Sonia Mª Pedreira de Pinho

The continuing globalisation of this high-end, high-value sector demands exceptional leaders, who know how to differentiate services, embrace innovation and deliver value.

Technological advances, globalisation and the Internet are reshaping the rules in today's consumer & retail services market, demanding exceptional talent at the top.

As educational institutions continue to fight for their position in a changing economic and social model, leadership talent becomes a critical factor in success.

Today's energy and utility corporations face intense market and competitive pressures: Strong leadership is the driving force that shapes the successful company.

Financial services firms require strong leaders, global visionaries and superbly qualified professionals to move them forward in the 21st Century.

The growing focus on the healthcare sector from a population with spiraling expectations and often an aging profile, requires leaders who can manage opportunity and challenge in equal measure.

Globalization, mergers and acquisitions, vertical integrations and partnerships, all demand more of the people at the top.

As life sciences continues to experience radical change in the competitive landscape; strong leadership talent is the differentiator.

A magnet for talented young people, the essential element in success in the media & entertainment business is securing senior executives who have the vision, energy and acumen to make the right decisions.

In technology, with apparently boundless application and insatiable markets, it is the human factor - leadership - that differentiates the stellar successes from the rest.

As world-class organisations grapple with the global challenges of the 21st century, it is their leaders that define success.

Chief executives are recognising the importance of strengthening and protecting corporate reputation and the vital role played by corporate communications in doing this.

As the role of the finance function in corporate decision-making becomes ever-increasingly important, so the demands on finance leaders are rising.

With increasingly fierce competition for leadership talent and a compelling focus on intellectual resources, the human resources field is experiencing a renaissance.

Today's Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) play a vital role in the creation of the firm's strategic plan and in articulating how technology can enable business strategies.

The law plays an increasing role in business life today; corporate and practicing lawyers at the height of their profession are hard to attract.

Private equity is arguably the most dynamic global business phenomenon of the last 10 years. Attracting talent - and supporting investment clients with talent - is key to success.

Leading organisations are recognising the role procurement and supply chain management plays by globalising the function and creating board level representation.