Q1: Top 20 Dynamic European CEOs of 2025

Alin Ioanes, CEO of SC Rombat SA, is a leader who inspires and motivates employees, creating a positive and high-performance culture within the organization. Essential for him is to possess strong leadership skills, provide guidance, set expectations, and empower the teams to excel. Communication is a crucial aspect of Alin’s approach; he cares a lot about communication in all its aspects, especially when he needs to articulate his vision and engage stakeholders at all levels. “Other ability that I consider essential is the power to make timely and informed decisions, even in the face of ambiguity. In the current VUCA environment, is vital to take calculated risks, to drive innovation, to seize opportunities, and lead the organization towards growth and transformation,” he says.

Goal-oriented leadership involves setting clear and specific goals where possible, based on established experience, and which are purposeful and achievable. A goal-oriented leader is grounded in knowledge and a realistic outlook, being aware of the organization’s context, such as the traditions on which it is based, and the risks being taken.

Determination is a key trait that separates influential leaders from ineffective ones. Without determination, plans, ideas, and goals will stagnate without the perseverance to make them come to life. Determination is about staying focused on a goal and pushing boundaries when faced with obstacles, giving direction and focus to everyone involved in the project. Leaders with determination show initiative by being proactive and willing to do what is necessary, even without being told to do so. They can persevere through challenges and inspire their team members to do the same.

Built as a breath-taking castle in 1868, Kylemore Abbey’s history is a truly remarkable one with an outstanding legacy, spanning 155 years in Connemara, from the construction of the Castle and Gardens to the arrival of the Benedictine Order over 100 years ago from war-torn Belgium to its establishment as a globally celebrated visitor attraction punctuating the stunning and ever-changing landscape of Connemara.

Cemacon has over 300 employees, and their performance as a team determines the company’s performance. Daniel cares about his people and invests time in the strategic alignment and harmonization of the management team. “Only by ensuring that all my colleagues are motivated, empowered, trained, that they are all connected to the company’s vision, that they work well as a team, can we expect to perform as a successful business,” adds Daniel. “And the sustainability of their jobs is given by the very fact that Cemacon achieves its goals. Basically, it’s a system of mutual conditioning, in which everyone must be aware of their responsibility. And the company’s results are subsequently translated into highly competitive individual benefits”.

Fabio de Concilio is the visionary CEO & Chairman of the Board at Farmacosmo, a leading organization dedicated to mental health and community support services. With a deep commitment to identifying and meeting customer needs, Fabio ensures that high standards are maintained across the board. His leadership is characterized by thoughtful decision-making and continuous innovation, inspired by a genuine understanding of customer requirements. He fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging creative thinking and interdepartmental cooperation, which has been instrumental in Farmacosmo’s success. His dedication to improving the quality of life for customers and his strategic foresight have positioned Farmacosmo as a reliable reference point in the industry.

Frank Schürch believes it is essential not to give up if something doesn’t work out initially. Every company must adapt itself more often than a decade ago. So, one must try out things, adjust and then succeed. This is particularly important in today’s times, where the globalized market is much more volatile than before. “It is crucial to have a long-term vision, a clear mission statement and strategies which are subject to changes if necessary. We must be able to adapt quickly to new trends and market models. Aristoteles once wrote, ‘ we cannot change the wind, but we can set the sails differently,” says Frank.

“One of the promises I made myself, when I felt confident enough to lead, and a value that I cherish the most, is to genuinely question and understand the challenges either the business faces, an individual faces, or our clients face.”

A strong sense of belonging and a deep love for her country led Paola Federico to incorporate Event Planet in Italy. She knew the difficulties she had to face when establishing a business, yet she surged ahead with her determination and started the company from scratch.