords from Google AdWords Certified in 2016, and holds the designation of Marketing Oficial Reviewer from Publons. Carolina has also served as a Mentor at Pitch Bootcamp.