LLYC has appointed Luis Cordero as the Senior Director of Deep Learning for LATAM, where he will enhance data-driven decision-making and technological infrastructure for clients. Cordero, with a strong background in leading firms like McCann and Publicis Groupe, will work from Mexico alongside key figures such as Federico Isuani and Daniel Fernandez Trejo. His appointment is seen as a significant step in advancing LLYC's data intelligence and marketing strategies.

Kreab Worldwide, a global strategic communication firm, has announced the opening of new offices in Portugal, Mozambique, and Angola in collaboration with JLM&A, a leading Portuguese strategic communication and public affairs company. Vítor Cunha and Maria João Soares will represent Kreab in Portugal, while José Manuel Pessanha will oversee operations in Angola and Mozambique. This partnership aims to enhance the services offered to clients by leveraging Kreab's global presence and JLM&A's local expertise.

Life expectancy in the Community of Madrid has increased to 84.5 years, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), marking a 0.3-year rise from the previous year. This positions Madrid as one of the regions with the highest life expectancy in Spain, second only to Navarra. The region also saw a 2.2% decrease in mortality rates, primarily due to a reduction in cancer-related deaths. However, sexually transmitted diseases have risen by 7.9%, prompting health authorities to emphasize prevention and the use of contraceptives. Experts highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle and Madrid's high-quality healthcare system as key factors in the increased life expectancy.

LLYC has inaugurated its new office model in Santo Domingo, emphasizing open, flexible spaces designed to foster collaboration and creativity. The new office, located in Corporativo 2010, features a data corridor for real-time insights and is intended to serve as a social hub for various events. The opening event was attended by notable figures from business, communication, marketing, politics, and culture. The new office model aligns with LLYC's commitment to technology and client value, driven by founder José Antonio Llorente.

Arenal, a Galician company specializing in beauty, health, and wellness products, has chosen Arnold Fullsix and Havas Market as strategic partners for its business strategy and digital activation. This partnership aims to enhance Arenal's business through a 'full commerce 360' model, focusing on creative and social media areas with an omnichannel approach. Havas Village celebrates this new success, with the selected agencies providing an integrated and efficient solution. The strategy for 2024 includes business strategy integration, brand content development, and social media management across various platforms.

Mariana Pedemonte has been appointed as the new vice president of the Association of Media Agencies. With a rich background in both media agencies and as an advertiser, including roles at GroupM Spain, Mindshare, El Corte Inglés, Coca-Cola, Johnson, Lilly, Mars, and Reckitt Benckiser, Pedemonte brings extensive experience to her new position. She emphasizes the importance of communication in business growth and the crucial role of media agencies in the economy. The Association of Media Agencies, which includes representatives from major media companies, aims to enhance the advertising sector through best practices.

Be Casa has selected Roman as its communication and public relations agency to develop a communication plan and content creation strategy aimed at positioning its brand and innovative flexible accommodation concept in Madrid. The initiative, led by Kike González from Roman's Brands&Influence team, aims to create a community of brand lovers and impact key audiences. Marino Laso, Senior Marketing Manager of Be Casa, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the alignment with their resident-focused philosophy.

BCW España has announced the appointment of Toni Roldán as a Senior Advisor to its Advisory Board. Roldán, a distinguished economist with extensive experience in various high-responsibility roles, including positions at Eurasia Group, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, will bring his multidisciplinary vision to the firm. His addition is expected to significantly enhance BCW España's capabilities in economics, sustainability, and public affairs. Francisco López, CEO of BCW España, expressed confidence that Roldán's expertise will provide valuable insights and opportunities for the company's clients.

Marian Marco, a partner at the communication consultancy Roman since March 2023, has been appointed as the new director of La Casa de Carlota, a design and branding studio known for its inclusive business model. Marco's appointment is part of Roman's strategy to increase synergies and meet growing client demand. La Casa de Carlota, acquired by Roman in 2022, has seen significant growth and is recognized for its unique designs. Marco will lead the studio into its next phase of growth and consolidation, supported by José María Batalla and Laura Murtra.

