Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012 Dr. James Mwangi Equity Bank Limited, Kenya Monte Carlo | 7–10 June 2012

It started with a bank in bankruptcy Additionally, through strategic capitalization, Equity Bank attracted the single largest capital injection in Kenya is well known for its spectacular wildlife East and Central African history: $180 million from and Olympic-class distance runners, but thanks Helios EB. Got jobs? to people like Dr. James Mwangi, the country may become known for its world-class entrepreneurs. For entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs CNBC called it “fascinating” when they Dr. Mwangi, CEO and Managing Director of Kenya’s sat down to talk to us in Monaco. But we Equity Bank Limited, was named the Ernst & Young An independent judging panel comprised of had a hunch all along that our job creation World Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012, on 9 June distinguished former Entrepreneur Of The Year survey would fi nd that entrepreneurs are at a gala awards ceremony held in Monte Carlo and winners from around the globe selected Dr. Mwangi webcast live around the world. from among fi nalists from 51 countries, each of creating jobs — no matter where in the whom had already been named an Ernst & Young world they are. These go-getters give us Equity Bank is the largest bank by customer base Entrepreneur Of The Year in their home country. many gifts — our favorite phones, fun air in East and Central Africa and the largest African travel, great daily coffee — but what we majority-owned company in the region. The bank “Not only has James really transformed people’s really appreciate them for is their ability has more than 7 million accounts, representing lives across Africa by offering them access to to create jobs. This is especially important over half of all bank accounts in Kenya. It also has funding that they have never had before, Equity operations in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Bank continues to grow quickly through a strong as the world struggles to work its way out Tanzania. fi nancial performance,” said Ruben Vardanian, of a disheartening economic downturn. President, Troika Dialog, of Russia, who chaired the We learned: Ernst & Young judging panel. World Entrepreneur Of The Year® “ This is a global recognition for • Entrepreneurs expanded jobs overall at a Africans who are embracing the rate of 16% in 2011. Impressive country 2012 counts: US at 18%; Australia 18%; power of entrepreneurship.” Canada 16%; UK 10%. Dr. James Mwangi Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Bank Limited • More than three-fourths (76%) increased headcount in 2011. Equity Bank Limited, Kenya “I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of the • Entrepreneurs will keep growing in 2012: people and customers of Equity Bank,” Dr. Mwangi Ruben Vardanian, President, Troika Dialog, of Russia, who 68% intend to add to their workforce in said. “This is a global recognition for Africans who chaired the World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012 judging panel, their headquarters country — 44% expect are embracing the power of entrepreneurship to and Maria Pinelli, Ernst & Young, Global Vice Chair, Strategic to expand outside. change the economic and social state of Africa.” Growth Markets • Only 14% say they hire abroad to take “James has been pivotal in the transformation of advantage of lower labor costs. The real Transforming lives Equity Bank into one of Africa’s brightest business reason: expansion into a new market. Dr. Mwangi played a key role in transforming Equity success stories,” said Maria Pinelli, Ernst & Young’s Respondents in Asia (92%), Australia Bank from a failing micro-fi nance institution to a Global Vice Chair, Strategic Growth Markets. “He is (91%) and the UK (87%) are most likely publicly listed commercial bank. He has also driven truly an inspirational story of entrepreneurial spirit to hire to capitalize on new global the bank’s goal to transform the lives of people with an innovative business model that has the opportunities. socially and economically by giving them access to potential to be replicated globally.” At Ernst & Young, we say keep growing! modern, inclusive fi nancial services. The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Entrepreneurs are showing everyone He spearheaded the bank’s investment in an IT Program is the only truly global program designed the way forward. Let’s go! platform that can accommodate 35 million accounts, to acknowledge the accomplishments and as well as a level-four data center — the only one of contributions of leading entrepreneurs building its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa — which gave Equity dynamic businesses, recognizing them through Bank the lead in creating synergy between banking regional, national and global awards programs in ey.com/weoy and mobile phones. more than 140 cities in over 50 countries.

