THE SEE REAL ESTATE AWARDS & CEO NETWORKING FORUM
April 3 2025
The SEE Real Estate Awards Gala & CEO Networking Forum is the only event of its kind covering the South Eastern European region. The event brings together the most active international and local developers, bankers, investors, lawyers and other CRE professionals operating in the region.
The event opens with the CEO Networking Forum, a series of discussion panels covering all the main topics and relevant issues for today’s dynamically evolving SEE real estate sector. The Forum provides an opportunity to hear from some of the region’s standout thought leaders, as well as opportunities to discuss and explore the real estate industry’s most important developments.
Countries covered: As an acknowledgement of the growing interest in, and significance of, the commercial real estate and related industries in South-eastern Europe, from both a development and investment perspective, the event covers Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova and Albania.
CEO NETWORKING FORUM
Meet the most active investors, developers, bankers, asset managers and CRE professionals active or looking to enter the SEE region. This event is not to be missed with a substantial number of directors – local, regional and international participants attending.
The SEE Real Estate Awards & CEO Networking Forum is dedicated to the evolving investment and development opportunities that are presenting themselves to the market. The event is the only one with a real focus on the investment and development market with awards for top investors, investors/developers, bankers, projects and specialized service firms.
Today commercial real estate is faced with many internal and external challenges so now more than ever the importance of the region as an attractive and safe investment destination is paramount. Before this current crisis investment into SEE was registering substantial increases, and expectations were that investment volumes would reach and exceed previous record volumes, with all of SEE expected to perform strongly. However, while the impact on the real economy has been dramatic, market experts are cautiously optimistic that transaction activity will return to, or perhaps exceed pre-crisis levels.
In terms of asset classes, logistics has been the clear winner so far and offices might see increased demand for more flex options that offer easy adaptations to increases or decreases in space usage, as well as offer diversification of portfolios.
Across all asset classes, a flight to core and quality can be seen with value-add investments being the first to show repricing and discounts. There are also plenty of non-core assets, both existing and planned, which can be a target for more opportunistic players looking for risk-adjusted yields.
As well as plenty of exciting offers representing all property sectors within primary and secondary locations. However, the long-term consequences are still unclear.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from industry experts
CEO Forum April 5th
Explore the latest investment trends and development expectations in the office, retail and warehouse sectors. Which locations and asset classes are expected to see the most robust activity? How resilient are these markets? What is the mid-to-long-term outlook for the commercial real estate market? Where are the opportunities? Where is the value? How liquid are these markets? What are the main risks? What are the main challenges faced by developers, investors, and owners as they grapple with the nuanced landscape of sustainability and ESG issues, contemplating the delicate balance between profitability and responsibility?
A chance to connect with other attendees, panellists, jury members and sponsors.
The swift transformation in the retail landscape is amplifying the need for strategically positioned convenience retail and retail park developments. As both investors and developers flock to this evolving sector, the pivotal question arises: can these sectors sustain their momentum in the forthcoming years? Simultaneously, the surge in e-commerce is casting a favourable light on warehouse and logistics real estate. What lies on the horizon for industrial development, fulfilment, and logistics, considering the ever-shifting demands of e-commerce and evolving infrastructure needs? How are developers and retailers adapting to the evolving outlook and dynamic market forces?
A chance to connect with other attendees, panellists, jury members and sponsors.
An insightful exploration into the dynamic landscape of residential, Private Rental Sector (PRS), and student housing markets. The panel will provide an overview of these sectors, pinpointing key opportunities for investors and developers. We will delve into the growth sectors and locations, assessing whether the residential sector in the region can maintain an upward trajectory despite escalating costs, fueled by burgeoning demand. Key topics for discussion include Opportunities for International Investors: Growth Sectors and Locations: Market Dynamics and Trends: Build-to-Sell vs. Build-to-Rent: Insights from Western Europe: Performance Indicators and Market Outlook.
A chance to connect with other attendees, panellists, jury members and sponsors.
The Energy Renewables: Net Zero Investment & Development Panel will focus on the critical role of developers in achieving net zero goals. With growing pressure to reduce carbon footprints and align with sustainability targets, this discussion will explore actionable strategies developers can implement to drive energy efficiency, adopt green building practices, and integrate renewable energy solutions. Panelists will examine the challenges of balancing cost, regulatory requirements, and tenant demands while highlighting successful case studies and innovations leading the way in net zero development. Join us to uncover opportunities for sustainable growth and learn how the SEE region can lead the transition to a greener future.
A chance to connect with other attendees, panellists, jury members and sponsors.
Live from the InterContinental Athenee Palace Hotel Bucharest, our state-of-the-art gala night ceremony will push the boundaries of awards gala celebrations to bring participants a cutting-edge experience like no other.
