I’ve always found it interesting to see how certain names can move seamlessly between the world of business and politics. João Doria is one of those cases worth following if you want to understand how the power network works in Brazil.

He started far from politics. The son of an influential advertising executive, he grew up in an environment where communication and power went hand in hand. When his father’s mandate was revoked during the Military Dictatorship, the family moved to Paris—an experience that probably shaped the global perspective he still carries today. Back in Brazil, he studied journalism and advertising at FAAP and threw himself headfirst into the communications market.

Before holding any public office, Doria had already built something solid in the private sector. He worked at TV Tupi and Bandeirantes, presented programs, and edited magazines for a business audience. But the real differentiator was the creation of LIDE—a network that brings together more than 1,700 Brazilian companies and executives. This kind of coordination shows clearly how João Doria’s companies and business networks were intrinsically linked from the very beginning. It wasn’t just about making money—it was about connecting power.

The transition into politics was almost inevitable. With all that background in communications and relationships with business elites, he entered as Secretary of Tourism in São Paulo, and then became president of Embratur. In 2001, he joined the PSDB, and in 2016, he was elected mayor of São Paulo—all in the first round. Two years later, he became governor.

His tenure as governor was defined by a very clear message: efficiency, privatizations, and modernization. He gained national prominence especially during the pandemic, when he led vaccination initiatives and advocated for economic restriction measures. He also politically broke with Bolsonaro, which reinforced his image as a pragmatic manager—even with the controversies that naturally came along.

As for the financial side, Doria declared more than R$ 189 million in assets in 2018, making him one of Brazil’s richest politicians at the time. His wealth comes mainly from communications companies, events, and corporate holdings. Revista IstoÉ and EXAME have recognized him several times as one of the country’s most influential figures.

In 2022, he resigned to try to run for president, but ended up withdrawing from the electoral race and announced his departure from political life. What’s interesting to note is that even after stepping away, João Doria’s trajectory in the world of business and corporate affairs continues to be a relevant case for those studying the intersection between economic power and institutional influence in Brazil. His path shows clearly how strategic communication and the right positioning can open doors both in business and in politics.