María Obispo has been appointed as the new Global Lead Culture & People at LLYC, aiming to enhance employee experience, corporate culture, and talent across the consultancy's offices. Reporting to Tiago Vidal, she brings extensive experience from her previous role in Talent Engagement, where she worked on communication strategies to attract new profiles and improve team commitment. With 13 years at LLYC, María's appointment reflects the company's commitment to professional growth. Both María and Tiago express confidence in the positive impact of her new role on the company's evolution.

Evercom, a creative communication and marketing agency, achieved 8.7 million euros in revenue in 2023, marking an 11% growth from the previous year. The agency also saw a 12% increase in its professional team, now totaling 112 employees. Key factors for this growth include client consolidation and new service offerings. Evercom has been recognized in various industry rankings and has strengthened its international presence by joining the International Public Relations Network. The agency has also focused on internal corporate culture, emphasizing employee recognition and talent promotion. Looking ahead, Evercom aims to continue building on its creative strategies and fostering strong client relationships.

The purchase of CTT shares by Parpública was negotiated with the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) to signal the state's partial return to the capital of Correios de Portugal. The Ministry of Finance instructed Parpública to make the purchase, although the details remain unclear. Key figures mentioned include Pedro Nuno Santos and João Leão.

Ana Jorge, the provider of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML), acknowledges that the institution's international operations in Brazil and Peru may result in losses exceeding 50 million euros. She does not rule out additional contingencies as a forensic audit of Santa Casa Global, the holding company created for international partnerships, continues.

Luís Montenegro, leader of the PSD, criticized the new socialist secretary-general Pedro Nuno Santos for lack of preparation and for selling illusions to the Portuguese people. Montenegro emphasized the need for a profound debate and for the public to understand who is more prepared. He dismissed the focus on the right in Santos' inaugural speech and highlighted the differences between the current government's policies and those of the PS. Montenegro also responded to criticisms from the BE regarding the return of service time for teachers, noting that PSD had proposed this in September without any foresight of elections or political crisis.

António Costa officially hands over the leadership of the Socialist Party (PS) to Pedro Nuno Santos, emphasizing that he will not overshadow the new leader. Costa acknowledges the challenging political context and expresses confidence in Santos' capabilities. He also indicates his willingness to support the party after his current term ends in March. The article highlights the leadership transition, the political landscape, and the expectations for the new PS leader.

Pilar Llácer has been appointed as the Director of Culture, People, and Talent Engagement Europe at LLYC, where she will focus on enhancing corporate relationships and attracting top talent sustainably. Her extensive experience in HR and innovative vision are expected to address client challenges and evolve LLYC's value proposition. She will also oversee LLYC's executive education programs. Reporting to Jorge López Zafra and Iñaki Ortega, Llácer aims to leverage communication to build better organizations. Her background includes roles at Catenon, PwC, CapGemini, and EAE Business School, and she is an author of several books on HR and business ethics.

ISDI has partnered with Ogilvy Barcelona to redefine its brand strategy, aiming to enhance its digital presence and user experience. This collaboration underscores ISDI's commitment to digital talent and innovation, with a focus on integrating AI methodologies across its programs. Ogilvy Barcelona's role will involve significant improvements in UX and UI, reflecting ISDI's dynamic positioning in the digital education sector.

LLYC México and Galderma were recognized at the AMCO Awards 2023 for their project 'The Power of Data Science in Beauty' in the category of internal-external communication plan. The award highlights LLYC's global efforts to provide strategic solutions based on creativity. Luis Anaya, Senior Healthcare Director for the Northern Region at LLYC, emphasized the importance of innovation in health topics. The AMCO Awards, organized by the Mexican Association of Communicators, honor the best practices in corporate communication in Mexico. The winning campaign focused on AI research in the aesthetic industry, helping Galderma understand the market potential and define commercial strategies.

APACHE, part of LLYC, has achieved the highest certification from Meta in Media and Community Management, validating the deep knowledge and expertise of its certified employees. This certification, granted by Meta Blueprint, enhances the company's ability to create effective campaigns and deliver superior quality work. Massimiliano Turinetto, Managing Director of APACHE, emphasizes the company's commitment to digital excellence and its readiness to tackle complex digital challenges, reinforcing LLYC's position as a trusted and qualified digital partner.

Discussions to consider Mário Centeno, governor of Banco de Portugal, as a successor to Prime Minister António Costa were coordinated between Costa and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Costa proposed Centeno to avoid new elections, but Marcelo preferred elections. The proposal faced criticism from various political parties, questioning Centeno's independence and the appropriateness of his potential transition from the central bank to the government.

João Bento, CEO of CTT, acknowledges the current political crisis in Portugal as an unexpected disruption that could affect the country's credibility. However, he believes the approval of the State Budget mitigates its consequences. Bento notes that while the political situation may introduce economic uncertainty, it is not expected to significantly impact CTT's financial results for 2023. The company has shown resilience, increasing its revenue and profit forecasts despite previous challenges like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. CTT's operational income has grown across most business areas, except for the mail segment.

CTT's CEO, João Bento, criticizes Anacom's proposed quality indicators for the postal service, arguing they are misaligned with legal and contractual standards and impossible to meet. The political crisis in Portugal, including potential changes in government and Anacom's leadership, complicates the process of revising these indicators. Despite the challenges, Bento believes the government's current status won't significantly disrupt the establishment of new quality criteria. The situation highlights tensions between regulatory proposals and operational realities in the postal sector.

The article discusses a delicate situation in Sines involving João Galamba, then Secretary of State for Energy, and Vítor Escária, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister António Costa. The issue revolves around a conflict between AICEP and ICNF regarding the classification of an industrial park as a conservation area, which impacts the Start Campus project. The article details the efforts and pressures exerted by various government officials to resolve the impasse, ultimately leading to a favorable environmental impact declaration for the project in August 2023.

Miguel Frasquilho, former chairman of TAP, questions the government's urgency in privatizing the airline, emphasizing the company's strong financial performance and potential for higher privatization revenue. He advocates for a majority private ownership while retaining some state involvement. The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, vetoed the privatization decree, citing concerns about state oversight, asset transactions, and transparency.

Reflecting on the events of March 12, 2011, when a generation protested against precariousness, labor instability, and low wages, the article highlights that many of these issues have worsened over the past twelve years. Despite the absence of an external financial rescue, the current economic and social problems in Portugal are more concerning and risk igniting social unrest.

The Portuguese government presented its third State Budget under an absolute majority, focusing on increasing incomes and pensions while maintaining fiscal prudence. The budget aims to ensure a stable economic path and address societal needs, but the measures for income tax reduction are seen as minimal. The government's emphasis on a public debt below 100% of GDP and a budget surplus for 2023 is highlighted as a strategy to secure political stability and electoral gains. Public investment is set to increase, but remains relatively low as a percentage of GDP. A significant change is the removal of mandatory financial authorizations for certain expenditures, aimed at improving public service efficiency.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa criticized the current housing policy package as unworkable, comparing it to theoretical laws that are not meant to be practical. He emphasized the short-term benefits and long-term drawbacks of such policies, suggesting it would have been better not to raise expectations. In a discussion, he revealed that his weekly meetings with Prime Minister António Costa are informal and undocumented. Marcelo also dismissed the idea of returning to political commentary after his presidency. Paulo Fernandes, president of Cofina, affirmed the company's strong position and his commitment to continue leading it.