“After Party” best and last chance for networking with all attendees. Celebrate with the sponsors, award winners, and short-listed companies late into the night.
JURY
Dieter Knittel is Head of International Real Estate Finance for Central and Eastern Europe at pbb Deutsche Pfandbriefbank. Dieter is responsible for the bank’s lending portfolio in the region. The regional focus is on Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Dieter has been active in the CEE market for more than twenty years, including five years based in Warsaw as Head of Credit and Senior Risk Management.
Doron Klein is the Deputy CEO of AFI Europe and CEO of AFI Europe Romania and Czech Republic.
He joined AFI Europe in 2008 and since 2011 served as CEO of AFI Europe’s operations in the Czech Republic and Germany. Since 2018 Doron was appointed as the CEO of AFI Europe in Romania and in 2023 was appointed also Deputy CEO of AFI Europe.
Doron Klein has more than 20 years of experience in Real Estate, operating in both Central and Eastern European real estate markets.
Doron has an MBA degree from the University of New York in Prague, Czech Republic and he is fluent in Hebrew, English and Czech.
Szymon set up and run fund’s operations in Europe.
Previously, Szymon worked as Executive Director at Haitong investment bank, where he was responsible for various investment banking transactions (M&A, DCM, ECM and structured finance), as well as in the private equity fund SINO-CEEF, where he was responsible for the CEE region, including fundraising, searching for investment transactions and relations with the governments of CEE countries. Previously, Szymon had also worked at ICBC bank, where he had been responsible for business development in the CEE region, and at Citi bank, where he had worked in various areas of corporate banking in Poland, London and the CEE region.
Szymon studied at Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University and Warsaw School of Economics in Poland as well as Henley Business School in Great Britain.
David Hay is a private investor in income producing assets and the founder and CEO of ADD Value Management SRL (AVM).
AVM provides in-house services for international investors covering portfolio management, financial management, asset management, property management and development management focusing on Romania.
AVM is currently providing asset management services for America House office project in Bucharest CBD which was recently acquired by Morgan Stanley in joint venture with David Hay.
David Hay served previously as the CEO of AFI Europe in Romania, Czech Republic, Germany and Poland for 12 years and holds an LLM from Buckingham University in the U.K..
David Evans is a distinguished figure in the construction sector, with a career that has seen him navigate the intricacies of construction in diverse countries across the globe. However, it is Romania that he has called home for the past 18 years.
As proof of his entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, David founded Optim Project Management in 2009 amidst economic challenges, establishing excellence in project management services. His extensive background encompasses important roles in planning, design coordination, tendering, cost control, and construction management across a spectrum of projects.
David’s management philosophy is characterized by a commitment to teamwork and a dedication to delivering high-quality services. Under his leadership, Optim Project Management has ascended to become a leading entity in Romania’s construction and design landscape.
Driven by a vision for expansion and a pursuit of excellence, David strategically expanded Optim Project Management’s footprint into the Southeast European real estate market. This included the opening of branches in Bulgaria and Serbia, further solidifying the company’s regional presence.
In every venture, David Evans exemplifies professionalism, vision, and an ongoing pursuit of excellence, shaping the trajectory of the construction industry and setting benchmarks for success.
Bogdan Doicescu is head of the real estate division of Bog’Art group and executive board member responsible with integrating the full spectrum Bog’Art building services in business lines such as reinforced steel production, general contracting, turnkey facade systems, building management, project management and real estate development.
Bogdan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, Masters degree in Real Estate Development from New York University and holds RICS certification. Along with international perspective and accreditation, direct involvement in the family business has given Bogdan lifelong exposure to the construction and real estate sector in Romania, where his mission is to provide next generation leadership of Bog’Art.
Introducing Michael Topolinski IV, Managing Director of Investor Relations at MetaWealth. Michael combines his extensive expertise in sales and real estate with a commitment to excellence and continuous professional growth. His philosophy centers on relentless effort, the development of best practices, and the consistent delivery of exceptional outcomes. Outside of MetaWealth, Michael is an Equity and Managing Partner at InteRo Property Development and serves as the Minority Owner and Head of Sales at Skylight Residence, Pajurei 3 Residence, and SunLight Residence. His strategic insight and dedication ensure that every investor engagement is impactful and enriching.
Developed and currently manage Arena Mall, Bacau, which opened in December 2007
17 years of expertise in shopping center management
Geo Margescu cofounded, in 2014, Forte Partners, a company with a real estate portfolio of developed projects in Romania worth 200 million euro and of projects in development worth another 200 million euro, both in office and residential segments.
He is CEO of Forte Partners and has a track record of developing landmark real estate projects with over 20 years of experience specializing in development management and construction. Geo has developed several landmark office and residential projects in Romania, which have been recognized and awarded internationally.
