José Couto has a degree in Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and an MBA. His activity has always been linked to companies in the most diverse sectors of industry, where José Couto has mainly worked as a Director, Board Member and Entrepreneur, but also as a Business Angel and Venture Capitalist. In addition, José Couto has extensive experience in participating in business associations. At regional level, he heads the Centre's Business Council and, at national level, as a member of the Board of Directors of CIP - Confederação Empresarial de Portugal. Since 2019, José Couto has been Chairman of the Board of AFIA - Association of Manufacturers for the Automotive Industry. Since 2019, José Couto has been a member of the Board of Directors of CLEPA - European Association of Automotive Suppliers.