European CEO of the Year Awards 2024 European CEO of the Year Awards 2024 BBK Fundación Bancaria: Most Dedicated Community Support & Social Responsibility CEO 2024: Xabier Sagredo Featuring:
AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. EU Business News is delighted to announce the inaugural edition of the European CEO of the Year Awards. The European CEO of the Year Awards proudly acknowledge and honour top-tier CEOs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, strategic vision, and a profound impact on their organisations and industries. These awards celebrate the exemplary corporate leadership, strategic foresight, and unparalleled contributions of these exceptional individuals. The European region has encountered an array of financial challenges of varying degrees, which have had a significant impact on business policies and developments. Nevertheless, the current landscape is marked by a growing sense of optimism, as these challenges are gradually being surmounted. In 2024, it is anticipated that European businesses will shift their focus towards making significant investments through acquisitions and Venture Capital funding, to foster growth and attain a competitive advantage over their peers. Notably, a considerable proportion of European CEOs are optimistic about the financial outlook of their respective organisations in the upcoming year. In a world where the role of a CEO extends far beyond boardroom decisions, these awards recognise the dynamic nature of modern leadership. The role of the CEO is evolving rapidly, and it is now more important than ever for them to lead rapid transformation. The CEO’s primary responsibility should be to assess market trends and adapt to new situations. However, this also means that the characteristics that define a successful CEO need to evolve as well. The trend of appointing individuals with non-traditional backgrounds as CEOs is on the rise, contributing to a more diverse business leadership landscape. To succeed as a CEO in today’s world, possessing the skills to conquer obstacles, navigate difficulties, and plan for the future is crucial. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.eubusinessnews.com European CEO of the Year Awards 2024
4. UTIS – Ultimate Technology to Industrial Savings, S.A:Most Innovative Renewable Energy Business Leader 2024 (Portugal): Paulo Gonçalo 6. Growth Marketing Sweden AB: Best SEO Agency CEO 2024 (Sweden): Jorge Castro 8. Magnolia Immobilier/ Keredge Real Asset Management SA: Real Estate CEO of the Year 2024 (Geneva): Isabel Munoz 10. Grabalfa Pre-Press Solutions, S.L: Best Packaging Pre-Pressing Services CEO 2024 (Spain): Meriyeny Del Carmen Batista 12. BBK Fundación Bancaria: Most Dedicated Community Support & Social Responsibility CEO 2024: Xabier Sagredo 14. PFx Biotech: Most Innovative BioTech CEO 2024: Ali Osman 16. Smarter Metering Services Limited: Most Trusted Gas Metering Services CEO 2024 (UK): Tom Ward 18. Tara Home Consulting: Vacation Rental CEO of the Year 2024 (Switzerland): Cristiana Carpini 19. Solexis Sa: Best Photovoltaic Product Design & Distribution CEO 2024: Frederic Bichsel 20. DaasTek: IT Consulting CEO of the Year 2024 (Sweden): Neelima Misra & Business Adaptability Excellence Award 2024 21. miDiagnostics: Accessible Diagnostics Technology CEO of the Year 2024: Katleen Verleysen 22. Q Point: Civil Engineering Construction Software CEO of the Year 2024: Thomas Leopoldseder 23. Webosaurus: Most Innovative MarTech CEO 2024: Rishi Kapoor 24. Kesch Event & Promotion GmbH: Brand Experience CEO of the Year 2024 (Austria): Lukas Schuetz 25. Cogvis Software und Consulting GmbH: Care Technology CEO of the Year 2024 (Central Europe): Rainer Planinc 26. RPP Group: Healthcare Public Affairs CEO of the Year 2024: Lutz Dommel 27. PROES: Most Innovative IoT Connectivity & Data Processing Company CEO 2024: Saba Homami 29. Atyourtime Secured Food Delivery: Most Innovative Food Delivery Solutions CEO 2024 (UK): Olushola Shitta 30. Gladsheim Fastigheter: Real Estate Investment CEO of the Year 2024 (Sweden): David Dahlgren 31. LDI Innovation: Best Photonics Sensor Production Company CEO 2024: Sergey Babichenko 32. Linde Brandmateriel ApS: Best Fire Tech Company CEO 2024: Allan Pedersen 33. Visit Rovaniemi: Most Influential Destination Marketing Organisation CEO 2024: Sanna Kärkkäinen 34. C-Sync Ltd: Knowledge Management Training CEO of the Year 2024: Ivett Bene Excellence Award in Internal Communication 2024 35. OfficeFit A/S: Most Innovative Health Technology Leader 2024 (Denmark): Kristian Bjerg 36. EAGL Technologies: Sports & Leisure Technology CEO of the Year 2024: Kai Stiberg 37. Asendia Germany GmbH: Best eCommerce Cross-Border Logistics CEO 2024: Xavier Goddaer & Strategic Transformation Excellence Award 2024 - Germany Contents
Jul22546 EU Business News- Q1 2024 “All great things begin with the conviction that you can make a difference in the world with purpose and confidence.” To begin, please tell us more about UTIS’s origins, mission, and how you consistently work towards achieving your business goals. UTIS is a Portuguese company established in 2018 as an equal-share joint venture between ULTIMATE CELL and SEMAPA. Both companies decided to combine resources to accomplish a common business objective: to create a strategic and tangible solution for enhancing energy efficiency and decarbonizing industrial processes. Our work has a well-defined global objective that unites us all in the fight for a safer and more sustainable planet. UTIS has developed an internationally patented technology that optimizes internal and continuous combustion processes through hydrogen injection, particularly reducing fossil fuel consumption and associated pollutant emissions. Our innovation enables industries to achieve greener, more sustainable production, manufacture products with a smaller environmental footprint, and transition mobility towards alternative fuels. With its groundbreaking results, UTIS products and services optimize combustion and reduce CO2e emissions in industrial processes, contributing significantly to the goals of the European Green Deal by 2050. How have you arrived to the position you are currently in as a business? In its pursuit of global reach and business leadership, UTIS has established subsidiaries in Brazil and New Zealand, which play a crucial role in its