Valor Econômico features Sodali & Co: Competitiveness hinges on data and governance

In a February 10, 2026, interview with Valor Econômico, Sodali & Co CEO Andrew Benett outlines three pillars of competitiveness for publicly listed companies: strong corporate governance, sustainability treated as a financial risk, and intensive use of data. Benett notes that as shareholder activism expands globally, governance has become investors’ primary lever for change, and AI-driven analytics are making engagement and activism more sophisticated than ever.

Benett emphasizes that companies with stronger governance often trade at a valuation premium and are better equipped to withstand periods of volatility. He argues this environment demands continuous, proactive investor engagement, positioning investor relations as an ongoing strategic discipline rather than a reactive function.

Discussing Brazil specifically, Benett points to a “governance discount” linked to concentrated ownership structures, limited transparency, and insufficient board renewal, particularly in terms of skills in technology and AI. He advocates for periodic board skills assessments and refreshment to ensure boards reflect what companies need today and in the future. He also reframes sustainability as a balance-sheet issue, noting that climate risk is business risk and will increasingly influence cost of capital, earnings resilience, and CFO decision-making. With growing energy demand driven by AI and data centers, Benett adds that Brazil’s strong renewable energy base positions the country to compete effectively for global capital.

Read the full article in Portuguese