25 leaders to watch in 2023

2022 was a tumultuous year from an economic standpoint, at both the local and global level. Permacrisis was designated as the keyword of 2022 by the Collins English Dictionary, which paints a vivid picture of the fact that changes in the working context are becoming a constant daily challenge. The pandemic experience taught companies that they should be able to move fast, be aware of what their customers need, and learn how to better support them.

The pandemic and the pressures associated with the war in Ukraine were among the biggest sources of adversity for many companies in 2022, regardless of the industry in which they operate. Additionally, in sectors like IT, the fight for talent has also been intense, as there are many skilled workers who are living in Romania but working for western markets, which makes recruitment and retention more difficult for local companies, as western countries tend to pay better wages.

The 25-year anniversary edition of Business Review celebrates 25 leaders of some of the most succesful companies in Romania, all of whom have proven to be good at the anticipation game as they’ve been able to make good decisions even in these turbulent times. They have managed to generate growth for their companies by harnessing market developments and turning challenges into new business opportunities. They have also learned to not be afraid of taking risks and to always see the positive side of a new challenge, no matter how many disappointments they may experience on the way to success. Ladies and gentlemen, read on to learn all about Romania’s top business leaders!

6 Romania must improve legislation to reach EU recycling targets

10 25 leaders to watch in 2023

Marketing

40 Artificial Intelligence is not magic

Entrepreneurship

42 SeedBlink looking to expand after mobilising EUR 115 million for startups

CITY

44 Timisoara 2023

European Capital of Culture programme officially open

46 Cultural calendar

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Anda Sebesi JOURNALISTS: Aurel Constantin, Mihai Cristea, Deniza Cristian, Romanita Oprea, Oana Vasiliu

CONTRIBUTORS: Ovidiu Posirca, Claudiu Vrinceanu

COPY EDITOR: Anca Alexe PHOTO EDITOR: Mihai Constantineanu PHOTOS: Dreamstime ART DIRECTOR: Raluca Dumitru

PUBLISHER: Bloc-Notes Media Network ADDRESS: 82-98 Calea Grivitei, 1st floor, Hotspot Workhub, District 1, Bucharest, Romania

SALES MANAGER: Roxana Suhan SALES & MARKETING MANAGER: Luiza Luca

PRODUCTION: Dan Mitroi DISTRIBUTION: Eugen Musat

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: George Moise GENERAL MANAGER: Catalin Alistari USA MANAGER: Oana Molodoi FOUNDING EDITOR: Bill Avery

EMAILS: editorial@business-review.eu, sales@business-review.eu, events@business-review.eu

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Mircea Scaunasu is the new general manager of Philip Morris Romania. He is the first Romanian to lead the local team, following his successful mandate in Philip Morris International Duty Free as Global Head of Commercial Operations. With over 26 years of business experience and 18 years in PMI, Mircea Scaunasu started his career at Philip Morris Romania in 2004, and later took the position of Sales Strategy Manager for Philip Morris Asia Pacific. In 2017, as Sales Director, he made a significant contribution to the successful launch and commercialisation of IQOS on the Polish market.