European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 As extreme weather conditions become more common, so too does flooding. Recognising the disruption and challenges floods have caused in its home country of Norway in recent years, the pioneers behind Aiwell Water AS have enhanced flood drainage capacity using innovative technology inspired by roof drainage systems. For more on the smart sewer network the company has been helping to create over the last decade, we spoke with the CEO of Aiwell Water and Aiwell Holding AS, Asle Johnsen. Best Sustainable Water Management Solutions CEO 2026 (Nordics): Asle Johnsen
AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. EU Business News is thrilled to announce the return of the European CEO of the Year Awards 2026, hosted by EU Business News. Now in its third year, this prestigious programme is back and bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever. Over the past two years, the European CEO of the Year Awards have quickly become a mustwatch celebration of leadership across Europe. The 2026 awards shine a spotlight on the individuals at the very top, the CEOs whose vision, resilience, and ambition are shaping the future of European Business. From pioneering innovators to steady hands guiding organisations through change, this programme is all about recognising leadership that truly makes an impact. Being named European CEO of the Year is more than a title. It is a mark of excellence, influence, and trust. This award celebrates those who inspire teams, drive sustainable growth, and set the standard for leadership in their sector and beyond. If you are leading the charge, this is your moment to be recognised on a European stage. Nominations are officially open and welcomed from individuals, companies, and third-party nominators. As always, winners will be selected purely on merit, ensuring every accolade reflects genuine achievement and outstanding leadership. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.eubusinessnews.com European CEO of the Year Awards 2026
4. Aiwell Water AS (Aiwell Holding AS): Best Sustainable Water Management Solutions CEO 2026 (Nordics): Asle Johnsen 6. JR & Associés Tax Advice SA: Best CrossBorder Tax Advisory CEO 2026 (Switzerland): Javier Reyes & Best International Tax Planning Consultancy 2026 – Switzerland 8. miDiagnostics: Best Health Screening Solutions CEO 2026 (Belgium): Katleen Verleysen & Most Innovative Molecular Diagnostics Company 2026 – Belgium 10. Brava Producciones: Most Trusted Corporate Event Management Leader 2026 (Spain): Alicia García Rodríguez 12. BNA Flonel Oy: Most Dedicated Entrepreneurial CEO 2026 (Finland): Ioan Canta & Best Construction Cleaning Company 2026 – Finland 14. Evispine: MedTech CEO of the Year 2026: Piotr Szydlik & Most Innovative Spinal Medical Device Company 2026 15. fms/Austrosoft: Best Mobility Platform CEO 2026 (Austria): Robert Abel-Hrdlicka & Best Taxi & Ride-Hailing Fleet Management Company 2026 – Austria 16. Oma Savings Bank: Retail Banking Transformation CEO of the Year 2026 (Northern Europe): Karri Alameri & Most Client-Focused Personal Banking Provider 2026 – Northern Europe 17. Yum-it Foods: Most Innovative Healthy Food Product CEO 2026 (Belgium): Yves De Rudder & Best Fat & Sugar Free Cold Sauces & Salad Dressings Company 2026 – Belgium 18. Axelera AI: Edge Computing Innovator of the Year 2026: Fabrizio Del Maffeo & Best Energy-Efficient Edge AI Acceleration Platform 2026 19. Estro Collezioni S.r.l: Most Visionary Luxury Bathroom Furniture Design CEO 2026 (Italy): Alla Tereshchuk 20. MyAffiliates: Most Innovative iGaming CEO of the Year 2026: Clemence Dujardin & Most Flexible Affiliate Marketing Software Provider 2026 21. Aluminium Dunkerque: Best Sustainable Metal Manufacturing CEO 2026: Guillaume de Goys 22. Keys2Balance Oy: Leadership CEO of the Year 2026 (Finland): Carita Nyberg & Best Practical Leadership & Team Transformation Training Specialists 2026 – Finland 23. Keredge SA: Strategic Transformation CEO of the Year 2026 (Switzerland): Isabel Munoz & Best Long-Term Real Estate Asset Stewardship 2026 – Switzerland 24. Szkuner Sp z o.o: Fish Processing CEO of the Year 2026 (Europe): Witold Wawrzonkoski & Best Maritime Services Company 2026 – Europe 25. Worldwide Women’s Forum (WWWF): Best Women’s Humanitarian Advocacy CEO 2026 (France): Florine Clomegah-Freitas & Best Women’s Empowerment & Education Organisation 2026 (France): Worldwide Women’s Forum 26. IID Single Member S.A: Most Instrumental Digitisation Company CEO 2026 (Greece): Michael Andreadis & Best Digital Information Transformation Provider 2026 – Greece 27. RCC Portugal: International Recruitment CEO of the Year 2026 (Portugal): Rute Silva & Best International Recruitment Agency 2026 – Portugal 28. Prighter: Most Innovative Privacy Software & Services CEO 2026: Andreas Maetzler & Best Global Privacy Representation Platform 2026 29. ELECTE: Most Innovative Data Analytics CEO 2026: Fabio Lauria & Best AI-Powered Financial Forecasting Platform 2026 Contents
