The Diplomat-Bucharest celebrated 20 years of excellence at the 2024’s Awards Gala

This year, The Diplomat-Bucharest shares with its valued partners and audience, a momentous milestone – the 20th anniversary on the business media segment in Romania. This year, we celebrate two decades of unwavering dedication to excellence in media and our relentless pursuit of delivering insightful, timely and impactful business news and events.

In the past 20 years, we witnessed together the breakthroughs, the challenges and the hopes put into action of Romania’s business landscape. Over the years, we have strived to be the beacon of reliable information, a platform for media products and business events that not only informs but also inspires, educates, and connects the business community. Our 20 years’ journey has been marked by the resilience of our team, the trust of our readers, and the enduring partnerships with businesses that share our commitment to resilience and evolution.

Like in each year, The Diplomat-Bucharest connects with businesspeople and celebrates their excellence and performances in a special evening event, The Diplomat-Bucharest Awards Gala. This year, the special Awarding Gala ceremony took place on October 22, at JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our great partners, to whom we would like to say a big thank you: 

Platinum Partners: NXP Semiconductors Romania, RetuRO SGR

Gold Partners: Wipro, Societe Generale Global Solution Centre, Teleperformance, Hagag Development Europe, Hidroelectrica, Distributie Energie Electrica Romania, Vastint, tbi bank, Leoni, Evryo, Auchan, Green Point, Enevo Group, Capgemini, Nuclearelectrica, Romgaz, Eximprod Group, Tinmar Energy, E.ON, Romaqua Group Borsec, Genpact

Partners: INFORM, ICI, Lovering & Partners, Engie, Exim Banca Romaneasca, Klarwin, Transgaz, Transelectrica, Electrica Furnizare

Supporting Partners: Concordia, World Energy Council, AHK Romania, BRCC, CCIFER, Cluj IT

Media Partners: Sustainability Today, Outsourcing Today, Automotive Today, Financial Intelligence, Economistul, Romania Durabila, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa

And now it’s time to reveal the list of winners at the 2024 The Diplomat Awards Gala – 20 years Anniversary:

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY LEADING SUPPORTER

This award is given to the association that represents and supports the interests of the automotive industry in Romania, through constant actions and initiatives in collaboration with the central authorities and the private sector. The association is the representative of the Romanian automotive industry at the European level, and among its members are important companies and large investors such as Dacia, Ford Otosan, Continental, Bosch, Rombat and Schaeffler.

The award goes to ACAROM – Association of Automobile Manufacturers from Romania

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP

Tonight we are awarding an outstanding leader and the general director of one of the most important technology companies in the automotive field in Romania. This year, the company inaugurated two office buildings within its Engineering Center in Cluj, after an investment of approximately 21 million euros. At the same time, this company celebrates 30 years of presence on the local market in 2024, being a reliable partner for Romanian society.

This award goes to Mr. Mihai Boldijar, general manager of Robert Bosch S.R.L. and the representative of the Bosch Group in Romania

CIRCULAR ECONOMY EMPOWERING ACCELERATOR

The prize of this category is offered to an organization that was founded in 2017 by a group of experts dedicated to the promotion and implementation of the circular economy concept in Romania. The aim of the association is to accelerate the country’s transition to a circular economic model, where resources are used more efficiently and the impact on the environment is significantly reduced.

Through education, innovation and collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors, the organization contributes to a competitive and sustainable national economy, capable of generating economic growth and long-term employment opportunities in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way.

The award goes to the Circular Economy Coalition – CERC

ENERGY CHAMPION AWARD

This award is for one of the most important companies in Romania, a benchmark in the energy industry and one of the most anticipated companies on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. In the first year after the listing on the Stock Exchange, investors made over 200,000 transactions with the shares of this company, worth over 5 billion lei.

The largest electricity producer in Romania has 187 hydro capacities and a wind power plant, with a total power of almost 6,500 MW. The company has an ambitious investment plan for the modernization of hydropower plants, but also for the diversification of the portfolio of energy production capacities from renewable sources.

The award is given to Hidroelectrica

INVESTMENT FOR THE ENERGY GRID INFRASTRUCTURE

The award of this category is offered to the national electricity transmission operator. The state-owned company currently manages a network with a length of approximately 9,140 kilometers of overhead power lines of 400 kV, 220 kV and 110 kV and 81 electrical transformation stations.

In the last six years, the National Transport and System Operator has built over 400 kilometers of new 400 kV overhead power lines, and by 2030, 740 kilometers of high-voltage overhead power lines are under construction with a total value of over 380 million euros.

The award goes to Transelectrica.

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

This award is given to the CEO of an energy company that has successfully completed its first bond issue on international markets.

The company has raised €500 million, this milestone being a significant step in its commitment to growth, sustainability and delivering long-term value to stakeholders.

