Leadership

Women Executives Observatory 2nd Edition: A European Perspective

The second edition of the Women Executive Observatory, developed by the Corporate Governance Lab at SDA Bocconi School of Management in collaboration with Eric Salmon & Partners Italy, was presented last week at SDA Bocconi. This year’s research expands its scope to compare female representation in top corporate positions across Italy, France, Germany, and Belgium.
The study provides a systematic analysis of women’s distribution in executive roles, the functions they hold, industry sectors, generational trends, and international experience. Special attention is given to the presence of women in CEO positions and the pivotal role of Nomination Committees in advancing female leadership.
The Observatory’s findings were presented and discussed by Paola Cillo (Associate Dean for Research at Claudio Dematté Research Division, SDA Bocconi), Alessandro Minichilli (Full Professor at Bocconi University, Associate Dean for Faculty, Director of the Corporate Governance Lab and co-Director of the eSG Lab at SDA Bocconi), Valentino D’Angelo (PhD candidate and Coordinator of the Corporate Governance Lab, SDA Bocconi), Paola Calderini (Partner and Managing Director Italy, Eric Salmon & Partners), and Massimo Milletti (Honorary President, Eric Salmon & Partners). The panel discussion also featured perspectives from Barbara Beltrame Giacomello (President, Confindustria Vicenza and Vice President, AFV Beltrame Group), Alessandra Carra (CEO, Gruppo Feltrinelli), Carlo Luzzatto (CEO & General Manager, RINA), and Diva Moriani (Executive Chairman & Chief of Transformation Office, KME).
For further information, please contact our colleagues Paola Calderini and Massimo Milletti.

 

To read and download the full report, click here

Championing Visionary, Inclusive, and Future-Focused Leadership.

A distinguished leader in Italian public media,  Ms. Silvia Calandrelli has been interviewed by our colleague Ilaria Bertizzolo.
With a background in philosophy and over three decades at RAI, Italy’s state broadcaster, Silvia has shaped the evolution of public broadcasting through her editorial vision, technological foresight, and commitment to cultural and educational excellence. Her current role as Director of Rai’s Department for Sustainability – ESG, alongside her work in ethical AI integration and cultural heritage, underscores her pioneering leadership.

Silvia Calandrelli’s journey exemplifies visionary and authentic leadership. Her blend of editorial excellence, digital innovation, and commitment to public service continues to inspire leaders to embrace complexity, champion inclusion, and evolve with purpose—ensuring both technology and human values shape the future.

 

Read the full interview here.

 

Photo kindly shared by Silvia Calandrelli.

 

Introduction

Through a candid conversation with Simone Maggioni, Pietro Gorlier CEO of COMAU, reflects on his international career, the pivotal mentors who shaped his approach, and the evolving demands of leadership in today’s business landscape. His insights offer valuable guidance for leaders navigating complexity, transformation, and generational change in global organizations.

About Lessons from the Top

Lessons from the Top is an Eric Salmon & Partners thought leadership series, featuring exclusive interviews with leading executives across industries. Each article explores actionable leadership insights and career lessons from the world’s top decision-makers.

Read the full interview

Introduction

In this edition of Lessons from the Top, our colleague Simone Maggioni speaks with Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. Simonelli talks about the fundamentals in leadership: the importance of being a role model, the endless value of feedback, the ability to communicate effectively, and how technology and culture drive innovation.

About Lessons from the Top

Lessons from the Top is an Eric Salmon & Partners thought leadership series, featuring exclusive interviews with leading executives across industries. Each article explores actionable leadership insights and career lessons from the world’s top decision-makers.

Read the full interview

Photo of Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes who shares leadership insights in an interview with our colleague Simone Maggioni.

Introduction

In this interview with our colleague Simone Maggioni, Didier Leroy talks about his Leadership Journey at Toyota.  Through his insights and experiences, leaders can learn the value of patience, cultural adaptability, strategic diversification, and collaboration in building strong, resilient organizations.

About Lessons from the Top

Lessons from the Top is an Eric Salmon & Partners thought leadership series, featuring exclusive interviews with leading executives across industries. Each article explores actionable leadership insights and career lessons from the world’s top decision-makers.

 

Read the full interview

Didier Leroy on Toyota’s Global Strategy: Building a Resilient Automotive Brand

Setting the vision, giving stability: the CEO’s human touch

Thomas Schulz is the Group CEO of Bilfinger, a prominent global provider of industrial services, striving to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of clients within the process industry.

In this interview with our colleague Simone Maggioni, Thomas talks about CEOs adapting to change,  initiating cultural shifts, and driving stakeholders to share a common vision, building trust through a collaborative model.

 

 

Read the full interview