Meet our
Managementteam
At Optimizer, our leadership team embodies a unique blend of vision, expertise, and a relentless drive for excellence.
For 25 years, we’ve been at the forefront of technological innovation, building lasting relationships with our clients—some of whom have trusted us for over two decades. As we expand globally, our leadership team is dedicated to steering the company towards new heights, while maintaining the values and integrity that have defined us since day one.
CEO and Founder:
Paulo Vieira
For 25 years, Paulo Vieira has led Optimizer with a relentless commitment to excellence and innovation. From a one-man-show to a global IT service provider, he has built a company renowned for its delivery excellence and enduring client partnerships. Paulo’s everyday dedication ensures that we always deliver more, going beyond expectations to achieve success and satisfaction in every project. Outside of work, Paulo’s passion for automotive sports keeps him on the move, and he can often be found racing on the track, where he channels his drive for performance and precision.
Partners
Our partners, who joined Optimizer at the early stages of their careers, exemplify the long-term commitment and partnership that define our company. Their extensive knowledge and industry experience have been crucial in shaping our comprehensive service offerings. With a shared vision for innovation and an unwavering dedication to client success, they have played a pivotal role in establishing Optimizer as a trusted partner in the IT industry, mirroring the long-standing relationships we cultivate with our customers.
Anselmo Rodrigues
Anselmo Rodrigues, a partner at Optimizer for over 20 years, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to the company’s mission. His dedication has been instrumental in Optimizer’s growth and continued success. Known for his strategic insight and long-standing contributions, Anselmo is a valued leader within the team. Outside of work, Anselmo enjoys reading, sports, and CrossFit. A dedicated father, he prioritises family time, balancing his professional achievements with a commitment to his loved ones.
Maribel Oliveira
For the past 20 years, Maribel Oliveira has been a cornerstone at Optimizer, dedicated to fostering trust-based relationships with clients, particularly within the healthcare sector. Known for her unwavering commitment and “extra mile” approach, Maribel has built lasting connections with clients who value her deep understanding of their needs and her focus on delivering exceptional service.In her personal time, Maribel enjoys unwinding with walks along the beach or in the mountains, finding balance in nature. She is deeply family-oriented, cherishing quality moments with loved ones, and is an avid reader.
Rui Lopes
With close to 20 years at Optimizer, Rui Lopes is a valued partner known for his pragmatic and solution-driven approach. His commitment to practical, effective problem-solving has earned him a reputation as a dependable leader within the team. Rui’s focus on delivering impactful, tailored solutions has been instrumental in Optimizer’s success, helping the company consistently meet and exceed client expectations. His ability to address challenges with a calm, results-oriented mindset makes him an invaluable asset to both colleagues and clients alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, Rui values spending quality time with his family, balancing a strong work ethic with his dedication to family life.
Other Key roles at Optimizer.
Head of AI Centre of Excellence
Margarida Afonso
Margarida Afonso leads Optimizer’s AI Centre of Excellence, helping organisations across Europe accelerate AI adoption and intelligent digital transformation. With more than a decade of experience in programme management, technology strategy, and data-driven innovation, she bridges business, engineering, and academia to design AI solutions that deliver measurable impact while remaining responsible and trustworthy.
She combines her industry role with work as an invited lecturer and PhD researcher in AI and Large Language Models in higher education, where she focuses on ethical, human-centred AI and maturity models for Gen AI adoption. Margarida’s strength in leadership, digital transformation, change management, and governance enables teams to move from pilots to scalable AI products, embedding best practices in risk, compliance, and organisational learning.
Outside of work, Margarida enjoys reading, sci-fi movies, trails in nature, photography, discovering new cities, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Head of Global Expansion
Bruno Alves
Bruno Alves is a professional with over 20 years of impactful contributions to the enterprise software industry. Currently serving as the Head of Global Expansion at Optimizer, Bruno is at the forefront of the company’s transformation into a globally recognised IT services provider.
His work is centred on developing innovative strategies, entering international markets, and redefining service offerings. These initiatives reflect Bruno’s ability to align technical expertise with business objectives, driving sustainable growth and excellence.
Outside of work, Bruno is passionate about travel and outdoor sports, enjoying cycling and golf, and recently taking up surfing. His adventurous spirit and global outlook are key drivers of Optimizer’s success in expanding into international markets and redefining its service offerings.
Head of Product Management Centre of Competency
Mauricia Castro
Mauricia Castro is a seasoned leader in Product Management with over 20 years of experience shaping IT products that drive business success.
She brings deep expertise in Product Management, Strategy, Business Analysis, and UX, ensuring that Optimizer delivers products that meet client needs and exceed market standards. Mauricia’s strength in leadership and problem-solving enables her team to deliver impactful, high-quality solutions that prioritise customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.
Outside of work, Mauricia enjoys reading widely, from fiction to personal development, taking early morning walks by the sea, and attending theatre and music performances.
Head of UX Centre of Competency
Christian Kuhn
Christian Kuhn is an award-winning UX leader with over 20 years of experience in designing user-centered digital experiences across healthcare, finance, and e-commerce. Recognised with the International UX Award and nominated for the Compasso d’Oro, Christian is passionate about the role of AI in transforming human interactions and user engagement. His expertise in UX research and behavioural science drives his commitment to creating products that resonate with users. Outside of work, Christian enjoys travelling, surfing, and discovering new cultures, enriching his understanding of diverse user needs.
Head of Quality Assurance Center of Competency
Patrick Ferreira
Patrick Ferreira leads Optimizer’s Quality Assurance with a specialised focus on healthcare systems. With a Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering, Patrick combines rigorous academic training with industry expertise to ensure exceptional quality standards. His experience spans complex testing environments, including genomic and proteomic systems. Patrick’s approach ensures Optimizer’s QA processes meet the highest benchmarks, delivering reliable results in even the most intricate scenarios.
Outside of work, Patrick enjoys reading, playing football as a goalkeeper, running, and spending quality time with his family.
Head of DevOps Centre of Competency & Global CISO
Alexandre Pereira
Alexandre Pereira leads Optimizer’s DevOps Centre of Competency, bringing over 20 years of expertise in cloud infrastructure, database management, and automation.
As an SRE and Information Security Manager, he focuses on secure and scalable operations while enhancing CI/CD pipelines. Alexandre’s commitment to collaboration between development and operations ensures reliable, high-quality product delivery.
A passionate technologist, he continually explores advancements in security, AI, and cloud technologies to elevate Optimizer’s DevOps capabilities.