Aiming to increase partnership opportunities in Brazil, leaders from the Max M. Fisher College of Business spent time in São Paulo recently meeting with universities and industry partners and engaging with alumni, Ohio State friends and prospective students.

Dean Anil Makhija and Senior Associate Dean Peter Ward visited top public and private universities in São Paulo and in nearby São Bernardo do Campo, which is recognized as a manufacturing epicenter of Brazil. Makhija and Ward engaged with colleagues to build relationships and explore opportunities to collaborate on increased global opportunities for Fisher students and faculty, as well as to learn from the on-the-ground experiences of Brazilian businesses and discuss ways Fisher can support these firms.

“We had a highly productive visit to Brazil. With the excellent contacts of our Ohio State Brazil Gateway, we connected with several top Brazilian business schools, as Fisher seeks collaborations in its globalization efforts,” Makhija said. “We were also introduced to prominent Brazilian firms, many of which we also engaged with in a stimulating discussion at a finance forum organized by Visagio.

“Finally, we were delighted to renew ties with many Buckeyes at a reception at the Ohio State Brazil Gateway and to celebrate the remarkable loyalty of our alumni the world over!”

Makhija delivered the keynote address at the National Finance Forum, which was jointly organized by Visagio and The Ohio State University. Visagio is a global consulting firm with offices in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, London, Perth and Moscow. At the Finance Forum, Makhija focused on the financial and operational opportunities and challenges of middle market firms in Brazil, the United States and globally. His insights were shaped by research conducted by the National Center for the Middle Market, which is housed at Fisher.

Visagio is a key Ohio State partner in Brazil. Last semester, a team of Fisher MBA students traveled to Brazil as part of the Global Applied Projects (GAP) program, where they worked with Visagio on a project for Banco Itaú, Brazil’s largest bank and financial institution. Each year, Visagio sends consultants to Fisher for seven weeks to participate in MBA and graduate classes. Additionally, Visagio consultants regularly pursue full-time MBA and other degrees at Ohio State.

“Dean Makhija's visit was very important to reaffirm Fisher's international vocation and commitment to Latin America,” said Weber Pimenta, managing partner at Visagio. “It was an excellent opportunity to expose and strengthen Fisher's brand with networks in the region, mainly companies and local education institutions. This will help us develop new partnerships and business opportunities for the college's students and faculty, contributing to a more intense knowledge and cultural exchange.”

The trip also included a reception at the new Brazil Gateway office, located on Avenida Ibirapuera in the Moema neighborhood of São Paulo. It was an opportunity for Buckeyes in Brazil to visit the Brazil Gateway’s new location and learn about its strategy and the many ways its team can support connections between Ohio State and Brazil.

“Dean Makhija and Senior Associate Dean Peter Ward’s visit to São Paulo to connect with top business schools and industry-leading companies demonstrates their serious commitment to growing Fisher’s collaborations with Brazilian academic and industry partners via the Brazil Gateway,” said Luke Barbara, director of the Brazil Gateway.

More than 30 Ohio State and Fisher alumni, partners and friends joined with prospective students to celebrate The Ohio State University and learn about Fisher’s vision and the ways it is positioning itself as a leading business school focused on meaningful global engagement with companies and top-tier academic institutions around the world.

Ohio State’s Brazil Gateway, which organized the Fisher visit, has four key areas of focus — students, research, alumni and partnerships — as it builds on more than 55 years of partnership and strategic engagement between The Ohio State University and Brazil.