Unipar CEO's "Diagonal" Career Path: From Engineer to Top Leader

Unipar CEO Rodrigo Cannaval's "Diagonal" Career Path: A Formula for Success Brazilian chemical company Unipar's CEO, Rodrigo Cannaval, recently shared his unique career journey in a short video interview. His path, which he describes as "diagonal," involved transitions between technical roles and business functions, highlighting the importance of cross-functional expertise. Cannaval started his career as a chemical engineer in Rio de Janeiro before working internationally in Germany, Spain, and France. "This international trajectory helped me work with diverse people," he explained. He also emphasized the importance of building relationships, stating, "Technical knowledge and relationships with people were fundamental to becoming CEO." Cannaval's journey included roles in technical fields like laboratory work and process engineering, before he transitioned into marketing and sales, eventually returning to operations. He believes this "diagonal" growth—moving across technical and business areas—is key to his success. His insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring leaders seeking a multifaceted and rewarding career. The video concludes with Cannaval's definition of a CEO's role: "The CEO is essentially the person who manages the relationship between clients, employees, and the company owners." His story serves as an inspiring example of how a diverse career path can lead to significant professional achievement.