The award goes to Răzvan Popescu, CEO of Romgaz.

OUTSTANDING ENERGY INITIATIVE

The prize in this category is offered for a project that marks a European first: the start of work on the first tritium removal facility in Europe, located at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. This initiative marks a significant step forward in nuclear technology and environmental protection, in line with the European Union’s sustainability goals.

Using an innovative Romanian technology, the Cernavoda Detrition Facility will be the third in the world and the first in Europe and will give Romania the opportunity to become a European center for the production and export of tritium – the candidate fuel for future fusion reactors.

The award goes to Nuclearelectrica

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The award in this category goes to the administrator of the deposit-return system in Romania, the most important circular economy project at national level, which is enjoying success following a very good collaboration between the authorities, the private sector and citizens.

The national infrastructure for the collection and sorting of packaging is constantly developing, and the DRS project also ensures a significant number of jobs for Romanians.

The prize in this category is offered to RetuRO SGR.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EMPOWEREMENT LEADERSHIP

Tonight we are awarding a leader and an important voice in the Romanian business environment. Doctor in economics, with a professional experience of over 20 years, of which 10 years in non-governmental activity, public affairs and public relations. He founded a consulting and business management company that offers clients business and communication advice. She is the founder of the Association for the Development of Indigenous Entrepreneurship ADAA, which actively promotes the role and importance of entrepreneurship for the sustainable and sustainable economic development of Romania. He held important management positions in prestigious national companies and was active both in the central public administration and in the private sector. He established the European Patronage of Business Women PEFA, representative organization at the national level, member of the National Council of SMEs in Romania. It supports the awareness, both individually and collectively, of the importance of women’s involvement in public life, in society, in business and in politics.

We offer this award to Ms. Andreea Negru, President of PEFA – European Business Women’s Patronage

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION IN RETAIL

The award for excellence in sustainable retail services adapted to customer requirements is given to a company that recently celebrated 18 years on the Romanian market. It is the first retailer to launch the generalized discount concept in Romania and its market strategy places a strong emphasis on local products and producers, healthy food and responsibility towards the environment. With more than 7,000 employees working in more than 50 jobs in the company’s ecosystem, the retailer is one of the largest employers in the country and offers an inclusive work environment that permanently supports the well-being of its employees and who, through their actions, support and promotes responsibility and ethics in the Romanian retail market.

This award is given to Auchan Romania

LEADING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENERGY SECTOR

The prize of this category is offered to a key player in the Romanian energy system, a company that ensures access to safe energy for Romanian citizens and companies.

The company has started an approach to identify different options for decarbonizing the natural gas transmission network and to achieve the goal of decarbonization by ensuring the supply of clean, low-carbon energy. It is a regional commitment with European and even global implications. In 2023, the company accessed over 100 million euros for strategic investment projects.

The award goes to Transgaz.

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL GROWTH IN ROMANIA

We offer this award to a bank that represents a reliable partner for the business environment, a company focused on stimulating the business potential of customers. This company has a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the Romanian economy and to the consolidation of the Romanian banking system.

The award goes to Exim Banca Românească.

EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY TRANSITION

The prize in this category goes to the company that completed and delivered turnkey, last year, 161 photovoltaic power plants for 142 partner companies operating in various industrial branches, the total value of the projects amounting to almost 30 million euros.

They provide partner companies with an important degree of energy independence. At the same time, it contributes to protecting the environment by reducing CO2 emissions by over 10,000 tons per year.

This award is offered to E.ON Energie Romania.

MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

This evening we are awarding a manager who, in an extremely competitive and constantly changing industry, stood out as an example of managerial excellence, influencing not only the company he leads, but also the automotive sector in Romania. He proved to be a visionary leader, managing to form a team of professionals from various fields, transforming the company into a center of operational excellence. Under his leadership, more than 10% of the group’s global workforce is located in Romania, which underlines the strategic importance that this manager has given to the company’s local operations. Romania has thus become an essential player in the global supply chain, thanks to its leadership.

We offer this award to Mrs. Andrada Verdes, Country Manager, LEONI Romania.

SUSTAINABLE OFFICE DEVELOPMENT

The award in this category is for a real estate developer with bold local goals. Recently, the company started the second phase of a project in the Capital, with the aim of this being the first office building in Bucharest that will not use fossil fuels.

Thus, the heating gases will be eliminated, and the company will install photovoltaic panels on 1,700 square meters and two heat pump systems. The project aims to obtain the highest level of green certification, LEED Platinum, in accordance with the developer’s strategy.

20 YEARS OF IMPACT FOR GOOD

It has been 20 years since a small Romanian entrepreneurship, purely engineering, dared to dream of perfection. Courage, vision and ambition to aim for “Fluid perfection” have transformed the company into a European leader of solutions that today make life better for millions of people.