European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 Having perfected the art of removing air from drains to achieve a siphon effect, significantly increasing water velocity and capacity while utilising smaller pipe dimensions, Aiwell Water has established itself as a pioneer in the world of sustainable water management solutions. Its groundbreaking approach involves using valves to create a vacuum in the pipes (from 1 down to 0 bar pressure), boosting water velocity, and enabling the transport of large volumes of water through compact pipes. An international patent has followed this innovation. This, however, is just the tip of the Aiwell iceberg, as Aiwell Holding AS, its parent company, also comprises Aiwell AS and Aiwell Property AS, in addition to Aiwell Water. CEO Asle Johnsen heads up all three, and his journey with this group of companies began in the early 1990s, when obtained the patent for its first invention: the Aiwell Star. Preventing the build-up of ice on a flat roof, the Aiwell Star remains one of Aiwell AS’ best sellers to this day. The only difference is that it is today joined by 12 further patents and a range of energy-saving products covering everything from heating cables in gutters to systems for melting snow on the ground, highlighting this company’s versatility. Then, in 2012, Asle took things a step further, investing in two plots of land and establishing Aiwell Property. Work on new patents quickly followed, with Asle using the knowledge he had amassed working with siphonic drainage on flat roofs. This system, which has been around now for more than 60 years, makes the flow in the pipes siphonic instead of gravity, removing air so that the pipes are Best Sustainable Water Management Solutions CEO 2026 (Nordics): Asle Johnsen As extreme weather conditions become more common, so too does flooding. Recognising the disruption and challenges floods have caused in its home country of Norway in recent years, the pioneers behind Aiwell Water AS have enhanced flood drainage capacity using innovative technology inspired by roof drainage systems. For more on the smart sewer network the company has been helping to create over the last decade, we spoke with the CEO of Aiwell Water and Aiwell Holding AS, Asle Johnsen. filled exclusively with water. Pressure then drops and the capacity is greatly improved, with a 100–500% flow increase regularly experienced. Whilst this solution is already widely available, Asle thought it could be developed further, and used for surface water and wastewater pipes in the ground. He established Aiwell Water in 2016 to help make this a reality, with the company quickly building its first siphonic plant with the city of Drammen, aptly named ‘Aiwell Water’s full-flow solution’. The plant has functioned perfectly for ten years already, with a number of new plants and patents following in its footsteps. And this brings us up to the present of the renowned Aiwell Water. Asle shared: “We are now working on our latest patent, which we have called the Bell patent, together with the Lillestrøm municipality. It consists of four patented solutions where we can, among other things, separate wastewater and stormwater in common pipes, replace pump stations with a siphonic solution, reuse existing pipes, and increase capacity without digging in the streets. This provides major environmental and financial savings. In addition, we do not close the street while the work is underway, which is greatly appreciated.” Across these companies, Asle has invested in all of these developments and patents because he has genuine care for the environment and saving energy. These concerns have motivated Asle’s entire career and shaped the direction of his companies. The results speak for themselves, with patents like Ice Control 2000, which melted snow at Oslo Central Station, reducing energy consumption from 1.4 million NOK down to 400,000 NOK a year. “That was just the first project. Since then, there have been many others, all over Norway, in the streets, the town squares, and several train stations, saving important energy reserves.” Partnerships are an integral part of the work that both Aiwell Water and the entire group of companies carry out, and Asle is honoured to have continuously worked in research and development with large builders, including the architect of the iconic Oslo Opera House. These partners have shaped Asle’s journey as much as the projects he has spearheaded over the course of his career, and the innovations and results his companies stand for are built on a foundation of collaboration – and underpinned by Asle’s excellent leadership. Detailing his leadership, Asle told us: “I trust people and try to motivate and give them self-confidence. I love challenges and finding solutions. When I choose to engage in a challenge, I go all in and never give up.” His leadership is also entwined with the company’s mission, which is simply that customers should get the best solutions, and its vision, which is that these solutions should help as many people as possible.
