Collective Brains Academy

Otto Becker von Sothen is a transformative global business leader whose career spans nearly four decades of visionary leadership, cross-continental success, and a legacy of building iconic brands, scaling operations, and cultivating thriving corporate cultures. With a career marked by impact and innovation, Otto has led multinational corporations and high-growth businesses through complex transformations, market expansions, and cultural revitalizations, consistently delivering superior results.

He is best known for his role as Global CEO of Tigre Group (2013–2024), a Brazilian multinational and market leader in construction and infrastructure solutions. Under his leadership, Tigre achieved over US$1 billion in revenue, expanded across eight countries, and became a benchmark in innovation, brand reputation, and workplace excellence. Prior to Tigre, Otto served as President of Diageo for Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where he drove double-digit growth and led the high-impact acquisition of Ypióca, transforming Diageo’s positioning in the region. He also held multiple senior leadership roles at PepsiCo over 15 years, including General Manager of Brazil Foods, President of Andean Foods, and key marketing and sales roles in the U.S. and Latin America. During this period, he oversaw billion-dollar brands, led major turnarounds, and consistently delivered strong business results. Otto’s earlier executive roles include Managing Director of The Quaker Oats Company in Brazil, General Manager of The IAMS Company (P&G), and leadership positions at C&A Modas. He began his career in marketing and product development at Frito-Lay (PepsiCo) in the U.S., where he helped grow iconic brands like Tostitos and Smartfood. An MBA graduate from Kellogg School of Management and a top-ranking economics graduate from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Otto combines strategic insight with operational excellence. He is also an active board member and mentor, having served on advisory boards for UNICEF Brazil, Melitta, Bauducco, and HM Engenharia, among others. Recognized as one of Brazil’s 100 Most Reputable Leaders, Otto is known for his ability to grow businesses, build high-performing teams, and mentor future leaders with purpose, empathy, and clarity.

Beyond his strategic acumen, Otto is deeply committed to mentorship and talent development. Throughout his career, he has been a builder—not just of businesses, but of people. He has mentored countless professionals across cultures and career stages, fostering inclusive leadership, empowering teams, and cultivating next-generation executives. Otto’s career reflects a rare blend of strategic leadership, brand stewardship, operational excellence, and people-first culture. He is a purpose-driven executive whose impact transcends financial performance, leaving behind companies that are stronger, teams that are more confident, and legacies that continue to grow.