From the energy, pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage industries to waste management, Klarwin has extensive industrial experience based on partnerships with world leaders in each field.

After 20 years of activity, in Romania and in the region, the name Klarwin has undoubtedly become synonymous with innovation, technological leadership and performance, in each of the industries in which it operates. Klarwin is the company that generates impactful solutions in their operations by optimizing, streamlining and aligning to new sustainability standards.

Today we congratulate them for 20 years of impact for good and invite ADRIAN DOBRE on stage, the one who created and developed Klarwin – a regional landmark of professionalism and good practices.

CUSTOMER CENTRIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

This award is given to the energy company with the most prosumers connected to the network at national level, both from the point of view of the projects put into operation, and from the perspective of the installed power, according to the latest ANRE report.

Only in 2024, in the 7 counties in the company’s operational area: Argeș, Dolj, Gorj, Mehedinți, Olt, Teleorman and Vâlcea, approximately 13,000 prosumers were connected, with an installed power of 364 MW.

The award goes to Distributie Oltenia

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP FOR INNOVATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

This award is offered as recognition for the vision and leadership of the CEO of an institution that, for over 50 years, represents a landmark of excellence in the field of Information Technology and Communications in Romania. During its tenure, the company has positioned itself as a relevant IT cooperation hub in regions on all continents of the world, promoting openness and encouraging collaboration between research institutes, universities, businesses and public administration. Specifically, the institution has coordinated and been a partner in numerous national and international projects, including 16 projects with internal funding and 8 projects with European funding from prestigious programs such as Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+.

The award for leadership in promoting Romania on the global stage of IT&C skills is given to Mr. Dr. Eng. Adrian Victor VEVERA, Director General of the National Institute for Research – Development in Informatics – ICI Bucharest

EXCELLENCE IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

This award is given to a company active in the field of semiconductors, being one of the most important players at the international level. The company opened this year in Sibiu the second R&D center in Romania, where it develops software and technology for the automotive sector, as well as other industries. The prize of this category is awarded to NXP Semiconductors Romania.

EXCELLENCE IN ESG PRACTICE

This award is given to a company whose practice in the ESG segment has a significant impact on the business ecosystem by analyzing sustainable financing solutions, strengthening a culture of individual initiative and developing experts in good ESG practices. Thus, the company has implemented more than 100 sustainability commitments and initiatives, several dozen training sessions applied in the ESG area, thus managing to specialize more than 100 experts who perform risk analysis, non-financial reporting and other critical aspects related to of sustainable financing.

The award goes to Societe Generale Global Solution Centre

EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES

The award for excellence and best practice in achieving sustainability targets is presented to a company that commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2025. The company was recognized for its efforts to create sustainable supply chains, earning a place in the CDP 2023 supplier engagement rankings. The award-winning company also leverages its technological expertise to help clients develop sustainable products and operations, further reducing environmental impact, and has integrated climate action into every aspect of its business, ensuring long-term sustainability. These efforts earned it a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it in the top 1% of companies in its industry. This award highlights its commitment to environmental stewardship and its role as a leader in sustainable business practices.

The award is given to Capgemini Romania.

MILESTONE ACQUISITION IN BPO MARKET

This award marks the creation of a major global synergy between two important companies in the outsourcing services market, with excellent developments on the Romanian market. As a result of the acquisition transaction, the Romanian company now has over 3,500 employees and is becoming the market leader in the BPO industry. With a diverse portfolio, based on artificial intelligence, which includes various services, such as customer service (by phone, e-mail and chat), content moderation or technical support, the award-winning company is constantly developing simpler, faster and more secure for customers around the world.

The award is given to the company Teleperformance Romania.

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & URBAN RENEWAL

This award is given to a real estate developer who had the courage to purchase, restore, and re-introduce into the commercial circuit an emblematic historical monument for Bucharest, located on Calea Victoriei. The palace – because it is a palace – is a unique architectural landmark, with a history of almost 200 years, surrounded by a collection of heritage buildings representative of the urban dynamics in the heart of the capital. In addition to the works to consolidate and modernize the palace, the developer is also considering the reconstruction of an old Annex, which during the reign of Barbu Știrbei served as a carriage depot. Once the construction works are completed, Bucharest will have the first department store in the country, which will house luxury brands and an area with restaurants and terraces, transforming the former royal residence of protocol from the interwar period into a landmark on the map of shopping destinations luxury from Europe.

The award is offered to the Hagag Development Europe company, for the H Știrbei Palace project.

BEST MONEY VALUE AWARD FOR DEPOSITS

The award is given to a bank recognized for its outstanding commitment to providing customer-centric savings solutions. The bank excels in offering competitive deposit interest rates and an unparalleled level of transparency. Whether through its easy-to-use digital deposit platform or directly in branches, the bank provides customers with seamless access to high-value savings opportunities with no-fee policies. Strong financial performance and customer satisfaction reinforce the bank’s leadership in providing flexible and reliable savings solutions on the Romanian market.

