BR’s Business Champions Awards Gala held yesterday at the sumptuous Cesianu-Racovita Palace – Artmark, was more than an event; it was a commemorative narrative that celebrated the triumphs of Romania’s most innovative and successful businesses. Also launched at the gala, the “25 Business Champions of 2023” special editorial project provided an explorative dive into the stories of 25 companies that have risen to prominence within the dynamic economic tapestry of Romania.

“Tonight, we come together to honor the 25 Business Champions of 2023—a remarkable editorial project that shines a spotlight on the most innovative and successful businesses across Romania. Throughout the course of this event, we’ll delve into the captivating stories of visionary leadership, groundbreaking strategies, and unwavering principles that have propelled these companies to the forefront of Romania’s business landscape. “25 Business Champions in Romania” stands as a tribute to their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As we navigate this evening, we’ll have the privilege of welcoming keynote speeches from top companies, each offering valuable insights into their exceptional journeys and inspiring achievements.” Said Colin Lovering, President of the British-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and the MC of the Business Champions Awards Gala.

The evening kicked off with an inspiring opening keynote speech from Ms. Elisabeta Lipa, the most decorated rower in Olympic history with 5 Gold Medals who currently serves as President of the Romanian National Agency for Sport, and culminated with the announcement of the 25 Business Champions of 2023, celebrating their resilience, creativity, and relentless pursuit of quality that they embody.

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“Thank you Business Review for the invitation to address the opening remarks of this Gala, celebrating the 25 Business Champions of 2023. As President of the National Agency for Sport and with 5 Olympic gold medals to my name, I can tell you that in sport, as in business, becoming a champion is not easy. That is why I would like to congratulate all the companies present here tonight, the best of the best, without whom the business environment in our country would be poorer, less dynamic and competitive. You can’t become a champion if you are not passionate about what you do. You cannot become a champion without hard work, vision, strategy, determination and ambition. You can’t become a champion and expect everything to be easy. But it’s only when things get tough, when the challenges and setbacks come, that the true character of a champion comes out and you can see whether or not they have what it takes. This is certainly the case for you, dear managers of champion companies in Romania. By your presence you show that you have what it takes to win.” Said Ms. Elisabeta Lipa.

As we reached the halfpoint of the prestigious event, we had the privilege of hearing a keynote speech from Mrs. Daniela Micusan, CEO of Teleperformance Romania, a company that has recently marked a significant milestone in their business journey and stands as a testament to dedication, achievement, and the pursuit of excellence in its field.

“For Business Review this year was a special one, as it marked 25 years of presence on the Romanian media market. Excellence was and is the attribute that guided us in all these years in delivering quality content to our readers, but also to our the defining element that we have pursued in the Romanian business environment. Tonight, we close the circle on Business Review’s 2023 anniversary year by bringing into the spotlight those companies that have excelled in business in this year. And to do this, we have produced an editorial project dedicated to 25 champions of business, whom we are honoured to award them tonight.” Said Anda Sebesi, Business Review’s Editor-in-Chief.

Without any further ado, we present you the 25 Business Champions of 2023:

Stefanini

Stefanini saw remarkable success in 2023, achieving its highest-ever revenue and profitability while surpassing growth targets. The company focused on digital transformation initiatives like the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) for future capabilities, the Customer Service Transformation (CST) team for innovative customer solutions, and SOPHIE X, an AI platform revolutionizing multilingual services.

Globalworth Romania

In 2023, Globalworth Romania saw exceptional success, surpassing occupancy goals and driving sustainability initiatives with Forge, a machine learning solution. They achieved record-breaking leasing, digitalized operations, and certified all office buildings as green. ESG and sustainability are paramount for Globalworth in Romania. They view green buildings as vital, aligning with their commitment to social responsibility and environmental conservation.

Vodafone Romania

In 2023, Vodafone Romania faced transformative challenges while solidifying its position as a digital champion rooted in the local landscape. The company shifted focus from telecommunications to a TechCo challenger, aiming for sustainable growth and community impact. Notably, Vodafone’s 200 million EUR annual investment in local infrastructure and digital innovation fueled projects like the CITI Cluster and the Vodafone Innovation Hub at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.

