Joaquim Beleza

Joaquim Beleza brings over 20 years of expertise in the water and sanitation industry to his role as Managing Director at DouroECI - Water Management. Based in Portugal, he co-founded DouroECI in January 2013 and leads the company’s global efforts to advance water utilities and the water cycle through cutting-edge engineering, technology, and innovation. His strategic vision focuses on optimizing water management and operations while developing sustainable solutions aligned with the future of water resources and evolving technological and workforce landscapes.Joaquim’s extensive career demonstrates a strong commitment to the water sector. At DouroECI, a company recognised for blending a comprehensive approach to water management with state-of-the-art in-house developed technology, he provides full-scope support to entities involved in water management, ranging from governments to municipal utilities, covering water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Before co-founding DouroECI, he spearheaded strategic projects within a holding company that operated several water and wastewater utilities in Portugal and Brazil. Joaquim has actively promoted sustainable and efficient management through strategic and operational activities, such as Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), hydraulic modelling, and business intelligence. He also contributed to business development by integrating new projects and technologies driven by operational improvements across the utilities group. Earlier in his career, Joaquim held roles as a Project Manager and Researcher in engineering.He has authored and contributed to several publications focused on integrated water and wastewater information management, non-revenue water reduction strategies, and strategic asset management, among other topics.Joaquim holds an Advanced Program in Economics and Management for Water Utilities, an MSc in Environmental Engineering, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.