Marc Krueger is a Project Developer with more than twenty years’ of professional experience. Since 2006, he is working for S IMMO AG, a real estate investment company with its head office in Vienna. Since 1987, S IMMO AG has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. S IMMO AG invest exclusively in the European Union with a focus on capital cities in Austria, Germany and CEE. Over 70% of its property portfolio consists of offices, shopping centres and hotels. The remainder comprises residential properties. Marc Krüger is mainly responsible for developments in the CEE region. Currently he is in charge of three developments with approximately 112.000 sqm. In Bucharest he is i.e. responsible for the development of SunPlaza and THE MARK.
Irina Tolstousov is a seasoned professional as the Head of the Country Brand Promotion Department, boasting a rich history of success in both public and private sectors. With expertise in marketing strategy, public relations, and brand promotion, she stands out as a strong marketing professional, adept communicator, and collaborative team player.
Specializing in the economic field, Irina has actively contributed to European Union projects related to the DCFTA implementation. Notably, she holds the distinctive role as the first and sole individual in Moldova entrusted with managing the country’s brand.
At the Invest Moldova Agency, Ms. Tolstousov leads efforts to promote the Republic of Moldova as an investment magnet, export hub, and tourist haven. Her dedication to this unique role is highlighted by her exclusive responsibility for Moldova’s comprehensive brand management.
Irina holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Marketing Management, with her master’s thesis focused on the branding of the Republic of Moldova. Additionally, she served as a jury member for the prestigious City Nation Place Awards in 2023, the foremost platform for place builders. This further attests to her influential role in shaping global perceptions of regions and nations.”
Anthony Khoi is the President of CENOR GROUP and its subsidiary companies RETFUND and CEFIC, leading firms in investment, development, asset, and property management in Europe and Turkey.
In 2003, Anthony Khoi was appointed as a partner at Aerium, where he held multiple key positions including Managing Partner, Board member, President of Aerium in France and Turkey, and Head of Aerium’s retail investments across Europe.
The Cenor Group and its partner Aerium have collectively invested over 12 billion euros in commercial properties across Western and Central Europe, as well as Turkey, over the past three decades.
Anthony has been honored with several international awards for his professional achievements and humanitarian commitments. In 2010, he was named “CEO of the Year” in Turkey for his business acumen, achievements, and visionary leadership skills. He was also nominated by REurope Magazine as “Visionary Developer” of the year for 2011 in Turkey.
He is the co-founder of several associations and foundations, such as AYD, the Council of Shopping Centre Investors in Turkey, and the Institute of Positive Economy in France. He is an active member of the International Red Cross community, Hugh O.Brian Youth Foundation, Positive Planet Foundation, among several others, and is involved in charity work and responsible leadership.
Mr. Khoi is a graduate of Harvard Business School and EM Lyon Business School. He is also a French state-licensed architect (DPLG) and an alumnus of Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Olga is an experienced manager with almost 20 years of experience in the commercial property sector in the CEE region. During her career, she headed BNP Real Estate Romania as Country Manager, also worked as International Development Manager at Mayland Real Estate in Poland, but also in Russia as Branch Executive Manager of Seracom International Group. She is a graduate of the University of Bucharest and has completed an MBA program at Tiffin University, US. Olga is an ICF Certified Professional Coach, working with managers, executives, and their teams. She speaks native Romanian and fluent English, Russian and French.
Gabriel Voicu is Managing Partner of the New Homes Division within SVN Romania, one of the main real estate consultants on the local market and the leader of the residential sector. Gabriel has an experience of over 15 years, period in which he was the business consultant and head of sales for residential project comprising over 10,000 units delivered and sold.
Starting with May 1st, 2020, Razvan Enache took over the position of Managing Director within Tiriac Imobiliare. In this role, Razvan leads, organizes, and supervises the entire activity of the Real Estate division of Tiriac Group.
Razvan has 25 years of experience in real estate and construction companies, with specialization in real estate development, asset management, management of construction projects throughout their entire life cycle. Before joining Tiriac Imobiliare, he held the position of Project Manager at Skanska Romania (2015 – April 2020).
Prior to this period, Razvan held the position of Head of Real Estate and Collateral Asset Management for BCR (part of Erste Group). Here he coordinated the management of non-performing real estate assets, establishing the takeover, development, sale and marketing strategies for the real estate assets or receivables owned by the bank and organized the process of selling the portfolio.
In 2010, he joined Erste Group Immorent as Project Manager, monitoring the group’s real estate investments for 3 years.
In the first part of his career, Razvan worked in the field of civil engineering, going through all the professional stages specific to the profession, the period during which he coordinated construction sites including residential projects developed in southern Germany.
Razvan is a graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Bucharest Technical University of Constructions and has attended postgraduate courses with a specialization in the management of construction projects (with a scholarship at Strathclyde University in the UK).
