WeAreQvest: Pilar Márquez
Pilar Márquez, Head of Project Management
With 25 years of experience in broadcast and media technology, Pilar leads Project Management at Qvest, overseeing major transformation projects for broadcasters across Europe, the Middle East, and APAC.
As part of Qvest’s partnership with Rise, a mentoring program supporting women in broadcast, to launch the organization’s new MENA chapter, she shares her perspective on leadership in broadcast technology, the value of mentorship, and the importance of supporting diverse talent across the region.
Q: Hi Pilar, can you briefly introduce yourself and your journey into broadcast technology?
I have been working in the broadcast and media technology industry for about 25 years. I started my career in Spain in hands-on engineering roles, which gave me a strong technical foundation and a real understanding of how systems work in practice.
Over the years my career evolved towards project leadership, and today I lead project management at Qvest. I have worked on broadcast and media technology projects across different regions, mainly in Europe, the Middle East, and APAC. Over the past 12 years, my work has been particularly focused on the Middle East, supporting broadcasters on large-scale media and technology initiatives. That international experience has been a very important part of my professional journey.
Q: Looking back at your career, what key experiences have shaped you as a leader in broadcast technology?
Starting my career as an engineer was probably the most important foundation. Working directly with technology, systems, and operations helped me understand the reality behind projects, not just the planning side of them.
As my career progressed and I moved into project leadership roles, I realised how important communication, collaboration, and trust are when delivering complex projects. Broadcast environments are fast-moving and often high pressure, so building strong teams and supporting people around you becomes essential.
I wouldn’t say there was one single defining moment, but rather a series of experiences where I learned that leadership is less about authority and more about enabling others to succeed. I have also been very fortunate to have supportive managers and great teams throughout my career, and I know I would not have reached this point without their support.
Q: What motivated you to become a mentor for the RISE Women in Broadcast Tech program?
That experience is also one of the reasons why mentoring and supporting others has become so important to me. Having benefited from the support and guidance of others throughout my career, I feel it is important to pass that on.
As I have worked in many technical environments where women were often underrepresented, I understand how valuable it can be to have access to guidance, encouragement, and the opportunity to share experiences openly. I believe that sometimes just knowing someone else has faced similar challenges can make a real difference. 
Pilar Márquez, Head of Project Management
Mentoring felt like a natural way to support others in the industry, just as I was supported throughout my career. I have not formally mentored through the RISE program before, but I have always tried to support colleagues and younger professionals throughout my career.
Having worked with broadcasters in the Middle East for many years, and with the region becoming a major focus of my work over the past decade, I feel a strong connection to the region, and I am very interested in supporting the development of talent there.
Q: Why do you think a participation in the program is important, both for you personally and for Qvest as a company?
For me personally, it is an opportunity to share experience and hopefully help someone else navigate their career with a bit more confidence. At the same time, mentoring is always a two-way learning process, and I also expect to learn a lot from the perspectives and experiences of the mentees.
At Qvest, we genuinely value helping people grow and creating opportunities for diverse talent. Programs like this give us a chance to put that belief into action. Broadcast and media technology are evolving very quickly, and having diverse voices and perspectives is essential for the future of our industry.
Q: What are your expectations for this edition of the RISE programme in MENA?
My expectation is that it creates meaningful connections and a supportive environment where mentees can openly discuss their challenges, ambitions, and ideas.
Sometimes even a simple conversation or a shared experience can help someone see their career path more clearly. Even small steps, like gaining confidence or connecting with peers, can make a big difference. If the program helps mentees feel supported and see new opportunities, I’ll consider it a real success. Pilar Márquez, Head of Project Management
Q: What advice would you give to women in MENA who are considering a career in broadcast technology?
My advice would be not to feel intimidated by the technical side of the industry. Broadcast technology is a fascinating field that combines creativity, innovation, and problem solving. Curiosity and willingness to learn are often more important than knowing everything from the start.
I would also encourage women to seek out networks, mentors, and communities where they can exchange experiences and support each other.
By the end of the programme, I would hope that my mentees feel more confident about their own potential and clearer about the opportunities ahead of them. And for me personally, I hope to learn from their perspectives and continue growing as a mentor and a leader.