CPI Romania

CPI Romania positioned itself as a top-tier real estate investor in 2023. With a vast portfolio comprising premium office and retail spaces plus a Bucharest hotel, they achieved substantial leasing activity and enhanced infrastructure, elevating occupancy rates significantly. Their commitment to sustainability, seen in green certifications and social initiatives, positions them as trendsetters in the market amidst challenges.

Chimcomplex

In 2023, Chimcomplex overcame industry decline by diversifying investments and completing groundbreaking projects: a massive cogeneration plant and a unique trigeneration installation, significantly boosting energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. Despite a European chemical industry downturn, they surged forward, securing the top spot in Romania’s industry category for the second year.

Carrefour Romania

The successful transaction with the Louis Delhaize Group resulting in the acquisition of all Cora brand operations in Romania was one major milestone in 2023 for Carrefour Romania, expanding its store portfolio to 435 outlets and consolidating its position as a leading retailer and employer in Romania. Carrefour’s omnichannel approach and strategic shift toward becoming a Digital Retail company are also pushing the entire industry towards extensive e-commerce and mobile shopping.

Mondelez Romania

Demonstrating a clear commitment to leading the future of snacking, with sustainability being a distinct pillar in its Vision 2030, Mondelez continues to integrate sustainably grown ingredients into its product recipes as well as to optimise its packaging. Mondelez prioritized consumer snacking preferences, as indicated by the State of Snacking report, reaffirming the importance of affordable indulgences.

Sameday

Innovation and customer-centric solutions were pivotal for Sameday in 2023, emphasizing on the consolidation of the easybox network and expanding digital products for consumer convenience. This year’s significant projects revolved around technology-driven operational efficiency and customer experience enhancements. Initiatives like cross-border deliveries, SAMEDAY App, SAMY virtual assistant, and easyway service streamlined processes and improved parcel handling and customer interactions.

OSCAR Downstream

Operating in a market that is of strategic global importance and deeply intertwined with geopolitical, economic, and social factors, OSCAR Downstream has managed to grow steadily over the past 22 years, to become one of the top 5 companies in the Romanian fuel distribution market. Key projects in 2023 included a national digitalization initiative, enhancing client experiences with advanced contactless OSCAR Fleet Cards, rebranding, and automation for B2B fuel stations.

Garanti BBVA Romania

This year, Garanti BBVA Romania celebrated 25 years of operations on the local market. Focused on enhancing digital banking experiences and fostering customer relationships, their resilience contributed to financial stability. Sustainability is also a core focus for Garanti BBVA, with investments in green financing and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Schneider Electric Romania

Schneider Electric Romania’s focus revolved this year around efficiently implementing large, complex projects, particularly those financed through European funds. Several significant projects were successfully finalized in 2023, including sustainable public transport initiatives in Vaslui, and contributions to the most sustainable IKEA center in the South-East region in Timisoara.

Teleperformance Romania

In 2023, Teleperformance Romania achieved a milestone by doubling its headcount to over 3,500 employees, attributing this growth to the country’s business environment and the impact of the Majorel acquisition. Through a robust service portfolio, including AI-powered solutions and a diverse workforce speaking over 300 languages, Teleperformance has fortified its position, blending advanced technology with human empathy to deliver enhanced customer care.

Agricover

Amid a very complex and challenging year for the agriculture sector at the international level, with innovation and sustainability at the forefront, Agricover’s role in supporting farmers to reinvest in a new agricultural cycle is more important than ever. They prioritized innovation and digitalization, launching SAP financing services and an updated CROP360 platform while introducing agricultural drones.

Cargus

This year was a full one for Cargus: the business expanded to international markets, improved its operational performance, consolidated its out-of-home networks, enriched its team with professionals, and followed its mission to become a leader in innovation in the courier industry. Key projects included Cargus Mobile and MyCargus, expanding operational efficiency and consumer convenience.

Vastint Romania

Vastint Romania, known for premium office developments like Bucharest Business Garden & Timpuri Noi Square, achieved LEED PLATINUM certification, marking the highest LEED scores in the country. In 2023, a pivotal year, contract renewals for initial buildings were a significant achievement, affirming the company’s alignment with clients’ needs. ESG and sustainability are paramount, shaping Vastint’s focus on environmental impact reduction.