The accumulated professional experience gives him a good understanding and preparation for establishing the strategy for the management and development of real estate projects, along with the technical expertise necessary to coordinate the specific construction activities.
With a successful career of over 15 years as a business lawyer, specializing in Real Estate and Construction, Project Development and Financing, Mergers & Acquisitions, Cosmin pursued his vision and founded Redport Capital, a company committed to transforming the real estate landscape in Romania and revitalizing urban areas into thriving communities. Today, Redport Capital stands as a dynamic leader in the real estate sector, steadfast in its dedication to delivering excellence through innovative residential projects.
Among the most representative projects Cosmin has been coordinating, we can list The Level Apartments, the first urban development project built in four phases in the Străulești area and conceived as a smart and sustainable residential complex. By now, there has been delivered the first two phases, with Level 3 expecting to start this year.
Last year, Redport Capital announced the concept design for Infinity Nord, a groundbreaking urban regeneration project set to be one of Romania’s most expansive developments of its kind, situated in the Străulești area. Infinity Nord stands as a flagship project for the developer, representing a significant milestone for Redport Capital with a total investment of 150 million EUR and an estimated delivery by the end of 2030.
Sebastian Macdonald-Hall embarked on his career journey in 2002 at 19 years old within M Core’s collective of companies, concentrating on asset management for the UK Industrial and Retail portfolios. His dedication led him to relocate to Paris, where he contributed to investment and asset management operations under the guidance of the company’s French CEO. Sebastian’s expertise was further honed during his tenure in Poland, where he was tasked with aiding business development, financial analysis, and investment expansion efforts.
After serving for two years, Sebastian co-founded Evolve Estates, in 2009 with Danny & Joe O’Keefe. In 2023 the company has amassed an impressive £450m AUM and developed a team of 45-person strong management platform in the UK.
Following a successful decade with Evolve Estates, Sebastian began working more across the M Core collective, to drive growth. In 2021 Sebastian was a key driver in the digital transformation and positioning efforts of M Core across Europe.
Sebastian’s focus in recent years has been on bolstering capital reserves for M Core’s expansion plans. His efforts have resulted in multiple capital raises, totalling over 500 m euros, through strategic partnerships, and several joint ventures.
Throughout his career, Sebastian has showcased proficiency across various domains such as corporate finance, property development, investment strategy, and portfolio management. His leadership roles, including EU Chief Investment Officer and Co-CEO of M Core Romania alongside James Fife, have been instrumental in driving Pan-European growth and establishing joint venture management platforms to optimize asset value.
Sebastian’s profound industry knowledge and strategic foresight continue to be invaluable assets in navigating and shaping M Core’s trajectory towards continued success in the dynamic real estate landscape. M Core currently has 1,270+ assets under management with a value of 5.3bn GBP.
Clemens Petschnikar is an esteemed real estate and retail professional with over 25 years of senior management experience in food retailing and real estate development, management, and consulting across Romania and Austria. During his tenure, more than 500,000 sqm of retail space have been successfully developed and operated under his leadership.
An Austrian national, Clemens holds a master’s degree from the Vienna University of Economics. Prior to establishing his own enterprise in 2008, he held executive roles at Aldi and REWE, and collaborated with international private equity firms in the food retailing sector.
Clemens is the founder of Square 7 Properties, based in Bucharest, Romania, a comprehensive real estate developer, property manager, asset, and facility manager. Operating in South & Central Europe, the company specialises in retail parks and convenience centres. Square 7 offers a complete spectrum of services covering real estate development, investment, and management.
In March 2024, following a joint venture between M Core and Square 7 Properties a new management platform was created, Square 7 part of M Core. This management platform oversees the M Core portfolio of 25 retail parks, which was acquired on late 2023. Square 7 part of M Core will continue to play a pivotal role in the commercial real estate landscape in the region.
Mihai has a long career in the local real estate market, in some of the largest international consulting companies. During his 14-year activity in real estate, he was involved in numerous relocation processes for both multinational and local companies, trading over 500,000 sqm of offices throughout this period. He started his career as a consultant in the industrial sector and gained substantial insight into real estate transactions, witnessing four extremely different stages of the market: pre, mid and after the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic. These demanding times shaped his professional experience.
In 2019 he joined One United Properties as CEO of the Office Division. In his new role, Mihai coordinates the rental of all office projects in the developer’s portfolio, as well as strengthening the relationship with tenants, in order to maximize the satisfaction of all occupants from One developments.
Mihai holds a degree in International Economic Relations from the Academy of Economic Studies and is a member of the 2016 RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
Andreea Păun is one of the few feminine figures and real estate entrepreneurs in Romania, and one of the most experienced and respected professionals actively shaping the local real estate market.
