The presence of Generation Z leaders at the top of organizations is beginning to gain momentum in Brazilian and global companies. A 2024 Udemy study, conducted with over 6,500 respondents from different generations, indicates that 65% of Gen Z youth are strongly motivated by professional development and career growth, debunking the notion that this generation is “uninterested” or averse to responsibilities. On the contrary: they want to learn, grow, lead, and companies have begun to recognize this.
This trend is reflected in cases such as that of Miguel Henrique Souza, 26, as the new CEO and partner of Vaapty, a leader in vehicle sales brokerage franchising, which recently announced his arrival at the company. With a Master's degree in Computer Science and experience in fintechs, banks, and infrastructure companies, Miguel has taken on the mission of accelerating technological advancement and consolidating the brand's governance, which has become a national benchmark in just five years of operation.
“Vaapty grew at a record pace and reached a point where it needed to restructure to continue growing sustainably. This new phase brings a strong investment in technology and a more organized operation, with close monitoring of franchisees and greater revenue predictability,” states the new CEO.
The ongoing restructuring involves profound changes in senior management, including the replacement of directors and the overhaul of strategic areas such as Human Resources, Legal, and Finance. The goal is to create a more modern structure prepared for scaling, with career plans, quality certifications, and a work environment focused on high performance, innovation, and a data-driven culture—areas where young leaders often excel.
At the same time, the arrival of Generation Z professionals at the helm of companies responds to a market demand for leaders who understand technology, rapid growth, and new consumption models. For many businesses, especially those operating at an expansion pace, placing a younger CEO at the center of strategy means total focus on innovation and closer alignment with emerging trends.
“Vaapty was looking for someone who combined technological expertise, management, execution speed, and future vision. That is what I bring to this new phase. Even though I am young, I believe I can add significant value to the company's transformation moment through my experience in the field and expertise,” said Miguel.