The award goes to tbi bank.

LARGEST RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAYER IN ROMANIA

This award is given to the biggest player on the renewable energy market in Romania. The company recently signed a contract to acquire a substantial portfolio of the Evryo group, which is composed of 629 MW of renewable energy in operation and approximately 145 MW of assets under development. The deal has a total enterprise value of approximately €700 million.

Upon completion of the agreement, the company’s renewable energy portfolio in Romania will double, and the Group’s total installed capacity will reach 5.3 GW.

The award goes to PPC Renewables Romania.

BRAND LEGACY RECOGNITION 

We offer this award to a company that owns one of the strongest and most well-known Romanian brands in its portfolio, with a 26-year tradition in Romania. With a turnover of 220 million euros, the company has made investments of over 270 million euros in new technologies and equipment that support the company’s vision of sustainability. A large part of the investments are constantly directed into environmental projects, the protection of natural areas and waste management. The group has approximately 2,200 employees in 7 factories in Romania and combines in the factories operated in the country the newest manufacturing processes, as well as leading technology with complete production and bottling lines.

This award is given to Romaqua Group Borsec

LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT IN AI INNOVATION

We offer this award to a top company in the business services industry that has placed Bucharest on the global map of innovation in artificial intelligence. This year in April, the company’s third innovation center in the field of Artificial Intelligence was inaugurated, after the centers opened in India and London. The inauguration is not accidental, considering that in Bucharest, the company that has 4,500 employees in Romania, operates the largest operational center in Europe. Thus, the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Center offers the company’s customers and partners a collaborative space to reimagine their business processes alongside Artificial Intelligence experts and creates a solid foundation for efficient services with relevant added value.

The award is given to the company Genpact Romania for the development of the Genpact AI Innovation Center in Bucharest.

BEST DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SUPPLIER IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

The award is given to a company with over 130 years of experience in information management, print and communications that provides secure and transparent experiences for its customers. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products and services including payment solutions, identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization solutions and secure data management.

This company introduced new generative AI flows and improved services. It is a trusted partner for banks, fintech and financial organizations providing highly specialized solutions to advance digital transformation in the financial sector. The award is given to the company INFORM, member of AUSTRIACARD Holdings

LEADING COMMUNITY EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR GREEN INITIATIVES

This award is given to a company that, for 5 consecutive years, has been a leader in the OIREP services market through awareness and education projects on the topic of the circular economy. Through information, education and awareness campaigns in waste management, the company plays an important role, being a national benchmark of expertise and responsibility in the packaging waste industry for its partners.

The award goes to GreenPoint Management.

TRUSTED CLIENT PARTNER AWARD

The award is given to a company that is part of the foundation of the transformation of services for the business environment in Romania. During more than 15 years locally, the company has successfully built partnerships with clients based on trust, transparency, fairness and flexibility. The company’s strategy is driven by the success of its customers and this commitment is reflected in dedicated initiatives to generate added value, drive innovation and standardize processes. Moreover, the company’s core values ​​promote a culture of excellence that builds trust and focuses on key ESG (environment, social responsibility, corporate governance) priorities.

The award goes to Wipro.

EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY LEADERSHIP

The award of this category is given to a general manager who leads the largest energy distributor in Romania, a company that annually invests over 100 million euros in the modernization of electrical networks and the integration of new technologies. The company has projects worth over 300 million euros – financed through the Modernization Fund – for investments in distribution networks and smart meters.

The award goes to Mrs. Mihaela Suciu, CEO of Distributie Energie Electrica Romania.

RELIABLE PARTNER FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR

The award in this category goes to a group of companies with Romanian capital dedicated to the development of equipment, solutions and services that improve the reliability and efficiency of energy networks.

The group of companies prioritizes current energy needs and paves the way to a future where energy plays a crucial role in improving everyday life and promoting environmental protection.

Established in 1994, the company is now a trusted partner in the energy sector by consistently providing quality, innovation and efficiency.

Today, the group has a dedicated team of over 400 employees, 4 production units to support the diversity and complexity of services, from high, medium and low voltage products and equipment, to design, automation, turnkey projects, solutions edge computing and renewable energy services

The award goes to Eximprod Group.

10 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN ENERGY SECTOR

This award is given to a Romanian company created exactly 10 years ago and which started as a supplier of automation solutions for the energy sector. The company has grown into a multidisciplinary and multinational company capable of providing a complex range of engineering and execution services to clients in multiple industries and markets. The company managed to impose itself both on the Romanian market and internationally through large-scale projects in energy, oil and gas. It is also unique due to its ability to combine a wide range of skills in an integrated manner, providing complex solutions in multiple sectors, especially in energy and industrial automation.

This award is for Enevo Group.

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