operations by ensuring proximity to markets and offering tailored solutions for each client. With more than 150 projects implemented across 27 countries in industrial sectors, including cement production, and expanding the technology to other industries such as steel, biomass, power plants, chemical industries, incineration, and hydrogen production for Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS), UTIS has demonstrated its global presence. Our presence spans rapidly growing markets in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Brazil, Mexico, and North America, showcasing UTIS's resilience and adaptability despite the global economic downturn. In internal combustion applications, UTIS has made significant technological developments to deliver systems designed for highdisplacement engines. We have introduced the UCLE—Ultimate Cell Large Engines system. We expect this product to have an almost exponential increase in sales in the short/medium term, representing a fundamental contribution to the company’s revenue growth. Most Innovative Renewable Energy Business Leader 2024 (Portugal): Paulo Gonçalo The climate emergency is one of humanity's most pressing challenges today. UTIS is dedicated to developing state-of-the-art hydrogen technologies designed to improve energy efficiency by implementing innovative solutions that enhance industrial production processes reliant on fossil fuels to significantly reduce their impact on the climate and simultaneously reduce their energy costs. We learn more from Paulo Eduardo Gonçalo as he wins his title. As UTIS’s CEO, what do you do to help both your team and the business to succeed? With a background in engineering and subsequent specializations in management, I have always been connected to industrial companies, allowing me to develop skills in relational areas that I consider critical for the success of UTIS. As the CEO, I play a pivotal role in enhancing our teams' capabilities and contributing to the achievement of UTIS's objectives. My leadership is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within our company. Another fundamental aspect of my business strategy is establishing partnerships with companies, universities, and suppliers. These partnerships are instrumental in accelerating our growth and innovation, enabling us to stay ahead of the competition and maximize results for our clients. I firmly believe in the power of innovation. It allows us to stay ahead and deliver exceptional results for our clients. This commitment to excellence is at the core of my professional approach. How does UTIS approach new customers and how do you continually support them? UTIS's approach to new customers and industry verticals is always customer-centric. We listen to their needs and base our strategies on a thorough economic analysis of the investment, ensuring that our tailored solutions meet their specific requirements. UTIS's solutions cover several technical areas throughout the project, ensuring a comprehensive approach that maximizes process optimization drivers with high reliability and safety. This approach not only ensures the solution's safety and reliability but also leads to attractive Returns on Investment (ROI), giving our customers certainty in their business growth. After commissioning our system, the customer maintains a commercial relationship with UTIS. This is supported by a maintenance contract that ensures the reliability of the equipment and helps save on applicationrelated costs, underlining our commitment to our client's success. What strategies have you put into place to continue thriving? UTIS has a pioneering technology intended to be applied across all combustion processes, whether furnaces or industrial boilers, in various industrial verticals, such as cement, glass, cellulose, steel, biomass thermal plants, solid waste incinerators in urban areas, and power plants. Contact: Paulo Eduardo Gonçalo Company: UTIS – Ultimate Technology to Industrial Savings, S.A. Web Address: http://www.utis.pt/
5. The company has always invested in Research and Development (R&D) as a driver of our daily activity to anticipate future needs, increase internal know-how, and create value for the company and our customers. The challenge is to go even further: from a leading solution in fuelsaving and emission-reduction systems to a solution responsible for reducing polluting emissions globally. The opportunity exists. We have the means, the determination, and the audacity. Our innovative strategy aims to be increasingly present in all economic activities. Combining this strategy with our knowhow will allow us to achieve our objectives. We have a culture of entrepreneurship that is in our genesis and that we highly value. Although the global context is adverse today, this fact represents a vast opportunity for us. It is a suitable time to capitalize on our offering. We have "anti-crisis" approaches for clients who need to rationalize costs and solutions for those who want to reduce their business's environmental impact. We are also paying attention to sectors such as energy and transport, where massive changes are being made. Sustainable Development is the basis of UTIS' environmental policy. We are committed to contributing to building a better and greener world, ensuring that sustainability is at the core of everything we do. This commitment should reassure the market about our values and dedication to environmental responsibility. The environmental commitment aims to cause less damage, mitigate negative operational impacts, and save energy by operating our facilities in compliance with local laws, rules, and regulations. We apply innovative ecological technologies to reduce CO2e and are committed to Environmental Entities' regulations and controls. UTIS implements sustainability and product management practices in its products' design, manufacture, and distribution phases. This strategy increases UTIS's contribution to sustainable construction, minimizes its impact on human health and the environment, reduces waste produced by operations, and uses waste in the alternative fuel system. In addition, UTIS reuses its own and other industries' byproducts and promotes recycling. UTIS promotes environmentally responsible perspectives and practices by continuously managing and integrating the environmental management system into our business