Edenred

This year, Edenred focused on its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digitalization while expanding the range of benefits it offers by integrating subscriptions to sports facilities and partnering with entertainment and travel platforms. Their “Support for Romania” program benefited millions and their focus on sustainability is evident through initiatives like EduFOOD, aiming to educate the youth on healthy living.

One United Properties

One United Properties, the leading green investor and developer of residential, mixed-use, and office real estate in Romania, experienced solid development in 2023, as proven by its most recent financial results. Key projects included rehabilitating historical buildings, introducing the Mondrian brand to Bucharest, and partnering with Infineon Technologies for a sustainable office project. ESG and sustainability are central to One United Properties, evident in their energy-efficient buildings and partnerships for reduced environmental impact.

Grampet

In 2023, Grampet rapidly responded to market demands while facilitating Ukrainian exports through the Solidarity Lanes project, transporting over 1.5 million net tonnes. Notably, their flagship company, Grup Feroviar Roman, introduced the International Consignment Note and invested in projects supporting railway modernization and youth education. The Toflea Foundation, aiding Roma students, stands as a significant social commitment.

SIGNAL IDUNA Romania

In 2023, SIGNAL IDUNA celebrated 15 years in the Romanian market with robust expansion and consistent success, signaling adaptability and commitment to shaping the insurance landscape. Emphasizing digitalization and innovation, the company has emerged as a leader in the health insurance sector, catering to evolving policyholder needs through tailored solutions.

Carmistin

For Carmistin, 2023 marked a milestone in the company’s development: the launch of the Potcoava Farm, the first 100% organic chicken farm in Romania, showcasing their commitment to organic production and reflecting a growing demand for sustainable food. Thanks to Carmistin, the agribusiness sector in Romania is evolving toward technology and sustainability.

Arctic

Sustainability is part of Arctic’s business model, and the integration of sustainable practices throughout its value chain has been a priority in 2023. The company also maintained a leading position in the appliance market and secured recognition as a top employer, showcasing its dedication to fostering an inspiring workplace culture. Sustainability remains integral to Arctic’s ethos, with its Ulmi washing machine factory acclaimed for its cutting-edge sustainable measures.

FAN Courier

In 2023, FAN Courier focused on innovative delivery solutions, like their FANbox lockers and a new international HUB in Arad, investing heavily in technological advancements. They also streamlined operations through automation and digitalization, enhancing customer experience. FAN Courier also prioritizes sustainability, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and implementing ongoing initiatives for waste reduction and eco-friendly practices.

Raiffeisen Bank Romania

Back in 2021, Raiffeisen was the first bank to issue green and sustainability bonds on the Romanian capital market. Since then, it has issued 7 bonds with a cumulative nominal value of almost EUR 1 billion. Key projects in 2023 included significant IT infrastructure investments, cybersecurity enhancements, credit risk model advancements, and progress in AI adoption, all aimed at bolstering operational efficiency and customer experience.

DS Smith Paper Zarnesti

In 2023, DS Smith Paper Zarnesti thrived amid challenges, leveraging a united team and strategic investments with a focus on sustainability. Their new wastewater treatment plant, alongside expansions in manufacturing and recycling, underscore their commitment to reducing environmental impact, as sustainability remains integral, driving their vision for a low carbon, circular economy.

Agista

Reinforcing its commitment to pursue growth in the IT&C sector through Bittnet Systems and making its entrance on the local healthcare market via a minority acquisition in Centro-Kinetic were two of Agista’s major accomplishments in 2023. Besides those, the company continued to deploy investments in promising entrepreneurial ventures.

Congratulations to all 25 Business Champions and a special thank you  goes out to all those involved in the 25 Business Champions editorial project & awards gala, the distinguished audience, our hosts for the evening at Artmark, our delightful MC – Colin Lovering, Vila Vinea for their great wines, our production partner Think Events | Holograma 3D,  and the event partners Vodafone Romania and Teleperformance Romania!

And with this, Business Review’s 2023 anniversary year comes to an end! What a ride we’ve had! In 2023, Business Review hosted 9 insightful B2B conferences and 2 prestigious awards galas and launched a record number of publications: 12 editions of our print magazine, one special editorial project, and one supplement, the Real Estate Guide. Business Review wishes you Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year. We look forward to seeing you again in 2024, with fresh energy, impactful conversations, and inspiring content, in person at our events, or through our online platforms and print publications!