5. Best Sustainable Water Management Solutions CEO 2026 (Nordics): Asle Johnsen These are the principles guiding Aiwell Water as it works towards its bright and interesting future, with new products and solutions set to be introduced to the market, all of which there is a need for and all of which will likely be in high demand once they launch. However, Asle and the team also know that things take time, so they are already building foundations in new markets. We are currently working in collaboration with Innovation Norway to create a startup in Yorkshire, England and Asle is confident that this cooperation will pay off. Touching on his own future plans, Asle commented: “I will hire new talented people to take over my functions in the company, so I will only work on furthering the development of solutions. Then we will establish a new board.” He also plans to carve out more time for developments within Aiwell Water’s ecosystem, continuing the company’s trend of rapid, high-capacity drainage to manage the likes of wastewater and storm overflow. In closing, Asle took the time to speak with us about patents, as well as the importance of business owners like himself protecting their inventions. He explained that patents, whilst providing very good protection, are very expensive. For this reason, he believes that the authorities encouraging research and development should reward those who create patents. It is not simply the cost, as the window between a patent passing and a company having to decide which markets to take it out in is rather small. Asle elaborated: “The patent is for many, especially start-ups and small companies, associated with great cost and very high risk. You do not know if the patent will function and become a product. If it becomes a product, you do not know if it is saleable and it can therefore take a very long time before the income is generated, but you have costs throughout this period.” The solution, Asle argues, is for patents to offer a monetary award. “If the patent could trigger a monetary award, it would be helpful in being more quickly able to develop the product and determine its saleability. This would be an enormous help for startups.” After all, the industry at present needs costeffective solutions, especially in older cities, where pipes are at the bottom of streets and there is a lot of new infrastructure above. Then there are other factors to consider, like tram tracks, which make excavation expensive and disruptive. Solutions like those being created by Aiwell Water are helping to ease these burdens, and a lot more in other such focus areas could follow if Asle’s idea around monetised patents is listened to by those at the top who really need to hear it. This award-winning CEO will continue to advocate for this, alongside growing Aiwell AS, Aiwell Property AS, and Aiwell Water AS into the leading companies in their respective areas. In the meantime, all that is left for us to do is to recognise Asle Johnsen as the Best Sustainable Water Management Solutions CEO 2026 (Nordics) as part of this instalment of the European CEO of the Year Awards. More on the work he carries out across his group of companies can be found through the links down below. Contact: Asle Johnsen Company: Aiwell Water AS (Aiwell Holding AS) Web Address: www.aiwellwater.com/ & https://aiwell.no/
Jul22546 European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 “A qualified tax expert at the service of your ambitions.” A Lausanne tax specialist, Javier Reyes fulfils the duties expected of him by mastering all of the legal means to help his clients reduce their tax burden. Through JR & Associés Tax Advice SA, he supports companies with all of their tax issues, from restructuring and optimisation to managing Swiss VAT, negotiating tax rulings, and implementing profit-sharing plans for national SMEs and start-ups. Likewise, its award-winning service also covers those whose lives or operations stretch across borders. Such a comprehensive offering stems from the more than two decades of experience Javier has in Swiss and international taxation, knowledge gained across the two distinct phases of his career: first in the public sector, then in the private sector. Things began in 2002, when Javier served as a tax assessor at the Tax Office for the Districts of Lausanne and West Lausanne. Three years later, he joined the Cantonal Tax Administration of the Canton of Vaud as a tax inspector, a role he would go on to hold until 2013. It was over the course of this eight-year tenue that Javier secured his first professional credentials: the Federal Certificate as a Fiduciary Agent in 2007, the ACI Certificate in Financial Accounting in 2008, and then the CSI Diploma as a Certified Tax Expert in 2011. The latter even saw Javier finish third in his class, a remarkable achievement given the calibre of talent that enrolled alongside him. 2017 marked a huge transition for Javier, who pivoted to the fiduciary and consulting side of taxation. This saw him first serve as a tax adviser at Grant Thornton SA in Geneva, in the middle of which he received his Federal Diploma in Tax Expertise. This marked the start of a huge leap in terms of responsibility, defined by roles including senior tax manager and authorised signatory at Grant Thornton SA in Geneva, as well as the co-head of the tax department and authorised signatory at Ofisa Berney Associés SA in Lausanne. Javier’s three years at the latter again brought him more accreditation success, as he was provided with an EXPERTsuisse certification in Swiss VAT in 2019, this time one-upping himself and finishing first in his class. A move to entrepreneurship followed shortly after, with a Best Cross-Border Tax Advisory CEO 2026 (Switzerland): Javier Reyes & Best International Tax Planning Consultancy 2026 – Switzerland Today’s complex tax environment makes having a specialist like Javier Reyes on hand crucial for optimising every tax situation and maximising success. Led by the almost 25 years of experience Javier has in this space, JR & Associés Tax Advice SA supports individuals, SMEs, and international organisations alike from its base in Lausanne. The firm advises on direct and indirect taxation, as well as tax optimisation, VAT, restructuring, and cross-border taxation, making it the valuable tax partner its clients need. Javier told us more following both him and the firm being recognised here. Contact: Javier Reyes Company: JR & Associés Tax Advice SA Web Address: https://jrtaxadvice.ch/ huge milestone in Javier’s career coming when he co-founded DYN Tax SA in 2022, serving also as both a partner and its CEO. Since May 2024, he has been the founder, partner, CEO, and sole employee of JR & Associés Tax Advice SA. Even as he progressed along his own career path, Javier has, since 2013, found the time to teach taxation. Sharing his knowledge at a number of professional training institutions (USPI, BetterStudy, and Ifage, to name just a few), Javier has also actively supported the industry
