Despite new immigration hurdles, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) remains bullish on Portugal as a prime location for global talent hubs. According to Alicia Pittman, BCG's Global People Chair, the Lisbon Capability Center (LCC) — launched just six months ago — has already outperformed expectations, with recruitment goals for 2024 set to be surpassed by September.
“Portugal continues to be an attractive destination,” Pittman affirms, highlighting the country's talent quality, quality of life, and vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Initially launched with 43 people and aiming for 100 by year-end, the Lisbon center is now projected to reach 130 employees by December. BCG is holding to its long-term goal of 300 employees in two years, confident in Lisbon’s potential to become a strategic hub serving Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
AI Adoption: Full Speed Ahead
Pittman also addressed AI’s growing role at BCG. More than 80% of the company’s 33,000 employees are actively using generative AI tools, she said, with Lisbon standing out — over half the local team is already certified in “GenAI: Fluency at Work.”
“AI isn’t replacing talent,” Pittman stressed. “It’s increasing demand for professionals who blend strategic thinking with technical fluency.”
The Lisbon Capability Center is seeing strong AI integration, helping scale up services and deliver broader client impact. This transformation is reshaping job roles and skillsets, but also creating new professional opportunities, especially at the intersection of technology and business strategy.
Local Talent + Global Recruitment
While the center recruits primarily from Portugal’s robust talent pool, international recruitment is growing, including returning Portuguese expats and new global hires. Still, visa bureaucracy remains a pain point. “There are challenges,” Pittman acknowledged, but noted BCG’s global mobility teams are equipped to handle relocations efficiently.
Lisbon Is the Focus — For Now
BCG has no plans for another Portuguese hub just yet. Pittman said the Lisbon center remains the priority, supported by long-standing leadership and an operational track record that spans nearly 30 years in the country.
The Human Role in the AI Era
Despite automation concerns, Pittman’s view is optimistic: “Generative AI is a tool to amplify human capabilities, not replace them.” BCG’s investment in training, governance, and responsible use is designed to ensure ethical deployment and enhance both customer value and employee experience.
“We’re not just managing change,” she said. “We’re actively shaping it — and Lisbon is at the center of that strategy.”
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