Recently, she coordinated and advised on the largest transaction ever concluded on the local real estate market, namely the restructuring and renewal of 30,000 Genpact premises within Hermes Business Campus in Bucharest. This is the largest transaction ever closed in the Romanian market.
In 7 years since its launch, Andreea guided Griffes to record the most spectacular and consistent growth for a real estate consultant in Romania, by 20% year by year, becoming a reference name in the market.
Griffes concluded more than 120 office transactions to date, amounting to 200,000 sqm of leased office space and a total volume of more than 160 million Eur. In the last 12 months alone, Griffes completed approximately 50,000 sqm of office space transactions, both in Bucharest and in the regional cities, with a total value of over 45 mln. Eur.
Moreover, in 2023, Griffes partnered with sounding names for Landlord Representation mandates, now representing in the market the reputed developer Portland Trust in promoting J8 Office Park in Bucharest. Currently, Griffes’ portfolio includes approximately 130,000 sqm of office space, both in Bucharest and regional cities. This represents by far the largest portfolio of owner-oriented services in the market.
Apart from metrics, Andreea is one of the most energetic and thorough professionals in the real estate market, a true vector of influence in terms of consulting clients in difficult endeavours.
Griffes’ priority for this year is delivering results in the managed portfolio, creating out of the box solutions, customized consultancy for developers to increase occupancy levels.
Andreea graduated from Business School (in French) within The Academy of Economic Studies and has always been fascinated by knowledge and discovery, genuinely embracing every learning opportunity.
With an eye for detail and a very agile attitude, Andreea is a deal maker by nature and a value creator in the real estate market.
Mirela is an experienced transaction support professional, having evenly split her career between the UK and Romania. In her role as a Director in Deal Advisory at KPMG London, Mirela advises large institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds and private real estate funds on UK and pan-European deals across various real estate asset classes such as student accommodation, commercial offices, hospitality, retail/shopping malls, industrial/warehousing/logistics and residential. She has also advised on a number of large infrastructure assets in the UK and across Europe, including inter-alia car parking, airports, ports and rolling stock companies.
Jan Demeyere, Architect and Co-founder at SPEEDWELL, graduated with honours as architect specialised in urban planning in 1991 from the Sint Lucas Ghent University in Belgium and has over 20 years of experience in the international construction and real estate market, out of which more than 15 years in Romania.
In 2014, Jan Demeyere joined forces with Didier Balcaen and founded SPEEDWELL Real Estate Development, a company aiming to create an build projects that will improve communities’ quality of life.
To reach this objective, Jan is involved in every step of the process and works closely with the in-house architects team to make sure that every building is unique, esthetically pleasing, sustainable and designed with the community’s needs in mind.
Although he designs as an architect, Jan thinks as a developer and this can be seen in all his successfully delivered projects.
SPEEDWELL has a large portfolio of projects in Romania. This includes the mixed-use project RECORD PARK, with 236 apartments and approximately 15.000m2 of commercial spaces in Cluj-Napoca, delivered in 2021. In Bucharest, the company is developing a few residential projects. TRIAMA RESIDENCE in Eastern Bucharest, with 202 units, is the first project here, followed by THE IVY ensemble in north of the city, featuring 800 apartments. The newest projects in the capital city or its proximity include THE MEADOWS, a lakefront residential concept featuring townhouses and apartments in low-rise buildings in northern Bucharest and GLENWOOD ESTATE, a unique concept that offers 209 premium individual villas set on the lakeside, in the natural surroundings, in Corbeanca.
One of the major projects SPEEDWELL has in its pipeline is CityZen, a mixed-use ensemble developed on a 9-hectare land plot, on Calea Grivitei. This is going to be a large-scale development that is going to double up the company’s portfolio.
Still in Bucharest, MIRO, an A-class office building, offering 23.000m2 of leasable office spaces has been delivered at the end of 2021.
In Timisoara, the mixed-use project, PALTIM, combines 236 residential units with A-class offices, retail spaces and two refurbished historical buildings. The first residential building is going to be delivered in the next few months.
In Ramnicu Valcea, SPEEDWELL manages RIVERSIDE CITY, a land development of 10ha with allotments to be sold for building a potential of up to 50 houses, 1.100 apartments and retail spaces.
SPEEDWELL has also delivered its first new industrial project in 2022, SPACEPLUS, offering extra storage and production space to SMEs that are expanding their business. In the end of 2023, the company has finalized and delivered its second phase.
Joining the real estate industry since collage, Alina is a professional with 20 years of 360° experience in the residential real estate market and former Managing Partner of Coldwell Banker Romania.
After 8 years of running the operations and owning Coldwell Banker franchize for two major branches in Bucharest, in late 2018 she founded Green Alley, a leading boutique firm that provides integrated consulting, marketing and sales services to residential developers and investors and integrated brokerage services for premium& highend market with a team of 14 professionals and over 600 mil. Eur in sales to date.
Alina graduated from the Bucharest Faculty of Economic Studies, is a master’s degree graduate in Real Estate Economics and Neurolinguistic Programming and has advanced knowledge of branding, marketing, sales and psychology.
Guided by values such as responsibility, honesty and dedication, Alina distinguished herself by forming strategic partnerships with residential developers with whom she worked on the conceptualization of projects, created marketing and sales strategies; but also through the large volume of successfully completed transactions in the residential market and the professional and performing teams she built and trained.
“We live in a world where excellence truly makes a difference, and the satisfaction of our partners is the measure by which we quantify the difference we make and, implicitly, Green Alley’s long-term sustainability.”
Osman Cavusoglu is General Manager of AC&co. | ALTINYILDIZ CLASSICS.
He has a total of 25+ years professional experience but especially specialized in international brand building and menswear retail.
He can effectively communicate in English and Russian.
Alina Calin has over 20 years of experience in the banking system, out of which 15 years in the specialized lending with a focus towards financing of real estate. She is currently Head of Real Estate Finance with Alpha Bank Romania, bank with tradition in sustaining the development of the Real Estate sector in Romania.
Wolfgang has started his career as technician where he worked for ten years and has been responsible for water treatment plants. Afterwards more than two decades ago he joined Erste Group Bank AG which is heading the Austrian savings bank sector.
Here, based in Erste`s Viennese Headquarter Wolfgang has gained various experience (retail, restructuring, origination) primarily in the Erste Group Commercial Real Estate Division where he is currently responsible for origination and structuring real estate transactions (office, retail, mixed-use, logistics) in Austria, Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Erste Group manages a commercial real estate portfolio of more than EUR 14billion with an annual deal flow of more than EUR 2.5 billion, the regional focus including Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Croatia.
Retail Operations Director of both FASHION HOUSE Outlet Centers in Bucharest, Romania, Cornelia is an experienced retailer within the outlet sector, as both occupier and operator.
In 2020, after a solid career in retailing, Cornelia joined FASHION HOUSE Group to lead the operations of the company in Romania. She is in charge with managing the business services for Militari and Pallady Centers.
FASHION HOUSE Group, is currently one of the leading names in the outlet sector in CEE and an expert in emerging markets. Part of leading real estate expert Liebrecht & wooD Group, the company is responsible currently for the property and operational management of four FASHION HOUSE Outlet Centres in Europe.
Mr. Nikolaos (Nikos) Manomenidis is a real estate professional with awide range of
experience in the Real Estate Market. First-class analytical, design, and problemsolving skills,dedicated to maintaining high-quality standards, Nikos has leadership
skillsinvolving managing, developing, and motivating teams to achieve
theirobjectives. He started his carrier in 1999 as aResidential Broker and move to
Commercial Real Estate in 2012, and from then heparticipated in several real estate
transactions connected with many small and medium-scalecommercial property
disposition, property management, and valuation projects. Nikos also seeks,
supports, and educates executivesthat want to become responsible professionals in
the real estate market. He is also an active syndicate factor for bettering the social
status andfinancial prospects of all involved parts in the market. He has served in
key executive positions on several companies and international real estate
associations in Europe and the USA during his career. Holding the role of President
at the Central European Real Estate Associations Network, Nikos has served as a
special consultant responsible for the development of real estate markets with
jurisdiction in the countries of Southern Europe. He designed, established, and
coordinated integrated asset management processes and procedures both for
distressed and non-distressed assets.
Bryan Wilson Jardine, a California-admitted attorney (since 1990) and registered foreign lawyer with the Bucharest Bar Association, has lived and worked in the CEE/SEE region since 1996 and has been the Managing Partner of the Wolf Theiss Bucharest office since 2005.
In addition, Bryan co-heads the firm’s regional energy industry group. He has extensive experience in the conventional and renewable energy (RES) sector, having represented leading multinational investors and developers in this sector. He has received various awards in recognition of his substantial expertise in the business and energy sector and was named “Professional of the Year” at the 2009 Europa Property SEE Annual Awards. Over the last years, he has edited several of the Firm’s well-received energy guides, which have focused on areas from RES and Waste to Energy and Energy Efficiency. He is also one of the three individuals who founded the Romanian Petroleum Club in 2001
Iuliana coordinates the environmental and social risk assessments and financing with a positive impact, within BRD. She has an extensive experience in the banking field, with 14 years in real estate financing, acquisitions and syndicated transactions.
In her current role participated in the first sustainable finance transactions instrumented for companies with a footprint in Romania, including for real estate sector.
Iuliana is a graduate of the Academy of Economic Studies, of an MBA program at the Open University (UK) and is currently pursuing a Master in Sustainability Leadership at Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Gijs has almost 20 years of experience in real estate and was involved in investment transactions worth more than EUR 2 billion across Central and Eastern Europe.