processes with clear responsibilities. We encourage suppliers, customers, and other business partners to adopt similar practices. We know the need to collaborate closely with our stakeholders and encourage all interested parties to communicate their environmental, social, and governance concerns. UTIS is committed to providing ongoing training and applying industry best practices to support our understanding of our responsibilities to operate in an environmentally responsible manner and achieve a high standard of environmental commitment. When it comes to challenges, how do you face times of change or difficulty? How do you turn challenges into opportunities? While at UTIS, I have faced various challenges and opportunities that have shaped my leadership and the company's direction. One significant challenge has been navigating the rapidly changing market dynamics and technological advancements in the energy sector. To address this, I have focused on fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within the organization. We have invested in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve our offerings. Another significant challenge has been to expand our global footprint while upholding the quality and reliability of our solutions. To overcome this, we have strategically forged robust partnerships with local companies and institutions in various regions. On the opportunity side, the increasing global focus on sustainability and green energy has opened up numerous growth avenues for us. By leveraging our patented hydrogen technologies, we have successfully ventured into new markets and sectors, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and assisting our clients in achieving their sustainability and growth objectives. This strategic move has not only expanded our business but also reinforced our position as a key player in the industry. Adapting to these challenges and opportunities has required a proactive and flexible approach. I have emphasized the importance of continuous learning and development for our team, ensuring that we remain relevant and responsive to the evolving landscape. This mindset has enabled us to turn challenges into opportunities and drive the success of UTIS in a competitive and dynamic industry. What are your plans for the future? The future depends on hydrogen technology, and despite Portugal's modest size in the global context, it has achieved exceptional scientific and technological successes that make us proud as a nation. Furthermore, we are immensely proud that UTIS, a Portuguese company, has earned the highest awards and is recognized both nationally and internationally for the excellence of its patented technology and products. Accordingly, my plans for UTIS are centred around solidifying our position as a global leader in sustainable and hydrogen energy solutions and continuing to drive innovation in the industry. We are committed to expanding our technology offerings and entering new markets to address the growing demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy solutions. Moreover, as we plan to build upon today's success, we are mindful of the importance of achieving a work-life balance for our human resources. The professional success we have attained, recognized by everyone, has come with long and intense working hours. Balancing work and personal life, paying close attention to physical and mental health, and minimizing stress are essential for creating a healthier, more balanced, and more profitable company. As the CEO of UTIS, I've always strived to enhance our team's competence and quality of life. This focus has led to lower absenteeism, increased innovation, an improved company image, and exceptional productivity. Our ambition and professionalism drive us to continually improve these results, making these objectives a fundamental part of my leadership vision, to which I am fully committed. I am also committed to ongoing professional development, particularly in management and technology. Strengthening and expanding the team that collaborates directly with me is crucial for launching new projects and achieving the global internationalization of UTIS.
EU Business News- Q1 2024 May24690 Best SEO Agency CEO 2024 (Sweden): Jorge Castro Growth Marketing Sweden AB specialises in strategic, recognising that the key to enduring success in the digital space relies on careful planning and guided expertise. From its location to the way the greater team operates, clients can rest assured they are in the best hands to accelerate their business to the next level and deliver exceptional digital growth. From SEO to digital PR, and the company’s talent for ‘Growth Hacking’, Jorge has nurtured something truly special in a sector that is extraordinarily competitive and becoming ever-more competitive with each passing month. “Growth Marketing Sweden AB is renowned for its SEO expertise. We have been finalists at prestigious international awards such as the Search Engine Land Awards and the European Search Awards. In Sweden, we have been honored with the title of "Marketer of the Year." Our core values are rooted in transparency and integrity. We strive to distinguish ourselves from other SEO agencies by fostering a culture of honesty and open communication. Our goal is to empower our clients with knowledge and deliver sustainable, longterm results, rather than exploiting their lack of expertise for short-term gains,” Jorge begins by explaining. Before Growth Marketing Sweden AB, Jorge served as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at ABS Wheels, achieving over 400% growth under his watch through strategic SEO initiatives. This role built on Jorge’s background as a freelance SEO consultant, which served as a sort of crucible on which he honed and forged his talents for achieving exceptional business growth. “My expertise and achievements have been widely recognised in the industry. I have been featured in prominent publications such as Ehandel, Dagens Media, Market, Finanstid, Dagens Handel, Resume, and Veckans Affärer. These platforms have highlighted my insights and contributions to the field of digital marketing. “Additionally, I have been awarded the title of "Digital Marketer of the Year," a testament to my impact and leadership in the industry. I have also authored a book, "Framtidens SEO," which is available