ClickBus, a leading online marketplace for intercity bus tickets in Brazil, has announced the return of cofounder Fernando Prado as chief executive officer. Prado succeeds Phillip Klien in a planned transition conducted jointly in recent weeks. The appointment marks a new phase of expansion for the company, which combines a consumer platform with e-commerce technology for bus operators.
A Planned Leadership Transition
Prado led ClickBus as CEO for more than seven years and remained connected to the company as a board member after leaving the executive role. Phillip Klien, who joined in 2021 to rebuild sales after the pandemic, is departing to pursue new professional challenges. The company said the transition was designed to preserve continuity across operations, strategy, and culture.
Financial Targets for 2026
For 2026, ClickBus projects gross merchandise volume of 2.5 billion Brazilian reais, a 25 percent increase over the previous year. The company also expects EBITDA to nearly double, with growth above 90 percent in the period. Prado attributed the outlook to a strategy focused on organic growth rather than acquiring market share.
Technology Investments and Artificial Intelligence
ClickBus has invested more than 40 million Brazilian reais over recent years in tools, training, and artificial intelligence projects, all funded by its own cash generation. According to the company, 14 percent of customers already interact with its conversational artificial intelligence during search, purchase, or after-sales support. Prado said this disciplined approach to investment strengthens the company without relying on external capital.
Market Opportunity in Road Travel
ClickBus operates a marketplace that connects travelers with more than 350 bus companies across Brazil, while also providing e-commerce technology to over 90 operators. The road transport sector moves more than 50 million Brazilians and sells around 160 million tickets annually, yet a large share of transactions still occurs offline. Prado noted that online penetration has risen from almost zero in 2013 to roughly 40 percent today, leaving significant room for continued digitalization.
Regulation and Price Advantage
Regulatory changes over the past decade, including dynamic pricing and electronic tickets, have supported the shift to digital sales and improved the boarding experience. Prado also highlighted a widening price gap between road and air travel, with bus fares rising 5.1 percent in July year over year while air fares rose almost 42 percent and diesel increased 14 percent. He said bus operators often absorb cost pressures instead of passing them to passengers, reinforcing the segment as a more affordable alternative.
Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Prado signaled that the next phase may include new products, segments, and markets, with potential international expansion. He said Brazil is becoming small for the company and that the business model can be replicated elsewhere. His professional background includes leadership roles at BYJU'S Brazil, Alantra, Novo Nordisk, and Bombardier, along with degrees from FGV-EAESP and Harvard Business School.
The return of a cofounder to the executive leadership reflects ClickBus's focus on continuity, financial discipline, and long-term growth in a market that is still digitizing. With ambitious targets for 2026 and ongoing investments in artificial intelligence, the company is positioning itself to capture more of Brazil's road travel demand. Prado's experience and deep knowledge of the business are expected to guide the platform through its next expansion cycle while preserving the strategy already in motion.