As a Dutch citizen, Gijs holds a Master of Science in real estate management obtained at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. His working career started at the research & strategy department of ING Real Estate Investment Management (ING REIM). In 2005 he moved into CEE and held various positions in that region both on the transactional and asset management side with companies such as ING REIM (later acquired by CBRE and becoming CBRE Global Investors), JLL (managing director Romania), Nepi Rockcastle (head of investments), CBRE (head of investment properties), CTP and now WDP.
Personal Status
Married with two children living in Roztoky (CZ)
Hobbies:
Military history, hiking, investing in residential properties
Languages:
Dutch, German, English and Romanian
Quote Gijs:
- Motto: “luctor et emergo”, in other words one should never give up and one will eventually prevail (same credo as Holland)
Real Estate Business Consultant / Senior Executive with over 19 years’ experience and a proven track record in real estate management, operations, and strategic leadership. Key strengths include: driving revenue growth, providing strategic guidance across the entire property lifecycle for investors and property developers; extensive knowledge of market trends, developing business strategies and fostering positive relationships with clients, suppliers, and authorities, contributing to brand visibility; and expertise in the supervision and administration of complex investment projects, new constructions, and remodelling initiatives, ensuring compliance with group policies.
I graduated Bucharest University of Economic Studies – Faculty of International Business and Economics. I have approx. 20 years of experience in managing corporate banking portfolio. I started my banking career in 2004 by joining Credit Europe Bank, standing out through motivation and involvement in all activity areas while successfully taking on various roles in Corporate lending and product management. Since last year, I am responsible of coordinating the Corporate Banking activity of Credit Europe Bank.
Ivaylo Slavov is a Corporate Executive & Serial Entrepreneur with 30+ years of international experience in IT, Financial Services and Business Process Outsourcing through diverse managerial roles at Microsoft, Adecco, SEB, Unisys, Comparex (PC Ware) across EMEA. He founded BULPROS (now DIGITALL) and guided the company to become one of the largest and fastest growing technology company in CEE. As Strategic Investor & Advisor, specialized in developing start-ups and growing established organizations, Ivaylo is currently Founder and CEO of Finance Partner, an investment and strategy consultancy company focused on innovation in IoT, Green and Renewable Energy, Hi-tech and Flexible Workforce Management solutions with a mission to empower innovative companies and support forward-thinking entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Additionally, Ivaylo is Board member of several business organizations and associations such as AHK German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Burgas Free University and a member of the Board of the Vocational High School for Computer Programming and Innovation in the city of Burgas.
Adrian has 20+ years experience in Romanian retail and especially in the retail of shoes and accessories.
Between 2001 and 2004 he was Area Manager for Leonardo, and since 2004 he has been Development & Retail Manager and one of the shareholders of Benvenuti. Benvenuti currently has 53 stores in Romania, of which 47 under the Benvenuti brand and 6 under the Enzo Bertini brand.
Also, since 2014, Adrian has been a founding member of RoRetail – Romanian Retailers Association.
Adrian graduated from the Technical University of Timisoara, being licensed in mechanical engineering.
She is a senior executive with a strong background in beauty and pharma industry. For the last 12 years she is managing Parfumerie Douglas local subsidiary covering 23 cities with 41 stores and a strong Ecomm shop. Previously she worked for 7 years in pharma industry holding several management positions in Sensiblu (former AD Pharma Group, currently Dr. Max). She is also a graduate of Prestigious Global Management EMBA Program at Wien University and Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis, Minnesota, class 2012
Doinita Ilie MRICS is Head of Leasing at Colosseum Mall Bucharest, the second-largest shopping and leisure destination in Bucharest district 1, where she manages leasing activities and tenant communication.
Doinita Ilie has more than 20 years of activity in the real estate industry, and senior professional expertise in property development planning, property marketing, and leasing. Over the years, Doinita successfully represented major shopping mall owners from the greenfield stage to property leasing.
Previously to Colosseum Mall, Doinita held different management positions in companies such as JLL and Cushman & Wakefield.
Doinita has an EMBA degree from CNAM Paris, a bachelor’s degree from Polytechnic University, and she was also graduated from the University of Economics in Bucharest.
Having graduated in Budapest in 1988, Peter is an economist by background. He also holds an MPhil degree in Land Economy from Cambridge University and a joint MSc degree in Real Estate from the Budapest Technical University and the Nottingham Trent University. He started his career 33 years ago and gained a wealth of experience in the field of property agency, development, valuation and investment & banking with local and international firms such as Price Waterhouse, Kuwait Petroleum, Jones Lang Wootton and Eurohypo. For more than a decade he was responsible for the CEE & SEE Region at HYPO NOE Landesbank für Niederoesterreich und Wien Bank AG, where he has been appointed to Head of Department for Real Estate Finance. This includes further responsibilities for countries such as Austria, Germany and Holland. Peter is an active member of RICS. He served in various positions like Chairman in Hungary or as a board member of RICS Europe and as that of Austria.
