In a significant announcement that coincides with International Women’s Day, the East Timor Trading Group (ETT) has appointed Ms. Milena Pires as its Chief Executive Officer Designate. The news was shared by Mr. Sakib Awan, Chair of ETT, highlighting Pires’s substantial contributions and advocacy for women’s rights both locally and internationally.
Milena Pires, who joined ETT in September 2023 as Director for Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility, has a storied career that spans across the public sector, diplomacy, and advocacy for women’s empowerment. Prior to her tenure at ETT, Pires held prominent positions, including Vice President of the National Consultative Council (NCC) and Ambassador, Permanent Representative leading the Timor-Leste Permanent Mission to the UN from 2016 to 2020. Her diplomatic efforts were instrumental in enabling the g7+ group of countries to obtain Permanent Observer Status at the UN General Assembly.
Since her arrival at ETT, Pires has demonstrated exceptional critical thinking and negotiation skills, alongside a profound commitment to fairness and nurturing, qualities that align with the founding principles of the family-owned company. ETT, established in 2002 by Sakib Awan and his wife, Neelo, employs over 200 staff, with more than 95% being Timorese nationals. The company’s commitment to empowering Timorese nationals and promoting gender equality is further solidified by Pires’s appointment.
Under the leadership of Pires, ETT is poised to continue its growth trajectory in alignment with the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030. The company’s expansion plans include venturing into real estate with the development of the Discovery Business Industrial Zone, which will serve as the new headquarters for ETT and provide office space for local and international businesses. Additionally, ETT aims to expand its national FMCG distribution business, which currently serves 2200 outlets across all districts in Timor-Leste.
The appointment of Milena Pires as CEO Designate marks a milestone for ETT, embodying the company’s long-term vision of hiring Timorese nationals in senior positions and contributing to the country’s economic development. With Pires at the helm, ETT is set to achieve its ambitious goal of providing employment for 1% of Timor-Leste’s population, further enhancing its reputation as a leading employer in the region.
