About

Impresa is a Portuguese media conglomerate, owner of leading media outlets, and a PSI-20 listed company. Francisco Pedro Balsemão is the chief operating officer responsible for human resources, legal affairs and sustainability. He joined the company in 2009, following his private practice career as an associate at Linklaters. Balsemão prides himself on building a strong in-house team, in line with the company’s needs. Using this past experience he spearheaded innovative changes that have improved the efficiency of the legal department. Central to this efficiency was increasing the internal visibility of the legal department and the real value it adds, while he invested in legal training for the clients regarding practical issues, such as marketing or advertising. Throughout his career at Impresa, Balsemão has been actively involved in a number of strategic projects. Recently he led the negotiations with Portuguese law-makers regarding legislation that would directly impact the company’s new business. ‘The director of the TV news department recognised the relevance of our legal arguments and sent us an email, in which he copied Impresa’s chairman, giving us credit for the result’ he says. The recognition of his outstanding negotiation and leadership skills were also reflected in his appointment to the board of Impresa’s main operating companies. Through this position, he has been able to bring a legal perspective in board meetings, which has helped steer the company’s strategy. ‘In other words, by making my voice heard at the highest level of decision-making, the legal department’s opinions are now directly and systematically taken into account in the company’s planning’.