Prime Minister António Costa addressed the nation, apologizing for the actions of his former chief of staff, Vítor Escária, who is implicated in a corruption scandal. Costa emphasized the importance of public investment and transparency while distancing himself from the actions of Escária and Diogo Lacerda Machado. The judicial investigation, known as Operation Influencer, scrutinizes the government's involvement in business deals, particularly in the energy sector and the Start Campus data center project. Costa defended the need for reduced bureaucracy and assured that all actions were within legal bounds. The speech also hinted at Costa's uncertain political future, with speculation about a potential presidential run.

The Ethics Committee of the Bank of Portugal is set to evaluate potential conflicts of interest regarding Prime Minister António Costa's invitation to Governor Mário Centeno to replace him, amidst political criticism. The committee, led by Rui Vilar, will issue a decision following an extraordinary meeting. Opposition parties, including PSD and PAN, have criticized Centeno's independence, with leaders like Joaquim Miranda Sarmento and Rodrigo Saraiva expressing concerns over political influence and governance ethics.

The Portuguese government has proposed expanding the list of essential goods benefiting from zero VAT to include gluten-free foods, vegetable-based drinks, and certain dietetic products. This proposal, which entered Parliament last Friday, will be debated and voted on this Tuesday. The expansion follows negotiations between the government and opposition parties, including PAN, PSD, and Bloco de Esquerda, who presented various proposals.

Nuno Sebastião, founder of Feedzai, and Duarte Moreira, creator of Zeno Partners, are new invitees to the exclusive Bilderberg Club meeting in Lisbon. The event, organized by Durão Barroso, will discuss topics such as NATO, artificial intelligence, and the economy, with notable attendees including Jens Stoltenberg, Roberta Metsola, and Dmytro Kuleba. Key figures from Silicon Valley, including Eric Schmidt, Satya Nadella, and Sam Altman, will also be present. The meeting will address energy transition, with CEOs from Total, BP, and Shell participating. Henry Kissinger will be honored as he approaches his 100th birthday.

Criticizes the Portuguese government's approach to economic support, arguing that indiscriminate aid is an easy but incorrect solution that merely prolongs economic pain. Highlights the President's pressure on the government regarding fuel support and the Finance Minister's promises to mitigate the impact of rising interest rates.

Teodora Cardoso, former president of the Conselho de Finanças Públicas, expressed disenchantment with Portuguese politics in her last opinion article, highlighting the economy's vulnerability and criticizing the government's economic performance and management of public spending. Teodora Cardoso passed away at the age of 81 in Lisbon.

Carlos Moreira da Silva, owner of BA Glass and Cerealis, is negotiating the acquisition of Quinta do Vallado, a historic estate in Douro. The purchase will be made through Teak Capital, Moreira da Silva's holding company. Negotiations are ongoing, and the deal is not yet finalized. Quinta do Vallado, known for its wine production, is currently owned by the descendants of D. Antónia Ferreira. The estate also includes a hotel and has expanded its activities over the years.

In a scenario of economic turmoil in Europe, BCP and Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) would face a crisis with solid capital ratios, according to stress tests by the European Banking Authority (EBA). CGD is the third-best performing bank in Europe. Under an extreme scenario, BCP's capital ratio would drop from 12.49% to 8%, while CGD's would decrease from 18.73% to 17.97%. In a base scenario, BCP's capital ratio could rise to 15.05% by 2025, and CGD's to 23.88%. The EBA's stress tests show an average capital ratio drop from 15% to 10.4% for eurozone banks in a crisis. BCP and CGD's results are favorable compared to the average, with BCP noting a significant provision increase for legal risks in Poland. CGD's capital reduction in an adverse scenario is minimal compared to past exercises, reflecting its financial robustness.

Carlos Moreira da Silva, the owner of BA Glass, reflects on his strict upbringing and its impact on his management style. He recalls his education at a boarding school in Oliveira de Azeméis after being held back at age 12. Silva, who crossed paths with Valente de Oliveira early in his career, has always declined political roles despite being approached, citing a lack of political capacity and a disdain for bureaucracy. He considers his entry into Barbosa & Almeida, purchased from Belmiro de Azevedo, as his greatest success. The interview is part of the Negócios Sustentabilidade 20|30 initiative, which includes conferences on ESG topics and sustainability concerns.