Strategically located in Solna, Sweden, Growth Marketing Sweden AB is focused on one thing and one thing only: delivering best in class digital marketing services to its ever-growing client base. As CEO, Jorge Castro has spearheaded the continual effort to be the best SEO Agency in the business, and in turn, the Best SEO Agency CEO. We spoke to Jorge to find out more on the back of his will deserved success in the programme. at major Swedish bookstores such as Adlibris, Bokus, and Akademibokhandeln.” Today, Growth Marketing Sweden AB’s track record has resulted in a word-ofmouth onboarding process, with a selective approach that ensures that the team can provide the best service to the wholly individual and unique needs of each client. This strategic selectivity also guarantees that the team only works with businesses it believes in and knows it can help. It’s a mutual relationship, allowing for Growth Marketing Sweden AB to truly understand their clients from the ground up. “If they share our passion and dedication, we are confident that we can achieve significant traffic gains together. Building strong relationships with our clients is paramount. We prioritize transparency and consistent communication, ensuring our clients are always informed about the progress and developments of their projects. Utilising advanced systems like Monday.com, we log every activity and involve clients in the journey, providing them with a sense of partnership and engagement.” Unfortunately, this approach isn’t shared by all in the digital space. “One of the major issues in the SEO industry is the presence of unscrupulous actors who prioritize short-term gains over longterm success. These individuals tarnish the industry’s reputation. However, the industry has been improving, with more fraudulent companies being exposed. We are committed to promoting ethical practices and transparency in all our dealings.” “I dedicate Sundays to self-education, staying updated on the latest SEO trends and developments. This continuous learning approach ensures that I remain at the cutting edge of the industry, allowing me to adapt and innovate.” Company: Growth Marketing Sweden AB Name: Jorge Castro Web Address: www.growthmarketing.se
- Another area where the company does distinguish itself is in the way it approaches its service offering. Where many of its peers endeavour to sell services, Growth Marketing Sweden AB prefers a strategy that allows for flexibility and dynamism, selling hours instead, as Jorge continues. “This unique approach ensures that we have the flexibility to adapt to each project's specific needs, thereby minimizing the risk of failure. Our meticulous planning and execution processes, combined with regular updates and client involvement, guarantee that projects are carried out seamlessly from beginning to end. “Our current strategy revolves around adopting a mindset as if we owned the client’s business. This approach allows us to align our goals with our clients’ goals, ensuring mutual success. We focus on sustainable, long-term growth by leveraging our deep expertise in SEO and digital marketing.” In other areas, Growth Marketing Sweden AB understands that its crucial to stay ahead in all ways, especially in the digital space which moves at a breakneck speed. To achieve that, the team dedicate two hours a week to reviewing the latest trends and developments in SEO and AI equally. By focusing their efforts in this way, the company remains in its highly coveted position, with collaboration ensuring that the entire team grows in pace with each other, all on the same page. This has become crucial in this new age of AI, which has brought about a colossal paradigm shift in digital marketing – changing the landscape and continuing to change it as it develops and evolves. Jorge agrees: “The digital marketing industry is currently experiencing an AI revolution. Many companies have yet to adapt to these changes, and we position ourselves as their guide through this transition. By staying ahead in AI and SEO advancements, we help our clients navigate these challenges and seize new opportunities.” On a more personal level, Growth Marketing Sweden AB is a product of Jorge through and through. It has grown through his appreciation of mutual trust and empowerment, as he explains in more detail. “My leadership style is a blend of trust and discipline. I believe in empowering my employees and trusting them to excel in their roles. At the same time, we maintain a structured and disciplined approach, inspired by military principles. This balance ensures efficiency and accountability within our team. “I emphasise the importance of teamwork and shared goals. By clearly communicating that we are all rowing in the same boat, I run a tight ship, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and a unified mission. Much like a disciplined military unit, we operate with precision and cohesion. Everyone understands their role is crucial to our success, and we're all committed to achieving our objectives. With four full-time soldiers and eight dedicated operatives, two of whom are elite forces solely focused on advancing Growth Marketing Sweden AB, our ranks are solid. This militaristic structure instils a strong sense of camaraderie and determination, ensuring we march forward as a unified force, ready to conquer any digital battlefield.” “My passion for SEO drives me to stay informed, which in turn benefits our clients and the company.” As for the future, Jorge plans on continuing Growth Marketing Sweden AB’s ongoing growth path, as the team looks ahead at its plan to revolutionise the SEO industry through the integration of digital PR in the company’s daily operations, as he concludes in his closing remarks. “This will create a new standard we call SEOAPR (Search Engine Optimisation and Digital PR). This approach aims to combine the best practices of SEO and PR to deliver unparalleled results for our clients. I also plan to focus more on SEO analyses, which I find particularly enjoyable and rewarding. By honing my skills in this area, I aim to enhance the value we provide to our clients and further solidify my expertise in the field.” For the foreseeable, especially for the remainder of 2024, Jorge Castro and Growth Marketing Sweden AB will continue to expand its client base through its commitment to excellence and innovation.
