1. The highest levels of an organization, government, or society; those in positions of greatest power and authority
The decision came from the upper echelon of the company.
A decisão veio da alta hierarquia da empresa.
2. The elite or top-ranking members of a group or institution
Only members of the upper echelon have access to that information.
Apenas membros da alta hierarquia têm acesso a essa informação.