Gilmar Mendes holds a Doctorate Degree in Economics and Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Financial Economics and Accounting (2002), both from Universidad de Valladolid, Spain. He has also attended an MBA program in Economics, Finance and Corporate Business at FGV/RJ, in 1999, and Specialization Programs in Real Options – a new investment analysis at Universidad de Valladolid, Spain, in 2003 and in Strategy and Corporate Finance at FGV/RJ, in 1996. Gilmar Mendes is an adjunct professor and researcher at Fundação Dom Cabral for the areas of Strategy and Finance. Guest professor at Universidad de Valladolid – Spain, working on research, delivering classes and seminars. He held the positions of Secretary of State of the Treasury, Secretary of State of Education and Extraordinary Secretary of State of Government (SEEAG), all in the state of Sergipe, from 2003 to 2006. Gilmar Mendes was the President Director of Sergipe Gás S/A and Regional Director of the Brazilian Association of Gas Companies. At the Sanitation Utility Company of the State of Sergipe, Mendes held the positions of Director of Operations, Technical Director and President Director; President Director of the State Company of Housing and Public Buildings in the State of Sergipe (Cehop); Vice-president of the Brazilian Sanitation Association and Vice-president of the Brazilian Association of State Housing Companies (Cohab). His experience encompasses Corporate Management, Public Management, focusing on the following themes: strategic development, management models and corporate performance.