This year, The Diplomat–Bucharest proudly marks a new milestone in its journey, celebrating the 21st edition of its prestigious Awards Gala — an event dedicated to recognizing excellence, leadership, and innovation across Romania’s key industries. For more than two decades, The Diplomat–Bucharest has remained committed to delivering insightful, timely, and impactful business journalism, while fostering meaningful dialogue and connection within the country’s economic and institutional landscape.
Throughout these 21 years, we have witnessed together the evolution of Romania’s business environment: its breakthroughs, its challenges, and the many aspirations transformed into reality. Our mission has always been to serve as a trusted source of information and a catalyst for business engagement — offering media platforms and events that inform, inspire, educate, and bring the community together. The resilience of our team, the loyalty of our readers, and the strong partnerships built over time continue to shape this enduring journey.
As every year, The Diplomat–Bucharest brings together the business community to celebrate their achievements in a memorable setting — The Diplomat–Bucharest Awards Gala. The 21st edition of the Awarding Gala took place on December 9, at InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, Le Diplomate Hall, honoring individuals, companies, and initiatives that are driving progress and sustainable growth.
This special event would not have been possible without the support of our exceptional partners, to whom we extend our deepest gratitude:
PLATINUM PARTNERS: NXP Semiconductors
GOLD PARTNERS: Continental Anvelope Romania, Vastint Romania, TP Romania, Institutul Național de Cercetare – Dezvoltare în Informatică ICI Bucharest, Enevo Group, Auchan Retail Romania, Hagag Europe, EVO Properties, Klarwin, Nuclearelectrica,
E-ON Romania, Genpact Romania, Distributie Energie Electrica Romania, BMF Grup, Hidroelectrica, Getica 95, Nova Power & Gas
PARTNERS: Polytrade Global, Tinmar Energy, MET, Exim Banca Romaneasca, Borsec, Romgaz, Transgaz, Electrica Furnizare, Transelectrica
SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS: Employers’ Confederation Concordia, Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce AHK Romania, Romanian-British Chamber of Commerce BRCC, Romanian-French Chamber of Commerce CCIFER, Cluj IT Cluster, World Energy Council, HENRO – Association of Electricity Producers in Romania, ANIS – Employers’ Association of the Software and Services Industry, CERC – Coalition for the Circular Economy, ECOTECA, Lovering & Partners
MEDIA PARTNERS: Automotive Today, Outsourcing Today, Financial Intelligence, Economistul, Romania Durabilă, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa
And now it’s time to reveal the list of winners at the 2024 The Diplomat Awards Gala – 21 years Anniversary:
RETAIL MEDIA LEADERSHIP AWARD
The award goes to a retailer that has redefined the industry’s advertising landscape, leading the transition to Retail Media 3.0 through a vision consistently oriented toward innovation and the customer.
Under the coordination of the new department led by Tiberiu Dănețiu, former Marketing Director and current Retail Media Director, the company became a market pioneer, launching retail-media-driven initiatives as early as 2017 and opening the first retail media agency in Romania in 2021.
Today, its integrated ecosystem of Retail Media & Data Insights — which brings together in-store, on-site, and off-site channels powered by advanced first-party data — offers highly targeted, measurable, and high-impact communication solutions.
By setting new standards of precision, performance, and omnichannel activation, the company has established itself as the architect and ongoing leader of the most advanced, mature, and efficient retail media network in Romania.
The award goes to Auchan Retail Media Romania.
CEO ENERGY EXCELLENCE AWARD
In a period when the energy sector faces simultaneous pressure for modernization, the need for rapid adaptation, and responsibility toward millions of consumers, there are leaders who transform uncertainty into opportunity and change into progress. Under their guidance, organizations not only navigate challenges but rediscover their direction and purpose. Through bold strategies, clarity in decision-making, and by fostering an organizational culture built on responsibility, transparency, and performance, this leader has succeeded in raising industry standards and inspiring thousands of professionals.