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 LEADERS 21 Presenting the 2011 country winners

Argentina Australia Austria Marcos Galperin Michael Malone Johannes Gutmann Founder and Founder and Founder and General Manager Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer SONNENTOR MercadoLibre iiNet

Marcos Galperin’s entrepreneurial goal has been to Michael Malone founded iiNet in the garage of a suburban When Johannes Gutmann started SONNENTOR in 1988, develop a project that would add value to society and home in 1993 to supply himself with internet access he had three organic farmers who supplied herbs for transcend him as a person. Along the road, he’s also because there were no other internet providers in Western the company. Today, SONNENTOR has more than 120 put time and resources into supporting educational Australia. The company was publicly listed in 1999, and suppliers and exports to 40 countries worldwide, with programs from diverse universities and non-governmental today, iiNet is Australia’s second-largest DSL internet tons of herbs and other raw materials. Since its founding, organizations, and he gets excited about helping the service provider. With approximately 1.3 million customers SONNENTOR has had a consistent annual growth of 10% young with entrepreneurial interests. His company, and employing more than 2,000 people, iiNet is the to 20%. The company’s products are sold in more than MercadoLibre, is a successful online trading business leading challenger in the Australian telecommunications 45 countries — primarily Austria, Germany, Switzerland that aims to democratize commerce in Latin America. A market and has a reputation for innovation and exceptional and the Czech Republic, but also Bali, Japan, Malaysia, public company, MercadoLibre hosts the largest online customer service. Michael aims to “lead on product Hong Kong, South Korea, New Zealand and others. For commerce platform in Latin America and provides users and differentiate on service.” That vision drives every Johannes, the starting point for his business was always with mechanisms for buying and selling goods as well as facet of the business, and his genuine curiosity helps selling organically farmed goods, based on the concept of paying, collecting, generating leads and comparing listings to ensure that iiNet stays relevant in a rapidly changing supporting small rural structures. The judges described of their products and services. “It’s an honor to be awarded telecommunications landscape. On winning the Australian him as a pioneer in fair trade entrepreneurship. Johannes for the development of a business model that initiated award, Michael said, “One of the great things about the said, “Being a member of the community of Ernst & Young the democratization of commerce in Latin America and Entrepreneur Of The Year Program is that the stories can Entrepreneur Of The Year companies is an enormous allows over 130,000 people to generate income by selling serve as inspiration to other people who are working to get personal honor and a sign of distinction for our company through our platform,” Marcos said. their businesses off the ground.” and our values.”

Brazil Canada Francisco Dani Reiss Deusmar de Queirós President and Founder and Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer Canada Goose Inc. Pague Menos

Belgium Belgium In 1981, Francisco Deusmar de Queirós opened his fi rst In 1997, Dani Reiss joined Canada Goose, the company drugstore, Pague Menos, in Fortaleza, the capital of his grandfather founded in 1957. At the time, Canada Vic Swerts Dirk Coorevits Ceara state in Brazil. Today, with more than 500 stores Goose was struggling, due to signifi cant price decreases Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Offi cer and 15,000 employees, Pague Menos is a nationally in the outerwear market as competitors had fl ed to Asia Soudal Soudal recognized brand throughout Brazil. Deusmar pioneered to take advantage of cheaper labor costs. But Dani has Soudal has been a Belgium family business for more the concept of “drugstore” in Brazil, and Pague Menos always been committed to keeping the family business in than 45 years and is still under the direction of its stands out as a model for innovation. Pague Menos’ Canada. And since assuming the company’s leadership in founder and owner, Vic Swerts. From a one-man greatest innovation was in 1989 when it began to 2001, he has differentiated Canada Goose by maintaining company, Soudal evolved toward a regional producer offer the service of bill payments for water, electricity, the highest standards in materials and manufacturing. of silicones and quickly grew into an international telephone and other bills. This increased customer visits The company has since grown by 2,500% and is a global export company of innovative chemical construction to stores and brought convenience to millions who were leader in premium outerwear. “We pride ourselves on being specialties. Under the operational guidance of Dirk otherwise hampered by poor public transportation and an internationally respected Canadian brand,” Dani said. Coorevits, Soudal now employs 1,453 people; owns overcrowding in banks. A few years later, the Central Dani extends his warmth through social and environmental eight production plants across Europe, Asia and North Bank of Brazil recognized the importance of this service, initiatives. He established three Canada Goose Resource and South America; and sells its products in more replicating the corresponding banking model, now Centres in Canada’s High Arctic that provide access to than 110 countries through 37 of its own affi liates. copied throughout Brazil and other countries. free materials to aboriginal communities for use in their Innovation is a pillar of Soudal’s success, driving the handmade clothing. He also serves as Chairman of Polar development of 300 new products a year and decades Bears International USA. of sustainable, profi table growth.