EU Business News- Q1 2024 As a company, Magnolia Immobilier has been built from its foundations to be different than its competitors in this space, alongside achieving – and maintaining – sustainable and enduring results. This ability lies in the team’s greater expertise in leveraging knowledge of the greater real estate market to find innovative solutions that, first and foremost, meet the needs of their clients. At its most fundamental level, however, the company is one that endeavours to understand real estate and use that understanding to build and enhance assets and projects within the industry. This is a matter of pride for Isabel and one of the key ways in which Magnolia Immobilier has forged its reputation. Isabel’s passion and commitment to her work is obvious from the outset, with an expertise that has been honed in tandem with her team – both parties growing in pace with the other, and continuously learning. Real Estate CEO of the Year 2024 (Geneva): Isabel Munoz Magnolia Immobilier is a leading private institutional fund specialising in real estate, operating across Switzerland. As CEO, Isabel Munoz has championed a company that has always striven towards to new and unique, realising that those elements are crucial to acting as a disruptor of an industry. Isabel offers more insight into Magnolia Immobilier and her approach to leadership following her recognition in the awards programme. May24664 “In the heart of our company lies a commitment to financial success intertwined with making a positive impact. We prioritize Corporate Social Responsibility, embracing community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices. Innovation drives us forward, as we pioneer cuttingedge strategies and embrace technology, sustainability, and new business models. Our people are our strength, nurtured through talent development and a culture of collaboration,” Isabel explains in her opening comments before moving on to discuss the unique structure of Magnolia Immobilier. “Our unique structure includes a single shareholder, and our clientele is exclusively the shareholder's family. We operate much like a family office, focusing on managing and enhancing the family’s real estate assets with the utmost care and dedication. Our focused approach allows us to make swift, unified decisions that align with our longterm strategic goals and the family’s vision.” “At the heart of our company are our core values: integrity, innovation, community, and sustainability.” An indelible focus is only one part of the company’s recipe for success, with transparency and honesty also being stalwart values that Isabel has sowed into the very fabric of Magnolia Immobilier. After all, the financial landscape needs trust and transparency to function properly, and to maintain long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with clients. Ultimately, the client needs to know that you have their best interests at heart and will manage their resources sustainably and sensibly. For Isabel, this element of trust-building is highlighted in the team’s overall approach to each client, recognising that each project they undertake is as unique as their client’s needs and goals. “We tailor our approach to align with their unique vision, ensuring customised solutions. Consistent communication and active listening are key in maintaining a strong relationship, along with regular updates and transparent reporting. Further, to ensure seamless project execution from start to finish, we follow a meticulous project management approach. By integrating these practices, we deliver exceptional results, reinforcing our reputation for excellence and ensuring our shareholder's satisfaction.” And as for Magnolia Immobilier, its goals are, as you may imagine, ambitious yet utterly achievable. In much the same way as it approaches its clients, the company aims for sustainable growth, and to achieve better results both within and without in turn. The shining light, the north star, for the team lies in making a positive impact for the communities they serve – always endeavouring to be a net-good for its locality and Switzerland as a whole. “We are dedicated to maintaining our reputation for excellence and to leaving a legacy of positive transformation and enduring prosperity.” Let’s turn our attention to Isabel herself. Her position as CEO of Magnolia Immobilier comes on the back of a diverse and storied career in the real estate industry and supplementary sectors. “I leverage my tax expertise for informed investment decisions, my project management experience to oversee complex developments, and my commitment to innovation to keep us ahead of industry trends. This diverse experience allows me to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive our mission forward,
9. Real Estate CEO of the Year 2024 (Geneva): Isabel Munoz ensuring sustainable growth and exceptional value for our shareholder and stakeholders.” These diverse experiences have equipped Isabel with a skillset that thrives when navigating and overcoming challenges, as well as capitalising on opportunities when they arise. One such challenge was the COVID-19 pandemic, which rocked the foundations of all industries around the world. For Isabel, the pandemic offered insight into the shift in consumer behaviour, putting it under a microscope while it barrelled towards a new paradigm. Naturally, it also had an impact on real estate demand – and continues to do so to this day. The pandemic, then, was a sort of wake-up call as to the speed to which the status quo could change, which Isabel was only too keen to observe and learn from. “During my tenure, our company has faced challenges such as economic downturns and technological disruption. We adapted by pivoting investment strategies, investing in digital innovation, and embracing sustainability. Despite challenges, we seized opportunities in emerging markets and new real estate asset types. By thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions, we successfully repositioned assets to capitalize on changing market dynamics. Our agility, proactive approach, and commitment to innovation have enabled us to navigate challenges and emerge stronger.” Here, Isabel mentions technological development and the speed with which that has transformed the landscape of worldwide markets. While many see it as a challenge, she sees it as a springboard for development. “Despite challenges, these trends present opportunities for innovation and growth. We remain vigilant and adaptive, leveraging our expertise and strategic vision to navigate the evolving landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities,” Isabel adds in agreement. Innovation pulses through Magnolia Immobilier, and it is with that creativity in hand that the team has outmanoeuvred many peers and potential competitors. This cornerstone also forms the structure of the company’s future, with plans in place to catapult Magnolia Immobilier to ever greater heights. Chief among them, the company’s imminent rebrand. “We have exciting plans to enhance our operations and offerings as Magnolia Immobilier transitions to Keredge Real Asset Management on September 9th, 2024. We're thrilled to share this news with you first-hand. The name Keredge reflects our evolution as a private institutional fund and our commitment to excellence. "Ker" signifies "care" in English and "house" in Breton, while "edge" represents being at the forefront or leading in our field. So, Keredge embodies our dedication to both caring for assets and being at the forefront of real estate investment.” While much of the company’s foreseeable future lies under wraps, for now, Isabel’s personal goals hinge on nurturing her eagerness for further development and continuous learning, as she discusses in her closing comments. “My plans to build upon my current success revolve around continuous learning and development, mentorship and networking, goal setting, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By investing in my own growth and well-being, I can continue to lead the company effectively and contribute to its long-term success. “Looking ahead, our vision is one of sustainable growth and resilience, built on collaboration and adaptability. Together, we're writing a story of purpose, innovation, and collaboration, daring to dream big and leaving a legacy for generations to come.” Contact Details Company: Magnolia Immobilier (transition to Keredge Real Asset Management SA on September 9th 2024) Name: Isabel Munoz Web Address: www.magnolia-immobilier.ch