About the leader honored this evening, we can say the following: under his leadership, the company accelerated the energy transition by significantly increasing year after year its investments in networks—essential for integrating renewable sources and strengthening infrastructure resilience. Overall, investments made by the group’s companies in Romania since 2005 amount to nearly EUR 2.5 billion. Over 40,000 prosumers have been connected to the grids, and more than 400 turnkey photovoltaic plants have been delivered to partner companies, generating approximately 105 GWh of renewable electricity annually and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.
In parallel, the CEO awarded tonight strengthened his commitment to sustainability through volunteering activities and major investments in numerous community projects supporting education, culture, and the environment, as well as through national safety-awareness and education campaigns that have reached millions of people.
This award is presented to Mr. VOLKER RAFFEL, CEO, E.ON Romania
BUSINESS CONTINUITY EXCELLENCE AWARD
In an ever-changing energy market, a company’s ability to maintain its direction, stability, and the confidence of its partners becomes a true test of resilience. In recent years, the business we honor this evening has demonstrated exactly that: it achieved a solid recovery after a challenging period, rebuilt its portfolio, and reported a turnover of over 1.58 billion lei, confirming a steady and mature evolution.
Moreover, the company looks to the future with ambition, through major investment plans in energy storage solutions — a program aimed at developing capacities of 400–500 MW by 2026, strengthening its role on the market and its contribution to the stability of the national energy system.
For this demonstration of continuity, responsibility, and vision,
the “Business Continuity Excellence Award” goes to Getica 95.
AWARD FOR THE LARGEST INVESTMENTS IN BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SOLUTIONS
In a context where energy security and system flexibility are becoming national priorities, investments in energy storage solutions take on strategic importance.
Today we celebrate a company that has established itself as Romania’s national leader in energy storage, with a capacity of 240 MW already in operation. At the same time, this company is making substantial investments in electricity generation — both from renewable sources and gas-fired plants — and remains a major provider of electricity and natural gas, delivering over 4.6 TW in 2024 and recording nearly 3 billion lei in turnover.
This year, the company achieved a landmark investment: the development of a 400 MWh capacity facility, a project that will practically double the national storage capacity and accelerate renewable energy integration.
For this remarkable contribution and for the vision demonstrated in BESS technology, the Award for the Largest Investment in Battery Energy Storage Solutions goes to… Nova Power & Gas!
EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING & SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AWARD
In the context of the 25 YEARS’ ANNIVERSARY
This award is presented to a company that in 2025 celebrates a quarter-century since the start of its production in Romania, currently operating one of the most modern tire factories within Continental’s global network.
With cumulative investments exceeding EUR 700 million and approximately 2,900 employees, the factory has continuously evolved over the years, becoming a landmark in Romania’s industry and an example of technological transformation through automation, digitalization, sustainability, and social involvement. The factory supports the development of younger generations through partnerships with universities and technical high schools, dual education programs, and initiatives dedicated to professional growth. By aligning social responsibility with its development strategy, the company lays the foundation for sustainable growth through investments in people, progress in sustainability, and meaningful community involvement.
The award is presented to Continental Anvelope România
STRATEGIC ENERGY SECURITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is presented to a company with a strategic role in ensuring Romania’s energy security. The company has an investment plan of over EUR 1.4 billion for the next two years, targeting modernization, upgrading, and expansion of storage capacities.
This year, the company signed contracts worth over EUR 240 million for modernization and upgrading works, and in the last months of 2025 it is carrying out public procurement procedures estimated at EUR 380 million. Among the projects are two major storage investments: the battery system at Crucea Wind Farm (108 MW) and a storage project at Porțile de Fier II, worth 310 million lei.
This award is granted to Hidroelectrica
BEST INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE FINANCING AWARD
In a global economic environment marked by volatility and uncertainty, ROMGAZ, awarded this evening, has demonstrated not only resilience but also strategic vision.