Alex Skouras is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Alesonor Real Estate Development, a wellbeing community developer with over 21 years of experience in Romania.
With a strong educational background from the Technical University in Athens (NTUA) and from London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Alex has been coordinating the operations and expansion of Alesonor, overseeing with his partners the development of all its real estate projects since 2003.
He is also a Founding Member of Epower, a development company active in the renewable energy sector since 2007 with several wind and solar projects, of IQBOX and Cosmos Mobile, companies active in the telecom industry and of Wellness Solutions, a company distributing sports and fitness brands.
As Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Alesonor, Alex Skouras leads the company’s latest ground-breaking project, Amber Forest, the first complete suburb in Romania.
This 31 hectares mix-use sustainable development offers a unique living experience. Amber Forest features over 700 nZEB smart villas and apartments, a complete, high-quality infrastructure, a 5-ha park, a sports club offering a wide range of sports and leisure facilities in partnership with Pescariu Sports & Spa, top quality educational services in partnership with Verita International School & Kindergarten, a commercial area with over 10,000 sqm for cafes, restaurants, farmers’ market, supermarket, bakery and shops, co-working hub, outdoor cinema as well as medical services.
Alex is a firm believer in sustainability, entrepreneurship and teamwork. Together with his business partners he has been deeply involved in a variety of projects in real estate, technology, retail, renewable energy, telecom and health.
Dr. Angelus Bernreuther is Head of Investor Relationship Management at Kaufland Stiftung & Co. KG. Kaufland is one of the leading international grocery retailers, running more than 1,350 hypermarkets in eight countries. Prior to joining Kaufland he was with BBE Retail Consulting, responsible for the international business development. For more than 20 years he is an experienced consultant, researcher, property and business developer in the retail real estate industry. He holds academic degrees from the University of Bayreuth and EIPOS Dresden. He is a member of numerous organisations, speaker at leading conferences and publishes regularly about trends in the retail business. His philosophy for life: It’s all about people, relations and trust.
With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Lucian Azoiței, founder and CEO of Forty Management, is one of the most respected executives in Romania. An active player in real estate, Lucian has contributed significantly to the growth of this sector, with Forty Management recognized by the business community as one of the most innovative companies that initiated and promoted the ESG standards in Romania. Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the heart of the company’s developments, all the buildings under the Central District brand having superior certifications in this respect.
Forty Management is a member of the Romania Green Building Council (RoGBC), an organization that promotes environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. All Central District’s residential developments are certified “Green Homes” by RoBGC, with Central District Viitorului 134 certified as NzEB.
Leveraging its know-how in terms of sustainability and experience in innovative real estate development, Forty Management has begun the works for its next major scale-up green urban reconversion: Central District Lagoon City Bucharest, which involves an investment of over 140 million EUR. The project will implement for the first time in Central and Eastern Europe a large artificial lagoon of over 10.000 sqm and 4.000 sqm of white sandy beaches, which practically brings the sea into the city. Lagoon City Bucharest will also include a 5* hotel with 323 rooms, 401 apartments for rent, commercial and residential areas, restaurants and other amenities. Lagoon City will be the first large-scale mixed-use development to meet the self-sustainability standard and a scalable project to be developed as well in Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Rome, Milan, Toulouse and Sevilla, an over 1 billion euro investment through our Swiss subsidiary, Forty Management AG, Bern.
With a law degree and an EMBA, Lucian Azoiței is passionate about basketball, cars and travel, interacting with new people and cultures, which inspire him to increase the quality of life in the real estate projects he designs. Lucian also manages the activity of the Azoitei Foundation for Young Romanian Musicians, together with his brother, the famous violinist Remus Azoitei.
Tickets & Registration
Attending Main Awards Gala only – price per person.
Attending the Forum & Online CEO Networking plus the main Awards Gala – price per person.
Attending Main Awards Gala with a corporate table of (10) ten
Live
& Online
This year’s awards will be a LIVE event hosted at the Hotel InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest
The SEE Real Estate Awards Gala & CEO Networking Forum is the only event of its kind covering the South Eastern European region. The event brings together the most active international and local developers, bankers, investors, lawyers and other professionals operating in the region.
We have invested a lot of time and expertise in creating a product that sets new standards. This event will be a feat of new technology and promises to deliver all of the key aspects we’ve build for the past 20 years.
EuropaProperty has fast become the Number 1 Producer of business events in Europe, connecting people and companies despite the disruption, facilitating deals and helping business get done.
Good luck to all of the nominees!
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