Jul22546 EU Business News- Q1 2024 Views on sustainability have evolved substantially over the last 20 years, and one area that has come under constant scrutiny is packaging. As we seek ever more innovative ways to reduce our impact on the planet, the way in which we package goods is everevolving. The latest organic materials, recyclable alternatives and resource-saving manufacturing processes keep packaging companies on their toes. One company not fazed by the pace of change in the industry is Grabalfa. With state-of-the-art production facilities in Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Vigo and commercial offices in Zaragoza, Grabalfa employs over 170 people. Based in Spain, the company provides high-quality packaging solutions to clients in all over Europe and the United States. Grabalfa has been serving clients for over 50 years. Its customers range from small start-ups to large multinationals in industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Offering a comprehensive managed service, Grabalfa takes its clients’ packaging projects from conception, through design and prototyping to manufacture and final delivery. Offering customised, high-quality packaging solutions, Grabalfa ensures brand consistency by optimising efficiency at every stage of the process. The company’s core values include innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence. By integrating new technologies and sustainable practices into its operations, Grabalfa is working to reduce its carbon footprint and promote responsible business practices. Through its mission to exceed market expectations, the company offers solutions which meet its clients' current needs and anticipate their future demands. A former senior civil engineer, Meriyeny is a specialist in corporate finance and investment. Meriyeny holds a master's degree in Project Management (MPM), and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®). She tells us, “I have international business experience in Latin America and Europe, specifically in the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, and Spain. During my professional career, I’ve held managerial positions in operations and project management, and have served as a deputy chief financial officer. My experiences enable me to develop an in-depth understanding of project management and business strategy. In 2020, just at the onset of the pandemic, I launched D’Ella Capital as an entrepreneurship through acquisition project. In October Best Packaging Pre-Pressing Services CEO 2024 (Spain): Meriyeny Del Carmen Batista There’s no room for cookie-cutter solutions in the world of packaging experts, Grabalfa. Delivering ‘out of the box’ innovation, the company is fueled by a passion for technology that provides its clients with the perfect solution every time. At the helm of the company is engineer, investment specialist and CEO, Meriyeny Del Carmen Batista. We chat with her to learn more about Grabalfa and her journey to CEO and beyond. 2021, I closed my first acquisition and started the Grabalfa 2.0 project with a vision and strategy focused on innovation and sustainability.” Using her experience to foster a collaborative and people-centred work environment, Meriyeny ensures each member of her team feels valued. As such, Grabalfa has developed a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence which it applies to every project the company undertakes. Her focus on innovation and the use of advanced technologies has been key to Grabalfa's success, allowing the company to offer high-quality solutions that meet and exceed market expectations. Meriyeny explains the company’s strategy for building successful client relationships, “We approach each new project with a comprehensive management methodology. This ensures every stage of the process is aligned with the client's objectives. We establish trust through open and transparent communication, focusing on understanding our clients' needs and expectations. From initial design to final delivery, each project is overseen by a team of experts. Our holistic approach allows us to anticipate and resolve issues before they become obstacles, ensuring smooth execution at all times.” Grabalfa recently acquired two pre-press companies, Euroflexo in Sevilla and Flexgal in Galicia. These acquisitions, together with its incorporation to GPN (Global Premedia Network), the world's largest premedia network with presence in 5 continents, allow Grabalfa to expand its service offering and strengthen its global positioning. Meriyeny says, “Acquiring these companies forms part of our inorganic growth strategy and geographic expansion plan. It’s enabled us to access new markets and increase our production capacity whilst maintaining the high standards of quality that characterise us. We invest in technology and training for our team, ensuring that we are always at the forefront of the industry.” But maintaining this pole position is no easy task. Increasing demands for sustainability and efficiency, regulatory changes and consumer expectations of more eco-friendly practices are shaping the sector's direction. Grabalfa embraces these trends by integrating sustainable solutions into its daily operations, Examples of this are reducing waste materials, implementing cleaner production processes, and embracing circular economy projects which give new life to products as they reach the end of their normal lifecycle. Using digitalisation, AI and automation processes, the company is transforming its operation to offer faster and more precise solutions. Contact: Meriyeny Del Carmen Batista Company: Grabalfa Pre-Press Solutions, S.L. Web Address: https://grabalfa.es
11. When it comes to leadership, Meriyeny favours an inclusive, peoplecentric approach. She explains, “I foster a work environment where every team member is motivated to contribute to the company's success. I establish open and transparent communication. Everyone understands and shares our values of innovation, sustainability, and excellence. We encourage active employee participation in decision-making and the implementation of new ideas. This strengthens their commitment and sense of belonging.” By investing in training and development and adopting a flexible and agile approach to project management, Grabalfa is evolving whilst maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Looking to the future, Grabalfa’s plans include further geographical expansion and diversification of service offerings. Meriyeny tells us, “Our goal is to establish Grabalfa as a benchmark in the packaging sector. We’re committed to creating solutions that not only benefit our clients but also make a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole. As such, we’re working on research and development projects along with technological Centres and Universities to introduce new materials and processes that further reduce our carbon footprint. We’re exploring new sustainable printing technologies and seeking opportunities to collaborate with other industry leaders on innovative projects.” On a personal level, Meriyeny plans to focus on growing as a leader. She’s also keen to share her business experience with others in her industry and beyond through conferences and seminars. She says, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our vision and achievements. At Grabalfa, we understand that the future of packaging lies in the ability to adapt and evolve with the times. I look forward to continuing to work closely with all our allies to achieve new goals and successes. I invite our partners and clients to join us in moving towards a more sustainable and efficient future.”
