Date of Birth: August 26, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: * [Not applicable, as the person is currently alive.]
Biography
Maria das Graças Silva Foster, commonly known as Graça Foster, is a Brazilian engineer and businesswoman who gained international recognition for her role as CEO of Petrobras, the Brazilian multinational corporation in the petroleum industry. Born in Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Foster rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful women in global business. Foster’s journey to the top was marked by hard work and determination. She began her career at Petrobras in 1978 as an intern and steadily climbed the ranks over the years. Her educational background includes a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from the same institution. She also holds an MBA from the COPPEAD Graduate School of Business. In 2012, Maria das Graças Foster was appointed CEO of Petrobras, becoming the first woman to lead the company. Her tenure was marked by efforts to enhance transparency and operational efficiency, although it was also during a period of significant challenges due to the global oil price slump and corruption scandals that emerged as part of Operation Car Wash. Foster is celebrated for breaking barriers for women in the oil and gas industry and continues to be a respected figure in the business world, even after her resignation from Petrobras in 2015.
5 Interesting Facts about Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
1. Graça Foster was the first woman to become CEO of Petrobras, the largest company in the Southern Hemisphere by market capitalization.
2. She grew up in a low-income family in a favela (slum) in Rio de Janeiro, which greatly influenced her work ethic and determination.
3. Foster was listed among the world’s most powerful women by Forbes multiple times during her tenure at Petrobras.
4. She played a significant role in the development of the pre-salt oil fields off the coast of Brazil, which are among the largest oil discoveries of the 21st century.
5. Foster is fluent in English and Portuguese and has basic knowledge of French.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maria das Gracas Silva Foster
1. “I have always believed that hard work and determination can break any barrier.”
2. “Transparency is not just a word; it is a commitment to integrity and accountability.”
3. “Our challenges are vast, but so are our capabilities.”
4. “The energy sector is not just about oil and gas; it is about people, innovation, and sustainability.”
5. “Leadership is not about gender; it’s about vision, commitment, and the ability to inspire.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Graça Foster was approximately $20 million during her tenure as CEO of Petrobras.
Children
Maria das Graças Silva Foster has two children, Mariana Foster and Flávia Foster. Both have pursued their own careers outside the public eye.
Relevant Links
1. [Forbes Profile on Graça Foster](https://www.forbes.com/profile/graca-foster/
2. [Bloomberg Business Profile](https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/1804805
3. [Petrobras Official Website](https://petrobras.com.br/
4. [BBC News Article on Foster’s Career](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-17192398
