The second episode of Family Business Talks, a videocast developed by students of the Mastering Family Business course at CATÓLICA-LISBON, featured Diana José de Mello, shareholder of Grupo José de Mello, one of the largest and most emblematic family business groups in Portugal.

In a conversation led by the students, the shareholder shared her perspective on family business continuity, the challenges of succession, the importance of structured governance, and the central role of values passed down across generations.

For Diana José de Mello, preserving founding principles is essential to ensuring the longevity of the business: “The most important thing is the company’s values and purpose. That’s one of the biggest differences between family businesses and other types of companies: there is a legacy to preserve”.

Now in its fifth generation, Grupo José de Mello has a solid governance structure, including a family protocol established by Diana’s grandfather to set clear rules on succession, entry into the business, and participation in decision-making bodies. “My grandfather had 12 children and was very concerned about the family’s growth. There are 40 of us cousins. He realised that without clear rules, the business might not survive”.

One of the central themes of the episode was succession. Diana highlighted the importance of planning this process well in advance, ensuring that potential leaders of the 6th generation are well prepared. Among the key criteria for taking on a leadership role are having professional experience outside the group, bringing in fresh perspectives, combined with a strong connection to the country and a deep understanding of the national context.

Another distinctive aspect of the José de Mello Group’s approach is the early involvement of younger generations in family governance. From the age of 14, family members take part in training sessions on what it means to be a shareholder, and at 18 they gain voting rights in decision-making processes. This commitment to internal development helps sustain the culture of belonging and responsibility that has supported the group across generations.

Diana José de Mello also emphasised the importance of communication and ongoing dialogue as pillars of any well-functioning family business: “Communication is what holds everything together: talking, sharing, engaging in dialogue. That’s what supports the succession plan and prevents fractures.”

With a presence across several sectors, Grupo José de Mello continues to honour the legacy of its founder, whose entrepreneurial spirit still echoes in the group's purpose: “My great-great-grandfather used to say: ‘What Portugal doesn’t have, CUF will create.’”.

The second episode of Family Business Talks is available here.