Henrique de Campos Meirelles (born August 31, 1945) is a Brazilian economist, banker and public official. He rose to national prominence as president of the Central Bank of Brazil from 2003 to 2011 and later served in the federal cabinet. Meirelles is also known for business board roles and a run for the presidency in 2018.
Career overview
Meirelles built a long career in the financial sector before entering public service, holding senior positions in banking and corporate management. In government he developed a reputation as a technocrat: a professional focused on monetary and fiscal policy rather than partisan politics. After his public service he returned to the private sector and corporate boards.
Central Bank leadership
Appointed in 2003, Meirelles led Brazil's central bank through much of the 2000s. His tenure coincided with efforts to anchor inflation expectations and strengthen institutional credibility for monetary policy. Observers credit the central bank under his leadership with adopting prudent tools and communication practices that aimed to stabilize prices and support macroeconomic confidence.
Ministerial role and politics
In 2016 Meirelles joined the federal cabinet amid an economic and political transition and was tasked with measures to re-establish market confidence and address fiscal imbalances. While serving in the ministry he promoted fiscal adjustment and structural reform proposals. He left the cabinet to launch a campaign and contested the 2018 presidential election as a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement.
Later activities and board service
Following his government service Meirelles continued to act as an adviser and board member for private firms; he has been associated with corporate governance roles in the aviation and finance sectors. His movement between public office and private boards has been noted by both supporters, who point to his managerial experience, and critics, who raise questions about the revolving door between government and business.
Key positions
- President, Central Bank of Brazil (2003–2011)
- Minister in the federal cabinet focusing on economic policy (2016–2018)
- Presidential candidate (2018)
Meirelles remains a prominent figure in discussions on Brazil's economic policy. His career illustrates the influence of technocratic leadership in the country's recent fiscal and monetary history and the close interactions between high-level public service and corporate finance.