EU Business News- Q1 2024 Jun24124 Most Dedicated Community Support & Social Responsibility CEO 2024: Xabier Sagredo Banking foundation, BBK, holds the same values and commitments to the people and businesses of Bizkaia that it has done for over 100 years. The foundation, which holds a majority share in the socially conscious savings bank Kutxabank, is a market leader in its area of influence. BBK’s mission ensures that Kutxabank, the leading service company in the Basque Country, retains its decision-making centre in the region. Holding 57% of Kutxabank’s shares, BBK collaborates with stakeholders to promote and invest in the region's economy. So far, BBK’s investment in regional social initiatives has reached a staggering 231 million Euros. In addition to its mission for social change and local investment, the foundation has had its own challenges. The foundation, in its present form, came into being in 2014, following the reform of the Savings Banks and Foundations Law. At that time the economic climate was far from stable. The stock market was complex, banking profitability was minimal, and interest rates were in decline. Nevertheless, BBK faced the dilemma posed by the change in regulation headon. The foundation worked tirelessly to maintain control of the bank and establish a reserve fund. Its actions succeeded in stabilising the merger of 3 the financial institutions which formed Kutxabank. A guiding light through these challenging times, Xabier Sagredo, took the helm of BBK in 2013. After finishing his studies at the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences at the University of the Basque Country, Xabier began his career working in the expansion and heritage sector of Ipar Kutxa (today part of the financial services company Laboral Kuxta). Xabier understood what was needed to sustain and grow prosperity in the region, and set about increasing his area of influence. He became general manager of the transport company, Transitia. He served as a Bilbao-born Xabier Sagredo, is working to enhance the wellbeing of his native Bizkaia (Biscay) and its citizens. CEO of banking foundation BBK in the Basque Country, Xabier raises social and environmental awareness to ensure the success and prosperity of future generations. With Xabier, we look at BBK, its history, and the vision that’s guiding the region towards a brighter and better future. counsellor for the Bilbao Port Authority and an audit committee member for energy company, Iberdrola Generación. Today, as well as his role as the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa Banking Foundation, Xabier is a trustee of the Biocruces Health Research Institute, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Foundation. He is an independent director of renewables company Iberdrola and sits on the Board of Directors of the Orkestra Basque Institute of Competitiveness. Orkestra addresses the challenges and advances the vision of the Basque region (Euskadi) towards its mission for 2040. BBK is committed to the prosperous future of the Basque territory and its citizens. The foundation helps to fund a wide range of social initiatives including training, self-employment support, and sociocultural activities. BBK is responsible for programs focusing on leisure, social participation and health and wellbeing for all. The foundation also sponsors cultural and creative projects and promotes the sustainable development and environmental preservation of the region. Xabier explains, “Our mission is to help build a prosperous, cohesive, sustainable Bizkaia. We contribute to wellbeing and equal opportunities in Bizkaia. We achieve this through distinctive and impactful actions and by preserving heritage with responsible and committed investments. We promote an inclusive economic and social development model that ensures our future.” Aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, BBK follows a strict order of values. First, it addresses the needs of Bizkaia. Second, it focuses on collaboration, complementarity and equal opportunities. Third is BBK’s commitment to sustainability combined with territorial balance. BBK advocates for gender perspective, innovation, and intergenerationality. It maintains rigorous Contact: Xabier Sagredo Company: BBK Fundación Bancaria Web Address: https://www.bbk.eus/es/
- standards of transparency and accountability. Xabier tells us, “Our strategic plans revolve around sustainable competitiveness. Our most recent campaigns raise social awareness about caring for the planet and considering the future of upcoming generations. At BBK, we are committed to a model that puts an end to ‘short-termism’. We want to involve everyone: businesses, institutions, entities, and citizens. The model embraces fair competitiveness, and promotes technology and talent, whilst respecting social, environmental, and governance criteria. It’s crucial to reflect on the consequences of every decision we make.” BBK’s model has arisen from the need to prioritise the welfare of the region and its people over purely economic interests. It is based on holistic, consistent decisionmaking which considers all aspects of life in Bizkaia and the roles of its inhabitants. Xabier says, “Our vision focuses on values, ethics, and humanism, moving away from competitiveness based only on price. We differentiate ourselves through innovation, quality, and excellence. We encourage the development of talent and creativity by contributing to the generation of quality jobs. This approach ensures environmental respect and preservation, equal opportunities, and social integration for all.” In recent years, BBK has undergone significant evolution. And, as a result of its strategic decision making BBK has seen many successes emerge. We ask Xabier to elaborate. He explains, “In 2021, we decided not to go public. This proved to be very wise. A study from the University of Deusto subsequently showed that we avoided the loss of over 2 billion euros as a result. This decision permitted us to remain the majority shareholder of Kutxabank. This enabled us to maintain and modernise social initiatives which are essential to the success of Bizkaia.” Also initiated in 2021 was BBK’s Kuna project. The project centres around applied research for social transformation on an international, national and regional scale. By creating a space for citizens, universities, research centres, public administration and private companies to come together, Kuna enables Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and future challenges to be addressed. And, in March 2023, BBK achieved its own goal of attaining the minimum target volume for the Reserve Fund required by law. In doing so, the foundation assures its control of Kutxabank. BBK employs 6,000 people in the Basque Country (Euskadi). So what does the future hold for BBK? Xabier says, “Despite everything we’ve been through until now, we’ve managed to carry out our mission for the benefit of the people of Bizkaia. In the future, we’ll focus all our efforts on protecting and growing these social initiatives. This is a long-term project. We may have reached some milestones, but our goal is to make BBK bigger, better, and stronger to drive those social initiatives forward.”