On October 28, 2025, the company completed its second international bond issuance under the EMTN Program, raising EUR 500 million with a six-year maturity and a competitive interest rate of 4.625%.
This transaction is not just a financial operation but a strong signal of confidence from institutional investors, reflected in the eightfold oversubscription. In a market where predictability and transparency are essential, ROMGAZ has managed to strengthen its status as a benchmark issuer, offering a model of best practices for Romanian companies aspiring to international financing.
Moreover, this financing supports strategic projects such as Neptun Deep — a pillar of regional energy security and the transition toward a sustainable economy. By diversifying capital sources and maintaining a healthy debt structure, ROMGAZ reaffirms its commitment to long-term growth and corporate responsibility.
This success would not have been possible without the professionalism of the ROMGAZ team, the collaboration with financial institutions and advisors, and the trust investors placed in the company’s strategy.
The Award for Excellence in International Corporate Financing recognizes this outstanding achievement, which not only strengthens ROMGAZ’s position on global markets but also contributes to Romania’s economic and energy development.
EXCELLENCE IN STRATEGIC INVESTMENT AWARD
The Excellence in Strategic Investment Award goes to DEER, for the vision and consistency with which it invests in the future of energy. In 2024, DEER closed the year with turnover of 3.8 billion lei and a net profit of 648 million lei, while investments exceeded 775 million lei — 10% above plan. For 2025, the company targets investments of approximately 800 million lei, and long-term plans exceed 5.7 billion lei by 2029 for network modernization and digitalization.
Projects include smart metering for 1.1 million users, network automation, new power stations in Sibiu and Cluj, and the Virtual Power Plant platform.
With over 2 billion lei attracted through the Modernization Fund, DEER sets a sector record and proves that strategic investments can transform the present into the future.
EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY LEADERSHIP & STRATEGIC ADVISORY
For over 18 years, the leader honored in this category has coordinated complex projects in energy and natural resources — from greenfield developments to financing and regulatory compliance — supporting local and international investors in navigating dynamic regulatory frameworks and demanding market conditions.
In 2025, her firm played a key role in structuring a landmark biomethane investment alongside BSOG Energy, covering regulatory, project development, and financing aspects, thereby contributing to Romania’s clean-energy transition. Her impeccable legal expertise, industry influence, and capacity to advise at strategic level have had a major impact on the evolution of the energy investment landscape. By combining technical rigor with strategic vision, she demonstrates exemplary leadership and a decisive role in advancing sustainable, high-impact energy projects.
We proudly present this award to Oana Ijdelea, Managing Partner, Ijdelea & Associates, for her outstanding leadership and strategic contribution to Romania’s energy sector.
EXCELLENCE IN SUPPORTING LOCAL E-COMMERCE ECOSYSTEM
In only one year since launching local onboarding, one of the most important international marketplaces has become a key growth engine for Romanian e-commerce, integrating over 6,500 local merchants active on the platform. Today, renowned companies and brands such as Gerovital, EvoMag, and Carrefour Romania, along with thousands of Romanian SMEs, make millions of products available to customers, generating 50% of the marketplace’s activity in Romania.
Education is a core pillar of this development. Local merchants have access to dozens of Romanian-language materials designed to improve performance and operational efficiency. Strengthening these skills supports the international expansion of Romanian sellers, who can now take their products to new markets across the region.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Excellence in Supporting the Local E-Commerce Ecosystem Award goes to TRENDYOL.
LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION AWARD
In a time when technology is redefining entire industries, Horia Sabo, awarded in this category, and Codata Software Solutions stand as an example of vision, adaptability, and long-term strategic development.
With a career that began in infrastructure and logistics and gradually evolved into the IT field, Horia Sabo has demonstrated that performance is not tied to a single industry but to the ability to understand processes, people, and the opportunities behind them. Under his leadership, Codata Software Solutions has become a relevant Romanian player in IT&C solutions, capable of developing proprietary products, integrating complex technologies, and delivering real value to partners in strategic sectors — from security and defense to telecommunications and urban mobility. Today, the company is not only growing but transforming into a strategic regional partner, with the ambition to prove that Romania can export efficiency, innovation, and expertise — not just technical execution.