Carlos Moreira da Silva, the entrepreneur and owner of BA Glass, discusses the excessive compliance requirements in business, which he finds somewhat sickly. He reflects on his 22-year tenure at BA Glass, his management philosophy, and his preference for private companies over public ones due to the heavy regulatory burden. The interview is part of the Negócios Sustentabilidade 20|30 initiative, which focuses on ESG themes and sustainability in business.

Mota-Engil has secured a new contract worth €140 million with Brazilian oil company Petrobras for offshore maintenance services, to be executed over 1,490 days. This contract is part of a consortium mainly owned by Petrobras and aligns with Mota-Engil's medium to long-term cooperation strategy with Tier 1 clients. The contract boosts Mota-Engil's business in Latin America, which has already generated €890 million in new contracts this year. CEO Carlos Mota dos Santos aims to maintain a high order book and focus on profitability, with significant growth expected in 2023.

Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) will reduce the spread for families eligible for subsidized credit, a measure introduced by the government to alleviate the rising cost of living. The initiative, set to begin in the second half of the year, targets families with housing loans up to 250,000 euros and a debt-to-income ratio of at least 35%. The measure complements government efforts and follows calls from the President of Portugal for banks to support struggling families. The article also highlights the competitive nature of the housing loan market and discusses the perspectives of executives from Santander Totta, BCP, BPI, and Novo Banco on interest rates, deposits, and the future of banking in Portugal.

António Ramalho, former CEO of Novo Banco, is set to join international consultancy Alvarez & Marsal, specializing in financial institutions and restructuring processes. He will also serve as vice-president of Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and FIL Design. Alvarez & Marsal is opening an office in Portugal, with Mário Trinca as the Managing Director. The firm is known for its expertise in turnaround management, corporate restructuring, and performance improvement, and publishes the Banking Pulse Report. In the U.S., it supported the new CEO of crypto brokerage FTX in restructuring efforts. In Portugal, Novo Banco hired the firm for the sale of its Spanish branch and an independent report on real estate asset sales.

Vasco de Mello and António Pires de Lima are set to be reappointed as the president of the board and the executive committee of Brisa Autoestradas, respectively. The board will see a slight change with the addition of a new non-executive director, John Shea, representing foreign shareholders. Sofia Cardoso Menezes Frère will become the first woman to lead one of Brisa's social bodies, heading the fiscal council. The major shareholders of Brisa include APG Asset Management, the National Pension Service of South Korea, Swiss Life Asset Managers, and José de Mello Investimentos.

The article discusses the political tension in Portugal following the appointment of João Galamba and Marina Gonçalves by Prime Minister António Costa. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa had previously warned about the risks of these appointments. The controversy escalated with incidents involving the Ministry of Infrastructure, including the theft of a classified computer. Costa, who was on vacation in Italy, defended the actions taken by the authorities. The article highlights the ongoing discussions and the potential implications for the government.

The exchange of accusations between the Ministry of Infrastructure and former deputy Frederico Pinheiro escalated after Pinheiro accused Minister João Galamba of attempting to withhold information from the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on TAP. Galamba denied these accusations and questioned Pinheiro's credibility. The Ministry clarified that all requested documents were provided to the committee and explained Pinheiro's dismissal was due to his repeated denial of meeting notes' existence, which could have led to incorrect responses to the committee. Pinheiro contested this, stating he had informed Galamba about the notes on April 5, following a revelation by former TAP CEO Christine Ourmières-Widener.

Frederico Pinheiro, former deputy to the Minister of Infrastructure, denies assaulting staff in João Galamba's office or stealing a computer. He claims he was defending himself after being grabbed and emphasizes that he returned the computer on his own initiative. Pinheiro recounts being prevented from leaving the building and calling the police to assist his exit. He was allowed by the police to take the computer, which he later voluntarily returned upon realizing it might contain classified information.

