Biography

Born in the State of Goias, Brazil – Armando Guedes Coelho received his degree in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Chemistry from the National School of Chemistry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Guedes Coelho passed the Civil Service Examination for Petrobras in 1964, and also attended post graduate studies in Oil Processing Engineering where he was recognized as the top student. Armando’s career began at RLAM the Landulfo Alves Refinery Mataripe, Bahia.

Armando climbed the Petrobras ranks to the presidency. He also presided over several subsidiaries including Petrobras Quimica – PETROQUISA, Petrobras Distribuidora BR, and Petrobras Internacional - INTERBRÁS.

Guedes Coelho was in charge of Petrobras’ Commercial Department for over a decade, delivering an outstanding performance managing Petrobras commercial strategies through two global energy crises in the 70’s, when Brazil still imported over 85% of its crude and petroleum product requirements.

As Petrobras’ Industrial Director over nine years, Armando implemented several programs developing higher efficiencies through more efficient technologies in crude processing. Such initiatives led to the establishment of catalyst manufacturers in Rio de Janeiro, Fabrica Carioca de Catalizadores FCC in Rio de Janeiro. FCC along with Petrobras’ Research and Development Center CENPES provided Petrobras with the global leadership in the processing and cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks.