magazine

No.88/2019

23 lei

ARENA years

E X CELLENCE AWARDSfor Gala 2019

special section inside LUXURY&LIFESTYLE TOP BRAND pages 38 - 63 www.business-arena.ro

pages 4-10 Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Business Arena ends its 2019 events calendar with a bang. Successful companies, banks, entrepreneurs and artists saw their efforts recognized at the 2019 Business Arena Awards for Excellence, held in the presence of more than 100 guests. SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

Winners 2019

ROMANIAN BRAND OF THE YEAR AUGUSTIN WATCHES For craftsmanship, strategic thinking and innovation in building a strong and successful luxury timepiece brand, with a high degree of awareness both at home and abroad. MOST INNOVATIVE USED CAR MARKET PRODUCT PACKAGE SIXT SH Award for the Peace of Mind Packege, a unique service in the Romanian used cars market. MOST ADMIRED ORGANIC GROWTH PROGRAM IDEA::BANK Recognizing the bank’s efforts to identify new financing sources and support its organic development strategy reflected in its successful listing of euro denominated bonds on the Bucharest Stock Exchange’s alternative trading system (ATS). ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR MIHAIL FLORESCU LEONARD CAFFE For 30 years of dedication, hard work, inspiration and innovation in building a successful business in artisan coffee production. HOTEL OF THE YEAR CAPITAL PLAZA HOTEL For achieving a high level of recognition in the hospitality industry for 10 years of outstanding success reflected in strong development of operations. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRIVATE BANKING SERVICES RAIFFEISEN BANK ROMANIA Recognizing its outstanding growth in administered assets using portfolio solutions developed locally by Raiffeisen Asset Management. HEALTH & FITNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR WORLD CLASS ROMANIA BeHealthy Movement – creating a large movement for a healthy lifestyle, educating Romanians to be more active more often. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN BANKING ALPHA BANK ROMANIA Celebrating its 25th anniversary on the local market, Alpha Bank Romania looks back with pride on its achievements, based on a sustainable business model that has helped it grow to become one of the leading banks in Romania.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN WINEMAKING VIA VITICOLA For achieving the most dynamic growth in the industry since its change of ownership in 2015 and for its commitment to quality and excellence in winemaking. BEST BANKING STRATEGY EXIMBANK Recognizing its efforts to pursue a strong expansion strategy reflected in its advanced preparations to take over Banca Romaneasca. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMING ARTS LAMIA BELIGAN For achieving a high level of recognition and admiration for her outstanding performance in biographical play “Vivien Leigh: The Last Press Conference.” LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN BANKING MIHAELA POPA PRIM VICEPRESEDINTE – CEC BANK For achieving a high level of recognition and admiration from the general business community for outstanding career, results and qualities of creative leadership in banking. MOST DYNAMIC EXPANSION IN NON-FOOD RETAIL MELI MELO PARIS Recognizing outstanding strategy and strong business acumen reflected in successful expansion of the company’s lifestyle accessory and interior decoration retail networks in Romania and abroad. BANKER OF THE YEAR UFUK TANDOGAN CEO – GARANTI BBVA ROMANIA For achieving a high level of recognition and admiration from the general business community for innovation, outstanding results and qualities of creative leadership, reflected in Garanti BBVA’s achievements on the Romanian market. CEO OF THE YEAR UGUR YESIL CEO & EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER - KANAL D Kanal D’s unquestionable success in terms of revenue, audience and public perception is based on its leader’s efficient management and vision, as he has succeeded in motivating and guiding his team to achieve ambitious objectives in an extremely competitive market. ANNIVERSARY OF THE YEAR IN BANKING CEC BANK For achieving a high level of recognition and admiration for outstanding results and innovation in the banking industry, as it proudly celebrates its 155th anniversary.

CELEBRATING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Business Arena ends its 2019 events calendar with a bang. Successful companies, banks, entrepreneurs and artists saw their efforts recognized at the 2019 Business Arena Awards for Excellence, held in the presence of more than 100 guests.

Even though 2019 has been dominated by political instability and legislative inconsistencies, many local businesses can look proudly on their accomplishments.

The night kicked off with a short speech by Mihaela Popa, First Vice President, CEC Bank, who emphasized that Business Arena's Awards for Excellence gala represented the crowning of a successful year. The CEC Bank official remained on the podium to present the award for 'Romanian Brand of the Year' to Augustin Matei, the owner of Augustin Watches. In his acceptance speech, Augustin Matei said: "I am a watch designer, but as you can see I am not wearing one, because I haven't found my story

yet. That's what my watches are about: they allow their wearer to relive an emotion or a story. In fact, you make the watches with my hands." Next on podium arrived Kanal D TV pre- senter Ilinca Vandici to hand out the award for 'Most Innovative Used Car Market Product Package.' Sixt SH was the winner and manager Eugen Maciuca accepted the award on behalf of the company. "The con- cept is called 'Peace of Mind,' and we set out from the idea that we could offer all the advantages of a new car for every used car we sell, namely peace of mind."

The third award of the night was 'Most

Admired Organic Growth Program' and it went to Idea Bank. Andreea Radu, the owner of Happy Forever by Andreea, pre- sented the award to Idea Bank's Senior Financial Analyst Eliza Coras, who said: "This award represents a recognition of our efforts to increase financial intermediation in the market and to be even closer to our customers' needs."

'Entrepreneur of the Year' was Mihail Florescu, the owner of Leonard Caffe. Silvia Balan, PR Manager Ramada Plaza & Parc Hotel, presented the award. In his speech, Mihail Florescu said: "I have been produc- ing coffee in Romania for 30 years, but I've

EXCELLENCE

Gala

years

ARENA