YOUNG EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD
This award is presented to a professional in the renewable energy sector. Eduard Meiloiu has demonstrated remarkable professional growth, advancing rapidly from his early experiences as a student intern to leading the Renewable Energy Division within ENEVO Group, where he has played a key role in its expansion and consolidation.
What sets him apart is that, at only 31 years old, he manages a business worth nearly EUR 100 million and leads a team of approximately 90 people. As Executive Director of ENEVO Group’s Renewable Energy Division — which he has built and developed impressively in recent years — his business unit today represents a major component of the company’s activity and stands as an example of both technical and managerial leadership. Eduard began his journey with the company while still a student at the Polytechnic University, evolving quickly from technical roles — in electrical power systems and protection — to coordinating international projects, and later to leading the Renewables Division. The company’s organizational culture and the founders’ mentorship have been key factors in his professional development.
REGIONAL ENERGY SECURITY CONTRIBUTION AWARD
Each year, we recognize companies that not only perform but assume a crucial role in the stability and development of the region. The award we are about to present acknowledges a remarkable contribution to strengthening regional energy security.
We are speaking about a company that:
- has successfully connected Romania to the European gas transmission networks,
- has consistently invested in infrastructure modernization,
- has demonstrated commitment to diversifying supply sources and routes,
- and has become a pillar of energy stability in South-Eastern Europe.
This distinction is not just a trophy but a symbol of gratitude for a mission carried out with vision and responsibility.
We present the Regional Energy Security Contribution Award to TRANSGAZ!
INVESTOR RELATIONS EXCELLENCE AWARD
This award recognizes the company’s excellence in managing investor relations and in transparent, clear, and effective communication. It highlights the company’s continuous efforts to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with the capital market, placing transparency at the core of its strategy. Through this recognition, the company reaffirms its status as a trusted issuer, capable of providing investors with clear and consistent information, while strengthening Romania’s reputation on the map of energy and financial investments.
This award reflects not only the company’s solid financial performance but also its strong commitment to high standards of ethics, communication, and corporate responsibility.
The award is granted to Nuclearelectrica
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL GROWTH IN ROMANIA
We present this award to a bank that serves as a trusted partner for the business environment — a company focused on stimulating the business potential of its clients. This company contributes significantly to the sustainable development of Romania’s economy and to the strengthening of the Romanian banking system.
The award goes to Exim Banca Românească
LEADERSHIP IN AI AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD
This award is given to the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics – ICI Bucharest for its pioneering role in developing Romania’s first AI Factory.
ICI Bucharest is recognized for the vision and strategic leadership that enabled the launch of RO AI Factory, the first national infrastructure dedicated to artificial intelligence in Romania. Through this project, ICI Bucharest has positioned Romania within the European EuroHPC – AI Factories network, alongside nations with strong supercomputing traditions. The initiative provides access to a state-of-the-art supercomputer, high-performance computing resources, datasets, and training programs, supporting research, businesses, and the public sector.
RO AI Factory is not just a technological project but a catalyst for digital transformation, opening the path toward new investments, international partnerships, and the development of a competitive, ethical AI ecosystem in Romania.
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FAMILY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
This award is granted to one of the most respected family-owned businesses with 100% Romanian capital. The company is expanding its business model by adding a new line of activity: the production of pet food.
The record investment in the new factory — EUR 150 million — is entirely funded from the company’s own resources through reinvested profits, making it the largest entrepreneurial initiative of its kind in the region. With a built area of 65,000 sqm, the new factory will be able to produce sufficient food to feed over 11 million dogs and cats annually.
Located in Ciugud, Alba County, it will be the largest pet-food production facility in the country and among the biggest and most modern in Europe. Equipment installation will begin early next year, with actual production scheduled to start in the second half of 2026.