7. through memberships to professional organisations like ASEFiD, OREF, IFA Suisse, EXPERTsuisse, and the CVCI Tax Commission. Here, his expertise lends itself to everything from advice on taxation and VAT to help with restructuring and wealth/estate planning. With such a comprehensive background, it is no surprise that many of the clients who seek out Javier’s services through JR & Associés Tax Advice SA are prestigious individuals and institutions. In fact, as Javier himself told us: “Our company targets high-quality clients, and our services are equally high quality. We are not looking for volume, but rather a portfolio of high-level clients.” To this end, a strong emphasis is placed on building client relationships, with Javier being a very social and open-minded person. “Most of my clients come through referrals from my current clients or by word of mouth. I secure most of my projects through the personal connections I build with people.” Given Javier started JR & Associés Tax Advice SA later on in his journey, he was able to bring with him a portfolio of clients he had built up over the course of his professional career. It was an immediate advantage, as since Javier is the only employee, and focused on applying the company’s ethos and relationship-led approach at every stage of the business, he does not have the time to advertise his firm in a traditional sense. This is why he cherishes the relationships he has built and the recommendations he receives. People suggest Javier to others because he not only shares his tax expertise, but blends it with technical excellence, administrative experience, continuing education, and a personalised approach. Every introductory appointment a client makes also affords them the first hour of Javier’s services for free, which is the first step in JR & Associés Tax Advice SA securing the high level of customer satisfaction it boasts, seen in its reviews. Looking ahead, Javier explained how the current market is evolving constantly as a result of significant changes in both international tax law and people’s increased mobility as they look for the ideal place to settle down and build a future. The competition is also fierce, with new tax firms opening daily, making it imperative for Javier to set JR & Associés Tax Advice SA and its services apart. Its CEO chooses to do this by highlighting both its strengths and the professionalism with which it manages the case of every client. Whilst it is difficult for Javier to set clear, long-term objectives for his growing company, his aim for the short team involves maintaining its current portfolio and growing it by a further ten percent every year, whilst continuing to deliver the high-quality services people have come to expect from this Lausanne tax specialist. As Javier Reyes is recognised as the Best Cross-Border Tax Advisory CEO 2026 (Switzerland), and JR & Associés Tax Advice SA is itself named the Best International Tax Planning Consultancy 2026 – Switzerland, what shines through is that this is an operation that remains dedicated to encompassing a wide range of tax solutions for its clients. From direct and indirect taxes to the optimisation of national and international structures, everything Javier does is bespoke, and backed by expert knowledge. Getting started could not to be simpler, and the three steps behind optimising taxation and maximising success – initial contact, a personalised follow-up with a tax return, and an annual meeting – are just a few short clicks away.
European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 Aug22676 Best Health Screening Solutions CEO 2026 (Belgium): Katleen Verleysen & Most Innovative Molecular Diagnostics Company 2026 – Belgium miDiagnostics is a healthcare company focused on transforming quality control testing for advanced therapies. Its team works in close collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, cell and gene therapy developers, and partners across the broader life sciences ecosystem who all share the common goal of bringing lifechanging therapies to patients faster, safer, and with more affordability. The advanced therapy sector continues to mature at a remarkable pace. Cell and gene therapies are expanding the boundaries of medicine and offering hope to patients facing diseases that were previously difficult or impossible to treat. At the same time, manufacturing complexity remains a significant challenge; developers face increasing pressure to reduce timelines, improve consistency, and maintain regulatory compliance whilst scaling production. This is where advanced diagnostics and rapid quality testing play an increasingly critical role. Technologies that can deliver faster and more reliable testing have the potential to remove bottlenecks and accelerate patient access to therapies. This is precisely where miDiagnostics’ specialism lies: rapid sterility testing for advanced therapy medicinal products such as CAR-T cell therapies. Leveraging its proprietary silicon-based PCR technology, the company aims to dramatically reduce testing timelines while maintaining the quality and reliability required by the industry’s stringent regulatory standards. In the past year, miDiagnostics has achieved what its team believes to be a significant industry breakthrough: demonstrating that ultra-sensitive PCR technology can achieve sensitivity comparable to traditional culture-based sterility testing. Such an accomplishment required the team to build capabilities from the ground up, combining expertise from molecular biology, engineering, software, manufacturing, quality systems, and regulatory sciences. The development of this world-first innovation was overseen by CEO For medical manufacturer miDiagnostics, 2025 was a year of successful reinvention. Now, the company has taken 2026 by storm with the breakthrough development of the ultra-sensitive PCR sterility solution, a world-first scientific achievement that reflects the unwavering passion and expertise of its team. We at EU Business News Magazine are proud to celebrate CEO Katleen Verleysen for a third consecutive year in the European CEO of the Year Awards, recognising the instrumental role the leader has played in miDiagnostics’ continued growth. We heard more about this year of success from Katleen below. Katleen Verleysen, who has been with the company since her appointment in 2021. After earning her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Ghent University and completing postdoctoral research at Duke University, Katleen found herself fascinated by the challenge of translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications. Following this passion, Katleen has spent the last two decades founding, funding, building, and exiting multiple biotech and medtech companies across Europe and the United States. “My career has never followed a predefined plan. It has evolved through a combination of scientific curiosity, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a desire to create meaningful impact,” Katleen shared. “Each role taught me something different. Early stage ventures taught me resilience. Scaling companies taught me the importance of execution and teambuilding. Board positions required a broader perspective on strategy and governance. Most importantly, I learned that sustainable success is never driven by a single individual. It comes from creating environments where talented people can do their best work together.” This perspective was instrumental in the development of miDiagnostics’ ultrasensitive PCR technology. At the helm of miDiagnostics, Katleen leads with authenticity, transparency, and a deep respect for people. Recognising that high-level innovation cannot happen in a silo, the CEO focuses on creating a shared vision, fostering trust, and bringing together talented individuals with different perspectives and capabilities. In doing so, she has created an environment in which multidisciplinary teams can thrive, driving forward the development of world-first innovations. Much of Katleen’s inspiration comes from science itself. The CEO believes that scientific discovery is an exceptional way to learn humility, because every answer achieved generates a cohort of new questions and every scientific finding is subject to revision as new evidence emerges. Scientists must routinely question their own assumptions, trial their Contact: Katleen Verleysen Company: miDiagnostics Web Address: www.midiagnostics.com
theories, and accept that they do not know everything. At the same time, the field also teaches immense persistence, as meaningful breakthroughs rarely happen overnight. Watching passionate professionals persist through these difficulties and succeed together also serves as a crucial driver for Katleen. “I am equally inspired by teams who overcome significant challenges together,” she told us. “Some of the proudest moments in my career were not individual achievements, but watching teams accomplish things that many believed were impossible. The world’sfirst progress we achieved recently in ultrasensitive PCR testing was not the result of a single insight; it was the outcome of extraordinary teamwork, perseverance, and collective belief in a difficult mission.” The past few years have reinforced the importance of unwavering resilience for Katleen and her team. Like many organisations, miDiagnostics has faced moments of considerable uncertainty, including the process of reinventing its business model, securing alignment among stakeholders, and continuing to innovate under increasing pressure. Demonstrating inimitable innovation, teamwork, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, the team successfully reinvented miDiagnostics to the point of delivering a world-first achievement to the sector. Speaking of her team’s unprecedented breakthrough, Katleen commented, “Our progress has reinforced my belief that extraordinary things happen when exceptional people unite around a challenging problem with a clear purpose.” As miDiagnostics repivoted to align with the shifting market, Katleen found herself evolving alongside her team. She developed her appreciation for patience, communication, and trust; earlier in her career, Katleen often felt responsible for solving every challenge personally but now recognises that the best solutions often emerge when teams are empowered to contribute their expertise. Today, she sees leadership less as directing and more as enabling, with her role being to create clarity, remove obstacles, inspire confidence during uncertainty, and help people achieve more than they thought possible. Having shifted her leadership style through the years, Katleen now has more capacity expand her influence beyond miDiagnostics. Energised by the prospect of pursuing opportunities where science, innovation, and entrepreneurship come together to solve meaningful problems, Katleen is increasingly passionate about supporting and mentoring the next generation to lead the life sciences sector. One such example is the CEO’s ongoing involvement with 4Tissue, a company pioneering the field of regenerative medicine by developing natural and minimally invasive treatments for tissue reconstruction and regeneration. As the Chair of the Board of Directors of 4Tissue, Katleen has had the privilege of supporting an ambitious young CEO as the company advances regenerative medicine solutions. She told us, “Watching emerging leaders build strong teams, attract investment, and accelerate innovation is incredibly rewarding.” The CEO’s hard work has certainly been recognised; in November 2025, Katleen was honoured with the Exemplary Woman of Achievement Award in the 8th Burj CEO Awards 2025 in Dubai. This recognition did not only celebrate Katleen’s individual leadership, but also the vision, dedication, and collaboration of her team. This moment was made extra special for Katleen, as she had the opportunity to share it with her 14 year old son, Bodhi. Together, they walked the red carpet and participated in the award ceremony, creating a shared memory that neither will ever forget. “For me, that moment symbolised something much bigger than professional success,” said Katleen. “It reinforced the importance of leading by example, demonstrating perseverance, and inspiring future generations to believe that they too can make a meaningful contribution to society through dedication, integrity, and hard work. My motto at the award ceremony was: ‘dream big, take risks, dare to fall, one bold step at a time’.” This motto perfectly encapsulates all that Katleen and her team have achieved at miDiagnostics. Now that the team has proven the successful reinvention of miDiagnostics with the delivery of its ground-breaking ultra-sensitive PCR sterility solution, the focus remains on bringing innovative sterility testing solutions to market and supporting the growing advanced therapy ecosystem. The team is working alongside leading pharmaceutical organisations that recognise the transformative potential of faster and more reliable quality control testing. “At the same time, we continue to strengthen our ecosystem of partners, collaborators, and industry leaders,” Katleen added. “Some of the most important innovations happen at the intersection of disciplines, and we intend to remain at the forefront of those collaborations. Most importantly, we remain focused on turning scientific excellence into practical solutions that make a tangible difference for patients worldwide.” We at EU Business News Magazine are delighted to have witnessed miDiagnostics’ pivot from reinvention to reshaping the industry and believe that the company’s journey is a testament to the strength of its team, the power of its innovation, and the unwavering determination of its CEO. For demonstrating the importance of empowerment, trust, and ongoing evolution in leadership, Katleen has been deservingly named Best Health Screening Solutions CEO, for the third consecutive year, as miDiagnostics is celebrated as Most Innovative Molecular Diagnostics Company 2026. Off the back of this monumental success, Katleen shared her closing thoughts: “Leadership is ultimately about people. While awards are individual recognitions, every achievement I have been fortunate enough to receive reflects the efforts of the exceptional teams, mentors, partners, investors, and family members who have supported the journey.”
European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 Brava Producciones is an events company that uses the latest technologies available in a constantly changing market, that specialises in delivering four distinct ways to create experiences with unique identities. Congresses, product presentations, corporate celebrations, and conventions, the expert team at Brava Producciones crafts and tailors every event to the individual needs and goals of each valued client. Providing a service that allows clients to focus on what they should be doing, which is to enjoy their event without worries, Brava Producciones’ congresses are designed to be high energy and detail oriented, through fluid, focused, and coherent aspects. Each aspect helps the event’s content to reach an audience in the desired way, helping to deliver a brand’s message and identity throughout. Brava Producciones’ product presentations help to build brand awareness, manage expectations, and mark moments that sit at the very precipice of exciting developments. Through dedicated planning and flawless delivery, businesses can rely on Brava Producciones to raise awareness of their advancements and upcoming launches. Then, for corporate celebrations, the team at Brava Producciones helps organisations to enjoy milestones and come together to feel united by what they have achieved together. As success can so quickly become overlooked by the next goal in mind, Brava Producciones believes in supporting clients to reflect on how far they’ve come in a professional yet luxurious fashion. Conventions hosted by Brava Producciones are the perfect option for spreading a powerful and impactful message. Leaning on its experience with staging, rhythm, and atmosphere, the business leaves any audience in awe and keeps them carrying the message around well after the conference’s end. Most Trusted Corporate Event Management Leader 2026 (Spain): Alicia García Rodríguez From corporate celebrations and conventions to conferences, and congresses to product presentation, Brava Producciones is an event production company with a zest for providing some of the best services on the market in Spain. Here we learn more about Brava Producciones’ prestigious offerings as we applaud its founder and CEO Alicia García Rodríguez in our European CEO of the Year Awards 2026. Jul22546 Having hosted over 600 events and creating 360 degree productions over 30 years, Madrid-based Brava Producciones continues to create events with character, intention, and pure personality. One reason for this is its outstanding founder and CEO, Alicia García Rodríguez, who has built her company on a fascinating and longstanding professional journey. Beginning her career in advertising in 1990, after completing her degree from the Complutense University of Madrid, Alicia then moved through different forms of production with ease and grace. Soaking in all the knowledge available to her, Alicia transitioned into private television where she then spent six years learning how to produce, coordinate, and direct entire programmes. She told us: “This experience gave me the vision and training that led me to become independent and set up my own company, applying these three areas of expertise to companies that needed to organise public relations activities. Thirty years ago, people in Spain were not yet talking about events as we understand them today.” Alicia formed a deep connection with her own personal path and what she knew she wanted to achieve. This is when she established Brava Producciones, to make a true difference in events and production for businesses all across the region. When approaching any client, new or returning, Alicia told us more about her dedicated process. She shared: “For me, the first step is to listen to what they want, think about how to offer it to them, and explain how I can develop the work for them, always making clear what can and cannot be done with the resources and budgets they wish to allocate. “I never recommend anything that I know they will not realistically be able to achieve. If I commit to something, it is because I know I can deliver it ethically, professionally, and in a way that is truly advisable for them. I believe sincerity is one of the best routes to success.” Under Alicia’s guidance, Brava Producciones has been in operation for over 30 years. Ultimately, it is the foundation of expertise and philosophy of trust that guides everything the team do together and for their clients. Alicia is a strong believer that this philosophy of trust is what keeps the business pushing forward, going above and beyond for clients, and elevating the industry. “My work is based on trust, exclusivity in every event, comprehensive planning, and particular attention to the smallest details.” As a leader, Alicia is devoted to leading by example for her team. She added: “I am very consistent in continuing my own training, something I also constantly encourage and facilitate for my team.” Her inspiration for successful, influential, and positively impactful leadership stems from observation and curiosity across a diverse selection of key areas. From art to sociology, fashion to technology, and many others, Alicia takes inspiration from everyday things. She told us: It is in everyday life that we can see what different target audiences are looking for, and this is what we must offer them. Alignment with my mission and vision happens naturally every day, because the whole team looks in the same direction. We have different tastes, which allows us to consider multiple possibilities for each project, but we always find a shared path and a common direction in which to work.”
11. Most Trusted Corporate Event Management Leader 2026 (Spain): Alicia García Rodríguez Of course, running a business isn’t always easy and doesn’t come naturally to everyone. However, Alicia is extremely committed to continual learning, personal and professional development, and leaning on her years of experience to successfully maintain a prestigious reputation for her leadership and the company she has built. Alicia takes challenges in her stride and transforms the difficult moments into windows for opportunity and change. She commented: “Overcoming three crises and a pandemic has been a real challenge. I am grateful to life for the fact that I have always known how to adapt and find valid solutions for my clients in very different circumstances. I believe this has helped me earn their trust. I have stood by them, and I continue to do so, during the most difficult moments. I believe that making the effort to remain by their side is what has truly made me evolve.” Over the years, the sector itself has faced significant challenges. Most recently, the global pandemic put a huge strain on the world of events and many companies struggled to survive. In relation to this, Alicia told us: “The sector is only now beginning to recover after the pandemic. However, everything has changed significantly, and knowing how to apply AI to our work with confidence, without fear but with prudence, is essential. We are in a new era, and falling behind closes every door.” For the years to come, Alicia plans to guide Brava Producciones through more projects across 2027 and even ahead of time to prepare for 2028. Alicia is proud to have an excellent, dedicated team that knows how to plan projects from the very first steps through to completion, addressing unforeseen circumstances along the way then providing unrivalled solutions for optimum results. Named Most Trusted Corporate Event Management Leader 2026 in Spain, Alicia is a shining example of a CEO with her team, business, and clients’ best interests at heart while staying true to her own values of success and ongoing growth. Contact: Alicia García Rodríguez Company: Brava Producciones Website: https://bravaproducciones.com/
Jul22546 European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 ased in Vantaa, Finland, BNA Flonel was established with a focus on delivering home cleaning services. Over the years, the company has expanded its operations to encompass office cleaning, construction cleaning, final cleaning, workbased construction contracting, turnkey contracting with materials, and building protection, as well as providing personnel services to these industries. Catering to companies of all sizes, BNA Flonel has worked hard to establish longstanding relationships with a number of construction companies. This includes YIT, Skanska Talonrakennus Oy, Consti Korjausrakentaminen Oy, NCC Suomi Oy, Lujatalo, Lehto, Rakennus Grahn, R4, Finnoval, Suomen Rakennussuojat Oy, and many others. These clients have chosen to partner with BNA Flonel because they can depend on its team to deliver solutions reliably, flexibly, and securely on schedule. This expert service has been dedicatedly shaped by Founder and CEO Ioan Canta, who moved to Finland from Romania three decades ago. Before establishing BNA Flonel, Ioan owned two small restaurants and then worked as a taxi driver for seven years. His wife found work as a hotel cleaner but found the role to be uncertain and stressful. Ioan took a leap into the entrepreneurial field, driven by a desire to provide his wife with a stable and enjoyable role. Ioan established BNA Flonel in 2013, with he and his wife serving as the company’s first employees. They established the business through local advertising and word of mouth at first, printing out advertising brochures for Ioan to distribute whilst driving his taxi. Gradually, word spread and demand began to grow. By 2014, the pair hired their first external employee, and, within five years, the team had expanded to more than 40 employees. Eventually, Ioan found himself transitioning from his cleaning role to oversee cleaning sites and administration. Today, Ioan remains closely involved with the day-to-day operations of BNA Flonel’s various cleaning sites. Having experienced the work first-hand, the CEO understands the challenges his employees face in their roles and never asks any member of his team to do more than he believes is realistically possible. He has worked with many different people over the last 13 years, with very different ideas and ways of thinking. They have taught him the valuable ability to understand these different ways of thinking, which has shaped his leadership style significantly. At his core, Ioan’s primary concern is the satisfaction of both his employees and his clients, whilst ensuring that the company Most Dedicated Entrepreneurial CEO 2026 (Finland): Ioan Canta & Best Construction Cleaning Company 2026 – Finland In the competitive landscape of the construction industry, BNA Flonel stands apart for delivering a comprehensive suite of cleaning and protection work that is grounded in trust and flexibility. The company’s stellar reputation is a reflection of Founder and CEO Ioan Canta, a self-made entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to maintaining exceptional standards across the construction cleaning sector. We spoke with Ioan below to learn more about his journey, as we celebrate his work in the European CEO of the Year Awards 2026. remains productive. This is not always an easy balance to achieve, but Ioan is fortunate to work with a cohort of dedicated professionals who have been with BNA Flonel for many years. They understand the CEO’s philosophy, and support Ioan so that he can concentrate on ensuring that every project is completed successfully, even as a client’s plan evolved throughout the project, as if often does in this landscape. “As much as my time allows, I am always available to our employees and clients,” he told us. “One of the things that motivates me the most is seeing how our employees respond to difficult projects. Sometimes the projects are extremely challenging, but our employees make great sacrifices to make sure that we finish them successfully. This makes me very proud of the people in our company, and it motivates me even more.” A shining example of the team’s ability to adapt came in 2014, when an acquaintance of Ioan’s from the construction industry asked BNA Flonel to clean a renovation site. Though Ioan expected this project to be similar to an office cleaning job, he soon discovered that it was actually a large construction site. This required the company to invest in appropriate clothing and equipment for the site and, rather than wasting this investment, Ioan decided to