Madalina Racovitan, KPMG Romania: The Business Review Awards bring together some of the leading companies in Romania

Madalina Racovitan, Tax Partner, Head of People Services at KPMG in Romania, will be a member of the Jury Committee at the upcoming Business Review Awards 2023. To preface the 18th edition of the Gala and her duty as a jury member, Business Review sat down with her for a special interview.

There’s still time to enter the race for the Romanian business champions of 2022, at the 18th edition of the Business Review Awards Gala! The nominations deadline was extended until Friday, February 25. Take advantage of the last days to submit your nominations and join up with the most influential and inspiring business leaders, entrepreneurs and policy makers at one of Romania’s most prestigious business awards galas, with a reputation established over 17 previous editions! 

1. At this year’s edition of the Business Review Awards, in early March, you will be a member of the Jury Committee. How do you see this role and what are your expectations for the event and how will you approach the judging process of the nominees?

The Business Review Awards bring together some of the leading companies operating in Romania and celebrate their success in relation to a range of areas. My role is a difficult one- to try to judge between many highly successful organisations which make a valuable contribution to Romanian society, which support sustainable economic development and which offer opportunities to talented people to have interesting and fulfilling careers in Romania, as well as to choose between individuals who have made an outstanding impact. Nevertheless, we have clear, scientific criteria for making the selections in each category and so together with my fellow jury members I will apply these when we choose the winners. In terms of expectations, I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of interesting people and hearing about their innovative ideas.

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2. Considering that 2022 was such a challenging year, what are the most important features that you will be looking at in the nominee applications?

Many of the awards directly relate to a company’s performance on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues and ESG comes into play in all the categories. So we will look closely at the contribution organisations and individuals within them are making to wider society, as well as how they address their responsibilities, for example in combatting climate change and providing a nurturing environment for their employees. Being successful at making profit is not enough in today’s world, even in challenging times, so we will be looking carefully at the positive impact which the candidates are making on the broader community.

3. Looking at this year’s award categories, which one are you most eager to judge and evaluate its nominees?

All the categories are interesting and valuable. I’m looking forward to judging all of them and cannot say that I have a preference for any one in particular. Of course, as a People Services and Taxation expert, I will apply my specialist knowledge throughout the adjudication process.

4. Looking back at 2022, if you were the sole juror of the Awards, which person or organization would you give a trophy to and why (not necessarily related to the business world – it can be social, sports, politics, etc., any field you think someone excelled in and brought recognition for our country)?

The NGO Teach for Romania has made a great impact on society by supporting access to quality education for children in vulnerable communities. It trains dedicated and talented people to become teachers in highly disadvantaged schools. As such, it is making a huge contribution to the future of this country by its mission of ensuring that every child gets a fair start to their educational journey.  I also volunteer regularly with Teach for Romania and I am impressed by how they approach their mission (with passion and energy) as well as the real, on the ground impact they have in the most vulnerable communities in Romania.

5. What are the main qualities that you bring to the Business Review Awards Jury Committee table?

As a Partner in KPMG in Romania’s Tax Department and Head of People Services, I bring the experience of a large multinational, present in Romania since 1994, with a broad client base over a large number of sectors. Because we work for so many different clients, we have a very good understanding of the Romanian business environment as a whole, including its challenges and opportunities. I have been with the firm myself for twenty-four years and this has given me a lot of insight which I will bring to the jury.