Frederico Pinheiro, former aide to Infrastructure Minister João Galamba, withheld notes from a meeting between TAP's CEO and the PS parliamentary group for two months, leading to his dismissal. Following his dismissal, Pinheiro assaulted three ministry staff members and stole a computer containing classified information. The incident prompted a police report and the recovery of the stolen equipment. Pinheiro's actions have been linked to a broader controversy involving TAP and the Portuguese government.

The article details the controversy surrounding the resignation of Frederico Pinheiro, an aide to Minister João Galamba, amid allegations of withholding information and physical altercations. The issue centers on notes from a meeting between the PS parliamentary group and TAP's former CEO, Christine Ourmières-Widener. Pinheiro was accused of failing to provide these notes in a timely manner, leading to his dismissal. The situation escalated with claims of aggression during an attempt to retrieve a government-issued laptop. Both Pinheiro and Galamba have issued statements defending their actions, with Pinheiro denying the allegations of aggression and theft.

The Portuguese government has announced the end of the golden visa program, effective for applications made after February 16, 2023. Prime Minister António Costa stated that existing visas will be converted to standard residence permits upon renewal. The program, which began in 2012, primarily facilitated real estate purchases, with minimal job creation. Pending applications will be processed under the new regime for entrepreneurial immigrants.

The Portuguese government is adjusting the Porta 65 youth rental program to allow applications for support from the Instituto da Habitação e da Reabilitação Urbana (IHRU) to be open year-round. Additionally, a new form of support will be created for families with income losses and greater financial vulnerability. The traditional Porta 65 program will no longer have fixed application periods, and the requirement for the candidate's permanent residence to match their tax address will be removed. The Porta 65+ program will provide permanent support under similar terms but will be available regardless of age, targeting those with significant income drops or single-parent families. These changes are expected to take effect from June.

Rui Nabeiro, the founder of Delta Cafés, was featured in the second edition of Negócios Sustentabilidade 20|30, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in his management style and its impact on the company's development since its inception in 1961. The article revisits an interview from June 2021, published on the day of his passing at 91, celebrating his lifelong commitment to sustainable business practices.

The funeral ceremonies for Rui Nabeiro, founder of Delta Cafés, will begin on Monday in his hometown of Campo Maior. The procession will follow his daily route through the company's headquarters. Nabeiro passed away on March 19 in Lisbon due to severe respiratory issues. The family expressed their commitment to continuing his legacy and vision, emphasizing the production of high-quality coffee, local community support, and sustainability.

Novo Banco's CEO, Mark Bourke, emphasizes the bank's focus on pursuing an IPO as the primary strategic direction, given that other options are not within their control. The bank has completed its restructuring process and is now positioned to compete independently in the market. Although no intermediaries have been mandated for the IPO, the bank is in the early stages of business development. Bourke also discusses future goals, workforce evolution, and competitor interest in the bank.

Alexandra Reis, former administrator of TAP, disagrees with the conclusions of the Inspeção-Geral de Finanças (IGF) regarding her compensation but will return the amount to avoid any suspicion. She argues that the IGF's report misrepresents the circumstances of her departure and maintains that her actions were lawful and in good faith. Despite her disagreement, she will comply with the IGF's directive to return 450,110.26 euros.

Ecuadorian opposition candidate Guillermo Lasso, speaking at the Universidad de las Américas, stated that if elected on April 2, he would maintain the policy of 'universal citizenship' and welcome migrants from Colombia, Venezuela, and Cuba who wish to undertake ventures in Ecuador. He clarified his stance on Cuban migration, supporting free human mobility, a principle established by former President Rafael Correa. Lasso criticized the current government's practice of paying the Cuban government for medical services provided by Cuban professionals in Ecuador, who receive meager salaries, and plans to end this outsourcing. Ecuador has traditional communities of American, Colombian, and Peruvian immigrants, with significant Cuban and Venezuelan colonies emerging over the last decade.