EU Business News- Q1 2024 PFx Biotech’s journey began with a very personal story of a father’s love for his newborn son and a quest to find a solution to a common yet often overlooked problem: cow milk protein allergy. Ali Osman, the Co-Founder and CEO of PFx Biotech, found himself facing a challenge that millions of parents worldwide encounter: a child allergic to cow milk proteins. This allergy affects millions of children worldwide, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions. Witnessing the distressing symptoms his son experienced ignited a passion to explore alternatives not just for his family but for the countless others facing similar struggles. Determined to find a solution and driven by a wealth of experience in the food and ingredient industry and a commitment to sustainability, Ali embarked on a journey that would lead to the birth of PFx Biotech in 2022. Realising that he couldn’t tackle this challenge alone, he enlisted the expertise of like-minded individuals who shared his vision for change. Today, PFx Biotech harnesses the power of engineering biology and uses precision fermentation to produce specialty proteins and protein-based ingredients, starting with human milk proteins, for use in the advanced nutrition applications. From earlylife nutrition, to nutraceuticals, elderly care, and performance nutrition, the company’s innovative products give players in advanced nutrition a competitive edge and allow them to cater to diverse needs, offering maximal value and impact. As a distinguished innovation leader, with a wealth of expertise in the food, biotech, and specialty ingredient sectors, Ali is widely recognised for his visionary approach and strategic acumen. Ali’s career is marked by a comprehensive skillset, encompassing strategic product and process innovation design, effective Most Innovative BioTech CEO 2024: Ali Osman Innovation meets compassion, and the future of nutrition unfolds at PFx Biotech. The firm’s story is one of personal inspiration, driven by a desire to revolutionise the food industry for the betterment of both health and the planet. We speak to the company Chief Executive Officer, Ali Osman in wake of him gaining notable recognition in the European CEO of the Year Awards 2024. Jun24135 collaboration with commercial and research partners, and exemplary stakeholder, team, and project management. “I place a high emphasis on customercentricity and value creation,” Ali elaborates. “Technically, my areas of expertise include protein chemistry and processing, and industrial biotechnology. I possess sound knowledge in scale-up, ingredients application, technical sales, and the launch of nutritional and specialty ingredients, particularly within the dairy sector.” Ali describes his leadership style as “a collaborative and visionary one, al¬ways seeing the long-term and being mo¬tivated by wanting to make a difference in the world.” To this end, he fosters an environment of innovation and trust, where every team member feels valued and empowered, believing in leading by example, demonstrating commitment, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Open communication and approachability are central to Ali’s leadership ethos, and he actively encourages team members to share ideas and feedback. This is done by holding regular team meetings, with clear goal setting, and transparent decision-making processes, all of which help align the team with the firm’s overall mission. Ali also promotes a culture of continuous learning and development, offering opportunities for professional growth aligned with his values. Recognition and reward systems are in place to celebrate those who embody these principles, reinforcing the importance of shared values. By maintaining a consistent and values-driven leadership approach, Ali has cultivated a unified and motivated team. When approaching new clients and projects, there is a lot of thorough research undertaken and a full understanding of their needs is required. Initial meetings are focused on active listening to grasp their vision and objectives, and clear, open communication is established from the start, setting the tone for a collaborative relationship. “Building relationships hinges on trust and reliability, which are nurtured through regular updates, transparency, and exceeding expectations,” states Ali. “Personalising interactions and showing genuine interest in their business strengthens these bonds.” To ensure projects are seamless, a structured yet flexible project management approach is employed. This includes detailed planning, setting clear milestones, and regular progress reviews. Leveraging project management tools ensures all team members are aligned, and potential issues are identified early. Continuous feedback loops with the client keep them engaged and informed, allowing for adjustments as needed. Post-project evaluations are conducted to gather insights and continuously improve processes for future projects. “Our ongoing strategy includes continuous innovation, rigorous research and development, and strategic partnerships to stay at the forefront of commercial and technological advancements,” he continues. “We employ techniques such as state-ofthe-art bioreactor optimisation, precision strain engineering, and comprehensive quality assurance protocols. Regular training and development programmes for our team keep us agile and knowledgeable, ensuring we consistently deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.” Currently, the precision fermentation industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and ethical food production alternatives. Advances in biotechnology and synthetic biology are enabling more efficient and cost-effective production processes. The industry is not without its challenges, however, including regulatory hurdles, high initial investment costs, and reaching price parity scenarios. “We need a lot of creativity,” Ali enthuses. “We need to see more collaborations between industry stakeholders, continued investment, and clear regulatory frameworks
www.eubusinessnews.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjI4