The Manager of the Year 2023 Award honors the exceptional professional who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and achieved remarkable business outcomes throughout the year. This prestigious award is open to CEOs, Managing Directors, and General Managers from both Greek and foreign companies operating in Greece, regardless of company size, industry, or sector (public or private). However, Candidates are required to be in the same job for at least one year.

The winning Manager will be selected based on their steadfastness, strategic acumen, effective stakeholder coordination, breakthrough innovation, agility, and unwavering determination to deliver outstanding results in the most challenging circumstances. Their ability to navigate and excel in the ever-evolving business landscape sets them apart as a true industry trailblazer.

Commercial Management including New Business Development, Sales and Exports is the life blood of every business. In an omni channel, highly complex and global world, practices in this function have changed radically in recent years. We are looking for the Manager who maximized sales and outperformed company objectives and forecasts, in an ever changing and unpredictable context. Their ability to navigate unpredictable market conditions, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and consistently deliver exceptional results sets them apart as a true industry leader.

This category celebrates the Manager’s outstanding skills in shaping and managing the company’s reputation, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, and effectively communicating with internal and external audiences. The recipient of this award has successfully navigated complex challenges, implemented innovative communication initiatives, and played a crucial role in advancing the company’s goals and objectives.

The CSR Manager of the Year award recognizes the Manager who has made the most impactful contributions to their communities, society, environment, and the country. CSR has traditionally served as a platform and toolkit for Managers and Companies to drive social progress, uphold ethics, promote sustainability, contribute to society, protect human rights, and implement ‘green’ initiatives. This award celebrates the Manager’s exceptional initiatives that have made a significant difference in these areas, showcasing their dedication to creating a positive impact beyond business success.

The Customer Management Manager of the Year award honors exceptional Managers who have excelled in the increasingly challenging discipline of customer management. In a world where customers are becoming savvier, better informed, and more demanding, these Managers stand out for their outstanding strategies, innovation, and commitment to quality. They have demonstrated excellence in customer acquisition, retention, up-selling/cross-selling, and loyalty programs. Their exceptional customer-centric approach sets them apart as leaders in delivering exceptional experiences and driving business growth through effective customer management.

The Digital Transformation Manager of the Year award recognizes the Manager who has demonstrated exceptional prowess in harnessing advanced digital technologies to drive significant improvements in efficiency. As the digital revolution prompts Greek companies to accelerate the adoption of digital transformation solutions, this Manager stands out for their ability to optimize existing processes and systems, or create new ones entirely, to meet the evolving needs of the organization and key stakeholders. Their innovative use of digital technologies has propelled their company forward in the era of digitalization, making them a leader in digital transformation.

The ESG Manager of the Year award acknowledges the Manager who has demonstrated exceptional contributions in upholding critical values for the company’s operations and their relationships with government, key institutional players, investors, and society. ESG is more than just a trend; it embodies and embraces principles that are fundamental to responsible business practices. This award celebrates the Manager’s most impactful efforts in enhancing company and brand equity, reputation building, sustainable investment and funding, adoption of ‘green’ practices, and overall outstanding stewardship of ESG principles. Their dedication to ESG principles sets a new standard for sustainable and socially responsible business leadership.

The Ethics and Compliance Manager of the Year award acknowledges the Manager who has demonstrated exceptional excellence in introducing, adhering to, and monitoring robust, innovative, and appropriate policies, governance, and regulations. Their unwavering commitment to preserving and supporting the organizational, business ethics, and operational framework has set a high standard for ethical conduct. Through their proactive approach, they have ensured that their organization operates with the utmost integrity, safeguarding its reputation and fostering a culture of ethical behavior. This award recognizes their outstanding achievements in ethics and compliance management.

The Finance and Accounting Manager of the Year award acknowledges the vital role of finance professionals as the heart of every business. This award recognizes the Finance Managers who have successfully guided their organizations through turbulent times, steering them towards safe financial havens. With their successful and creative strategies, astute planning, agility, and unwavering monitoring and controlling mechanisms, processes, and systems, these Managers have demonstrated exceptional financial leadership. Their relentless dedication has safeguarded their organizations’ financial well-being, making them exemplary leaders in the field of finance and accounting.

The Health and Safety Manager of the Year award recognizes the Manager who has conceived and implemented the most comprehensive, innovative, and purpose-fit health and safety program to meet the needs of employees, their families, and key stakeholders. With a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of all, this Manager has taken proactive measures to create a work environment that prioritizes health and safety. Through their strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and implementation of innovative practices, they have successfully established a program that goes above and beyond regulatory requirements. Their dedication to protecting the physical and mental well-being of employees and stakeholders has made a significant impact on overall organizational health. This award acknowledges their exceptional contributions and leadership in fostering a safe and healthy workplace environment.

The Human Resources Manager of the Year award celebrates the paramount importance of HR management. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon the Manager who has pioneered best practices in people strategy, employee motivation and engagement, performance management, talent acquisition, training, diversity and inclusion. Their exceptional leadership has resulted in outstanding employee retention, development, and engagement, particularly in the face of extremely novel working conditions. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, nurturing talent, and implementing effective performance management systems, this Manager has created a work environment where employees thrive and contribute to the organization’s success. Their dedication to exceptional HR practices has solidified their position as a trailblazer in the field and sets a benchmark for excellence in human resources management.

The ICT Manager of the Year award acknowledges excellence and outstanding achievements in leveraging digital, AI, and Big Data to drive organizational effectiveness and efficiency. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, this Manager has demonstrated innovative approaches in developing and effectively introducing new technologies to meet the emerging needs of employees, customers, and the company. Through their visionary leadership and strategic implementation, they have harnessed the power of technology to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth. Their ability to navigate a fluid and dynamically changing world, while staying ahead of emerging trends, has set them apart as a leader in ICT excellence. This award recognizes their exceptional contributions in leveraging technology to achieve remarkable outcomes and propel the organization towards success.

The Legal Manager of the Year award aims to recognize the Manager who exemplifies excellence in providing strategic, mission-critical legal advice to their organization. With a steadfast commitment to handling legal matters effectively, this Manager has demonstrated exceptional expertise in navigating complex legal landscapes. Their sound judgment, meticulous attention to detail, and comprehensive understanding of legal intricacies have been instrumental in safeguarding the organization’s interests. Through their strategic counsel and proactive approach, they have successfully guided the organization through legal challenges while minimizing risk and ensuring compliance. Their exceptional contributions have solidified their reputation as a trusted legal advisor and leader in legal excellence.

This award acknowledges the Manager who has made significant contributions to maximizing top and bottom lines through the adoption of lean manufacturing processes, outstanding innovation, automation initiatives, cost control, and cost reduction. In an increasingly unpredictable world, this Manager has demonstrated exceptional leadership in driving significant growth in output volume and improving product quality. By implementing efficient manufacturing practices, fostering innovation, and leveraging automation technologies, they have achieved remarkable results. Their commitment to continuous improvement and cost optimization has propelled their organization’s financial performance to new heights. This Manager’s exceptional contributions have positioned them as a trailblazer in manufacturing and production excellence, setting new benchmarks for success in an ever-changing business landscape.

Marketing is a highly esteemed discipline, recognized for its pivotal role in driving brand development and business growth in today’s complex and Omni channel world. This award celebrates the Marketing Manager who has demonstrated excellence in strategic thinking, robust marketing planning and execution, enhancing the customer experience, and fostering consumer-relevant innovation. Through their visionary leadership and ability to navigate a dynamic marketplace, this Manager has achieved remarkable results. Their strategic acumen, effective campaign execution, and relentless focus on enhancing customer experiences have propelled their brand to new heights. Their agility and ability to innovate in line with consumer needs have positioned them as a trailblazer in marketing excellence, setting new benchmarks for success in the industry.

Operations Management is the backbone of every business, providing the foundation for organizational and operational excellence. This award recognizes the distinguished Manager who has demonstrated exceptional skills in navigating a dynamic and ever-changing business landscape. They have achieved operational excellence by implementing efficient processes, optimizing resources, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. With a keen understanding of market demands and internal capabilities, this Manager has successfully adapted to fluid conditions, ensuring seamless operations and outstanding performance. Their exceptional contributions have solidified their reputation as a leader in operational excellence, setting the standard for success in the field of operations management.

This award celebrates the Manager who embodies the essence of exceptional project management. With a focus on deliverables, timelines, quality, budget, and “On Time In Full” delivery, this Manager has demonstrated innovative, effective, and efficient project management processes, methods, and systems. The award winner has navigated an unpredictable and challenging business environment, achieving outstanding business results. Their ability to ensure efficiency, speed, and adherence to project goals has positioned them as a leader in project management excellence. Through their exceptional contributions, this Manager has set a benchmark for success in the field of project management.

Developing new products, processes and systems is a lengthy, complex and demanding process, including needs’ analysis, innovation, proof of concept/principle, design, delivery, testing, fine-tuning and launch. This Award is aimed at recognizing the Research & Development Manager of the Year who delivered innovative, outstanding, successful and impactful new projects to meet emerging needs, in a consumer-relevant way, in full and ahead of time or in a ‘just-in-time’ manner.

This award honors the Manager who has demonstrated exceptional skills in ensuring the security and/or cybersecurity of their organization. Candidates of this category have implemented robust measures and best practices to protect assets, data, systems, and infrastructure from external threats. Through their high-standard reflexes and innovative approaches, these Managers has created and adopted best practices in information security governance, mitigating risks and vulnerabilities. Their contributions have safeguarded the organization’s assets, preserved data integrity, and upheld the highest standards of cybersecurity excellence.

Supply Chain & Logistics Management encompasses multiple activities and processes creating or significantly boosting a Company’s competitive edge. This award recognizes the Manager who has excelled in enhancing competitiveness within the supply chain and logistics domain. Candidates of this category have implemented strategies to significantly improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize operations end-to-end. By leveraging innovative technologies and best practices, this Manager has achieved outstanding results in terms of operational excellence, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction. Their contributions have positioned their company as a leader in delivering efficient and effective supply chain solutions.

This award recognizes the Manager who excels in B2B marketing, driving demand and fostering strong partnerships within the supply chain. The Trade Marketing Managers develop and execute effective strategies to increase product demand among trade partners. With strategic planning, creative thinking, and data-driven approaches, they generate measurable results, such as increased market shares and improved distribution. This Manager’s innovative campaigns and ability to adapt to market trends make their company a trusted and preferred partner in the industry.

The International Manager of the Year 2023 Award recognizes the exceptional achievements of a Greek Manager residing and operating abroad, who has made a significant impact on the international stage. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated remarkable career growth and success in their international endeavors. The recipient has showcased exceptional leadership skills, cultural adaptability, and a deep understanding of global markets, resulting in substantial accomplishments and contributions to their organization’s international expansion and success. Through their outstanding achievements, this Manager has not only represented Greece but has also made a lasting impact on the global business landscape.

The Humanitarian Manager of the Year 2023 Award recognizes the extraordinary contributions of a Greek Manager whose work has made a significant positive impact on humanity. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon an individual who has shown exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership in their efforts to address pressing humanitarian challenges. The recipient has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of others, whether through philanthropic initiatives, social responsibility programs, or humanitarian projects. Through their selfless actions, this Manager has inspired positive change, uplifted communities, and served as a beacon of hope and compassion. Their remarkable contributions to humanity exemplify the highest ideals of social responsibility and humanitarianism.

The NGO/Non-profit Organization Manager of the Year 2023 Award recognizes the exceptional leadership and achievements of a Manager within the non-profit sector in Greece. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exemplary skills in managing and leading a non-profit organization, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals or communities. The recipient has shown outstanding dedication to the organization’s mission, successfully implementing innovative strategies, fostering collaboration, and achieving remarkable results. Through their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social causes, this Manager has positively influenced the lives of those they serve and contributed to the advancement of society. Their exceptional contributions to the non-profit sector exemplify the highest standards of managerial excellence and social impact.

The Startup Manager of the Year 2023 Award celebrates the exceptional achievements of an individual who has played a pivotal role in the success of a startup company in Greece. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon a CEO, Managing Director, General Manager, Owner/Entrepreneur, or President who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and strategic vision in building and growing a startup from its inception. The recipient has shown remarkable dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit in navigating the challenges and uncertainties of the startup ecosystem. Through their exceptional management skills, they have successfully positioned their company as a disruptor in the market, achieving significant growth, market recognition, and financial success within a maximum of 5 years of operation. This Manager’s outstanding contributions to the startup ecosystem exemplify the spirit of innovation, determination, and impact that drives the success of the startup community.