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Rafael Souza

Rafael Souza


Chief Financial Officer | CFO | Finance Director | Controller Americas

Professional Overview


Rafael Souza is an accomplished finance executive with over 15 years of experience leading financial operations and strategy for leading global organizations. As the Chief Financial Officer | CFO | Finance Director | Controller Americas for Hyster-Yale Group, he oversees all financial functions and plays a critical role in driving the company's growth and profitability across North and South America.

Experience Summary



Current Role


As the Chief Financial Officer | CFO | Finance Director | Controller Americas at Hyster-Yale Group, Rafael is responsible for managing the company's financial strategy, reporting, and control functions. He leads a team of finance professionals to ensure accurate and timely financial information, enable data-driven decision making, and optimize the organization's financial performance. Under his leadership, Hyster-Yale Group has achieved significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost management, and working capital optimization, contributing to the company's enhanced profitability and competitiveness in the Americas region.

Career Progression


Prior to his current role, Rafael served as the Financial Controller at Hyster-Yale Group, where he was instrumental in streamlining financial processes, implementing robust internal controls, and enhancing the company's financial reporting capabilities. Before joining Hyster-Yale, he held the position of Controller at JCB, where he played a key role in driving financial improvements and supporting the company's expansion. Earlier in his career, Rafael gained valuable experience in internal audit and financial advisory roles at The HEINEKEN Company and PwC, respectively.

Academic Background


Rafael holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He has participated in various executive leadership programs, further enhancing his strategic and operational expertise.

Areas of Expertise


  • Financial planning, analysis, and reporting

  • Treasury management and cash flow optimization

  • Mergers, acquisitions, and integration

  • Enterprise risk management and internal controls

  • Financial process improvement and automation

  • Cross-functional collaboration and strategic decision-making


Professional Impact


Throughout his career, Rafael has demonstrated a proven track record of driving financial excellence and contributing to the success of the organizations he has served. His strategic insights, operational acumen, and collaborative leadership style have been instrumental in improving financial performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the growth and competitiveness of Hyster-Yale Group and its predecessors.

Conclusion


With his extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven financial expertise, Rafael Souza is a valuable asset to Hyster-Yale Group and a respected leader in the finance community. He continues to guide the company's financial strategy and contribute to its long-term success in the Americas region.