The award is presented to Transavia
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT AWARD
We offer this award to the company that has invested 5 million lei in a photovoltaic park that will supply approximately 20% of the annual electricity needs of its factory in Timișoara.
The Timișoara factory began production in 1993, when the first soft drinks were distributed to the local market. It was officially inaugurated in 1995. Today, the facility produces about 284 million liters of beverages annually and exports to 15 countries, benefiting from fully automated processes and state-of-the-art digital technologies.
The award is presented to Coca-Cola HBC Romania, part of the Coca-Cola System, present for 34 years on the Romanian market.
INNOVATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AWARD
This award is presented to a company that, in more than two decades of activity, has transformed innovation into a real engine of progress for critical industries across the economy. With over 2,600 projects implemented in 15 sectors and a portfolio of more than 1,100 clients, the company has become a regional benchmark in applied engineering for filtration, purification, and water-treatment solutions.
Through continuous adoption of advanced technologies, digitalization, and intelligent process-optimization systems, the company contributes directly to improving sustainability, safety, and performance in industries such as automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental protection. A team of over 130 specialists develops customized solutions for each partner, with visible impact on resource quality, operational efficiency, and environmental footprint reduction.
This award recognizes the commitment of an organization that proves that a sustainable future begins with innovation — through advanced technical solutions, responsibility, and long-term vision.
The award is presented to Klarwin
BUSINESS GROWTH & PEOPLE EXCELLENCE AWARD
The awarded company has set a standard in cultivating talent and supporting professional development within the business-process outsourcing industry. Through comprehensive learning programs, robust mentorship initiatives, and clear career-development pathways, it has empowered its employees to realize their full potential while aligning their growth with the company’s strategic objectives.
By focusing on skill-building, continuous improvement, and consistent performance support, the company has built a motivated, high-performing team capable of generating innovation and delivering outstanding results to clients. This award recognizes its commitment to talent growth, employee engagement, and sustainable expansion, strengthening its position as a leader in creating a thriving workplace where people and business grow together.
We present this award to TP România
EXCELLENCE IN INTEGRATED ENERGY & REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
This award is presented to an international investor with Israeli capital and DNA, present in Romania since 2017. The company is diversifying its local operations and has recently entered the Romanian energy sector through the acquisition of BTD Distribuție și Furnizare — a Romanian company specialized in infrastructure execution and in the distribution and supply of natural gas.
The investor also announces the launch of a new local energy division, with plans to expand its operations in this field through a phased investment program valued at over EUR 400 million in the coming years.
The new division is a strategic one and strengthens the company’s local presence, complementing its well-established real estate development activity, where it is recognized as one of the most prominent players in the industry.
We present this award to Hagag Europe Development
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY AWARD
This award is given to a company that has demonstrated an ambitious strategic vision in digital transformation. Through consistent and significant investment in emerging technologies, the company reaffirms not only its commitment to developing innovative solutions but also its ability to set trends in information security and data analytics.
A crucial step in this direction was the acquisition of LSTech, a research and data analytics specialist bringing expertise in AI — from machine learning to generative AI, big-data engineering, and sophisticated simulations. This strategic move strengthens the company’s transformation into a next-generation solutions provider, where artificial intelligence is deeply integrated and the added value is immediately visible.
The award goes to INFORM, member of AUSTRIACARD Holdings
FACILITY MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION AWARD
In a year when performance and innovation have redefined industry standards, the Romanian-capital group awarded tonight receives the Facility Management Excellence Award — a recognition of its unwavering commitment to quality and efficiency. Through integrated technical solutions, rapid interventions, and constant attention to sustainability, the group has demonstrated not only professionalism but a modern vision of how infrastructures can be intelligently managed.
This award confirms the company’s leadership position in facility management and stands as proof of the team’s dedication to building safe, functional, and future-oriented environments. Behind every project lies the same promise: excellence in every detail.
