The leadership of the company responsible for the Multibanco network and MB Way changed hands and information has already started to circulate within the financial sector. João Mello Franco is the new CEO of SIBS, according to information released by the ECO news portal, and will replace Madalena Tomé, who left the position at the end of last summer.
The change occurs at a time of strong growth for the company and in a context in which the role of SIBS in the Portuguese payments system continues to be central, both for banks and consumers and companies.
A succession prepared out of the spotlight
According to the same source, João Mello Franco’s appointment was communicated internally and results from the departure of Madalena Tomé, who in September took on new roles outside the group. During the transition period, executive leadership was provided on an interim basis by the chairman of the company.
The new leadership has not yet been officially confirmed by SIBS, despite contacts made by the publication with the company and the CTT group, where Mello Franco held office until now.
Route linked to banking and commercial channels
It should be noted that João Mello Franco is 53 years old and built his career mainly in the financial sector. The new CEO of SIBS had held the role of commercial administrator at Banco CTT since 2016, after having worked at institutions such as Novobanco and BES.
The publication adds that the manager began his professional career at the McKinsey consultancy, accumulating around three decades of experience in the areas of marketing, product development and banking channels, a profile aligned with the operational nature of SIBS.
Madalena Tomé’s departure and new destination
Madalena Tomé left the leadership of SIBS to join the structure of Worldline, a French group specializing in payment solutions. According to the same source, the former CEO began working as director of financial services and member of the company’s executive committee.
During the interval between administrations, the executive presidency was temporarily assumed by Vítor Fernandes, chairman of SIBS, ensuring continuity of management until a new leader is defined.
Central company in the payments system
SIBS is owned by the main Portuguese banks in a competitive cooperation model and manages the infrastructure that supports essential daily financial operations. According to the same source, the company operates the Multibanco network and MB Way, and is also present in several international markets.
In addition to Portugal, explains the portal, SIBS’s activity extends to countries such as Poland, Romania, France, the Netherlands and several Portuguese-speaking countries, reinforcing its weight as a European technological operator.
Financial growth and regulatory scrutiny
With more than 1,600 employees, the company recorded a turnover of close to 370 million euros in 2024. According to , this value represents a growth of 24% compared to the previous year, with profits reaching 56.6 million euros.
At the same time, the publication adds, SIBS’s dominant position in the national market has attracted attention from the Competition Authority and the Bank of Portugal, a factor that will continue to frame the new leadership’s actions.
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