integrate construction site cleaning into BNA Flonel’s portfolio. Now, it is one of the company’s primary areas of activity. Today, BNA Flonel looks to the future with great enthusiasm. With a fully booked calendar and a newly expanded team, the company feels that it is in a good position for another year of success. Rather than pursuing forced growth, Ioan intends to continue developing BNA Flonel with strategic control, focusing on what his team does best. At present, the team is involved in several projects, some larger and some smaller. Across every project, however, BNA Flonel delivers the same reliable, flexible, exceptional results that have earned its status as Finland’s Best Construction Cleaning Company 2026. As for Ioan himself, recognised as Finland’s Most Dedicated Entrepreneurial CEO 2026, the future holds endless possibilities. “Even though I am 53 years old, I still feel young,” he shared. “I am not bored yet, and this activity gives me lots of energy. I still want to develop myself as a person. It is not always easy, but when I drive through the Helsinki metropolitan area and see hundreds of places where we have worked, I feel really proud of what I have achieved. “If somebody had told me 15 years ago that one day I would have built something like this, I would have said that they were out of their mind. You never know what the future will bring.” B Contact: Ioan Canta Company: BNA Flonel Oy Web Address: www.bna.fi
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European CEO of the Year Awards 2026 MedTech CEO of the Year 2026: Piotr Szydlik & Most Innovative Spinal Medical Device Company 2026 Based in Białystok, Poland, Evispine is a pioneering MedTech startup on a mission to reshape the industry through innovative solutions that blend medical implants, robotics, and artificial intelligence software. The company was created to overcome the obstacles that currently block the treatment of back pain, steered by the visionary mind of medical device expert Piotr Szydlik. We spoke with Piotr to learn more, following his recent recognition in the European CEO of the Year Awards 2026. The World Health Organisation reports that most people experience low back pain at least once in their lives, and global lifetime prevalence estimates in published research reach as high as 84%. Today, chronic back pain is the leading cause of disability and workplace absenteeism, causing approximately 69 million years lived with disability (YLDs) globally, representing 7.7% of all YLDs. The economic burden of this condition is substantial, having a significant impact on societies around the world. Many of these individuals require surgical intervention utilising spinal stabilisation techniques, which involves rigid fixation of the affected sections of the spine. Unfortunately, in up to 20% of patients, this leads to pain in other areas of the body, as well as a persistent sensation of stiffness. For others, it offers only small relief, and their back pain typically returns despite dedicated treatment and rehabilitation. These results cause continued suffering for the patient, often triggering feelings of hopelessness and depression. This is a fact that has been accepted by many across the industry, though one pioneering company refuses to settle. Established by neurosurgeon Piotr Szydlik, Evispine has earned renown for developing unique solutions for non-operative and operative treatments. The company’s innovative spinal implants are based on personalised medicine, developed with the latest advancements of biotechnology and engineering in the areas of personalised spinal implants and dedicated AI spinal software. Evispine was born as the culmination of Founder and CEO Piotr Szydlik’s passion for medicine and technology. This is a longstanding love for Piotr; the CEO followed a biology and chemistry track as a high school student but also held a strong interest in computer science and electronics. Piotr went on to study medicine at the Medical University of Białystok, graduating in 1995. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at the Medical University Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery and earned his PhD in Medical Sciences in 2005. From there, Piotr began his professional career as an independent neurosurgeon. He lay the foundation of his work through fellowships and several months of training at the hospitals of the University of Iowa, Rush University in Illinois, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and the University of Newcastle in England. What’s more, the CEO also dedicated a year to working as a consultant neurosurgeon in Pamplona, Spain. “I have extensive experience in spine surgery,” Piotr told us. “I have never shied away from challenging cases; in fact, I frequently operated on patients whom other surgeons had turned away or deemed inoperable. And this is where I encountered the problem that became the very catalyst for my journey towards founding Evispine: chronic back pain, particularly in patients suffering from degenerative changes and overload. It is a widespread issue.” This growing issue prompted Piotr to question whether standardised fixation is truly necessary for all patients requiring spinal stabilisation, driving his mission to develop a new category of personalised spinal implants. Piotr created the initial prototypes, with constant iterating to improve them, and spent five years studying topics related to spinal implants, biomechanics, mechanics, biomaterials, biomedical engineering, and robotics to develop the final concept for personalised spinal implants. The CEO recalled, “At this point, my passion for engineering was rekindled.” After establishing Evispine in 2019, Piotr’s team completed a startup incubator programme and secured an EU grant to develop the implants. Drawing on extensive clinical experience and unwavering passion, Piotr and the Evispine team have successfully reshaped the future of spinal implants, touching and transforming the lives of countless individuals suffering from chronic back pain. We at EU Business News Magazine are delighted to recognise Piotr Szydlik as the MedTech CEO of the Year 2026, as we name Evispine the Most Innovative Spinal Medical Device Company 2026. Looking to the future, Evispine has recently launched a new project focused on sophisticated AI spinal software, a concept Piotr first envisioned more than 12 years ago. “Now,” the CEO announced, “I am currently seeking both an investor and a software house to bring a market-ready product to fruition in a reasonably short timeframe.” To get involved in this upcoming project, visit www.evispine.com today. Contact: Piotr Szydlik Company: Evispine Web Address: www.evispine.com
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