The award goes to BMF Grup
EXCELLENCE IN AUTOMOTIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is presented to one of the most influential and respected voices in Romania’s semiconductor industry — a leader who has redefined standards of excellence in the automotive sector.
As Country Manager of NXP Semiconductors Romania, she has transformed the organization into a benchmark for technological expertise, innovation, and strategic collaboration, directly contributing to the evolution of electronic solutions shaping the future of mobility.
Her strategic approach has strengthened strong partnerships with academia, industry, and local authorities, helping shape a new generation of engineers specialized in critical technologies for the global automotive industry. Through her initiatives, Romania has positioned itself as a relevant player in Europe’s semiconductor value chain, at a time when innovation and resilience are essential for the future of mobility.
We present this award to Simona Almăjan, Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors Romania
WORKSPACE INNOVATION LEADER
EVO Properties, awarded in this category, is recognized for redefining the traditional office landscape and for transforming the London & Oslo buildings into one of the first multifunctional urban hubs in Bucharest.
By integrating new functions — including a specialty café, the in-house EVO FIT gym, and a cultural space dedicated to theatre and live performances — EVO Properties demonstrates how an office building can evolve into a vibrant ecosystem supporting community, well-being, and everyday experiences.
This award celebrates the company’s innovative vision and its ability to transform existing office infrastructure into a dynamic, people-centered environment where work, culture, lifestyle, and authentic connections come together.
CULTURE & STEWARDSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD
This distinction honors the people and teams in essential support functions within Wipro Romania — such as Facilities Management, Recruitment, Training, HR, and Quality — who consistently go the extra mile to facilitate collaboration and sustain organizational culture. This award celebrates true stewardship: ensuring smooth operations, fostering synergy between departments, and promoting sustainable practices aligned with ESG principles. Their behind-the-scenes dedication builds a strong foundation of trust, inclusion, and long-term success for the entire organization.
AI-DRIVEN BUSINESS VALUE AWARD
The awarded company delivered a transformative, AI-centered program for its client, a leading €10 billion consumer-goods enterprise employing 33,000 people across Central and Eastern Europe.
The project reimagined Market-to-Cash and Procure-to-Pay processes through innovative solutions spanning generative AI, hyper-automation, and agentic AI. By co-creating and co-leading the program with the client, the company enhanced operational efficiency, improved customer and supplier experiences, and enabled smarter data-driven decision-making.
This award goes to Genpact — a company that doesn’t just deploy technology but designs, engineers, and scales AI-led operating models. Their shared investment approach and ability to build enterprise-grade AI products in complex environments demonstrate what it means to be a true transformation partner: turning advanced technology into meaningful, sustainable business value at scale.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPER EXCELLENCE AWARD
This company is redefining urban development through sustainable, smart, and community-centered projects. It develops vibrant, energy-efficient projects, seamlessly integrated into the urban environment while promoting sustainable mobility, green-space protection, and human well-being.
Each project is designed to create sustainable urban environments that combine commercial, social, and cultural functions, supporting local economic development and improving quality of life. Investments in innovative design, green technologies, and urban regeneration demonstrate a genuine commitment to a responsible and sustainable urban future.
Through these achievements, the company exemplifies excellence in urban development and becomes a model for the industry, proving that city development can be sustainable, profitable, and people-centered at the same time.
We present this award to Vastint România
NATIONAL HERITAGE & SUCCESS AWARD
Tonight we celebrate the brands that carry forward what Romania holds most dear: tradition, nature, and excellence. The distinction we are about to present honors a story born from heritage and transformed, through care and perseverance, into a success that transcends national borders.
It is the story of a name that has succeeded in turning natural resources into a national symbol, preserving authenticity while continuously innovating. A brand that respects the place it comes from, supports the local community, and remains a true ambassador of Romanian quality.
For the strength with which it carries Romania’s natural heritage into the future, for the consistency with which it upholds the highest standards, and for its success beyond the country’s borders, we are honored to present the National Heritage & Success Award to Borsec.