22 LEADERS VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 Chile China-Hong Kong/ China-Mainland Horst Paulmann Macau Ren Yuanlin Founder and Chairman Thomas Woo Chairman Cencosud S.A. President Yangzijiang Shipbuilding City Super Group Group Limited

Horst Paulmann has been called one of Chile’s greatest “We started our business with a dream, believing that ‘If we Ren Yuanlin began as a worker in a state-owned entrepreneurs. He introduced the concept of hypermarkets build it, they will come,’” said Thomas Woo. And they did. shipbuilding yard. Today, he is a shipping magnate and in Chile, which he then expanded to other countries in the In 1996, Thomas joined Masashi Ishikawa to set up City the chairman of Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group Limited. region. He also brought innovative ideas to other formats, Super with a unique business concept completely different By focusing on his goal to develop the best shipbuilding such as department stores, home improvement stores and from that of the conventional supermarket industry in company in China, Ren has led Yangzijiang to become the shopping centers. Today, his company, Cencosud S.A., is Hong Kong. Over the past 15 years, City Super’s dedication fi rst private Chinese company listed in Singapore, where one of the largest retail conglomerates in Latin America, to high-quality products and service has earned it a large it ranked at the top of all Chinese companies listed. In with a presence in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and and loyal customer base. Thomas has transformed the 2010, Yangzijiang became the fi rst mainland company Peru. “This award is very important, and I’m very grateful business from early losses to profi ts in a short period to successfully list in Taiwan. Ren said his Entrepreneur and honored, because when you’ve spent 10, 20, 30 years without any additional fi nancing from shareholders. Of The Year Award “is not only recognition of Yangzijiang doing something, or 60 years like me, we, as humans, from Looking forward, his goal is to open stores in mainland Shipbuilding, but also an inspiration to the shipbuilding time to time, need to be told that we have done a good China and Southeast Asia in the next three years, helping industry in China. Chinese shipbuilders will work together job,” Horst said. to ensure that City Super remains an Asian leader. towards the goal of making China one of the world’s leading shipbuilders.” Ren is also an avid supporter of charity, donating RMB10 million to build schools following the Wenchuan earthquake and overseeing much of the work himself. He has also personally fi nanced new schools in Kazakhstan.

Colombia Czech Republic Denmark Yonatan Bursztyn Jannis Samaras Henrik Sørensen Founder and President Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Offi cer Nalsani S.A. of Directors and Chief DESMI A/S Executive Offi cer Kofola S.A.

Since he was a young man, Yonatan Bursztyn wanted Jannis Samaras was born in Czechoslovakia to Greek Henrik Sørensen leads DESMI A/S, one of Denmark’s to have his own company. At age 28 he bought his parents with an entrepreneurial spirit. He and his father, oldest companies. A supplier of pump solutions, the fi rst manufacturing enterprise. Traveling around the Kostas, started from nothing, importing fruit from Greece, company dates back more than 175 years. But with world, he learned about innovative materials and and later they began producing soft drinks. In 2002, they Henrik’s ambitious and visionary corporate strategy, DESMI product development, and he realized that creating a put up all of their assets and bought a license for what A/S seems like a young entrepreneurial venture that’s global brand was critical to the success of his company. was, at the time, an ailing Czech cola-drink brand — Kofola leveraged the opportunities offered by the global market. The brand — Totto — opened its fi rst store in 1989. In — that had been associated with communism for 50 years. Employing more than 500 people worldwide, DESMI 1990, Yonatan launched a sportswear line and began Though nobody believed they would be successful, today A/S exports to more than 100 countries. Henrik points expanding to become a global fi rm. Today, with national Kofola is one of the biggest soft drink producers in the to fi ve factors that have led the company to its current and international stores, Totto directly works with about region, and in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it beats position: hard work, skills, perseverance, timing and luck. 10,000 employees. Winning the Entrepreneur Of The the two most recognized global soft drink brands in the When Henrik won his Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Year Award gave Yonatan the opportunity to share his world. Kofola employs more than 2,000 people in its seven Denmark, he said, “Receiving the award is a great honor dream with others. He recognized the support of his production plants in four markets. Jannis said, “Kofola has and recognition of our business, the way we are running employees and acknowledged that building a global brand become a symbol in Europe for what can be achieved if you our company and the results we have achieved so far.” through people and their talent results in the growth and do something with love and commitment. A good idea will development of a country. succeed no matter how large your competitors.”

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 LEADERS 23 Presenting the 2011 country winners

Finland France Mikael Hed Jean Mane Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer Rovio Entertainment Ltd. V Mane Fils

Estonia Belgium Rovio Entertainment was founded in 2003 after Mikael In 1871, Victor Mane started producing fragrant materials Hed’s cousin Niklas Hed, along with his friends, won an from regional fl owers and plants. Since then, the small Priit Alamäe Taavi Kotka innovation competition with a mobile game application. distillery has grown to become one of the leading fl avors Founder and Co-founder and In the beginning, the company went through diffi cult and fragrances companies worldwide and has continuously Chairman of the Board Member of the Board times, having to dramatically reduce the number of been run by the Mane family. Jean Mane joined the AS Webmedia Group AS Webmedia Group employees. But in 2009, Mikael started carefully analyzing family business in 1977, starting as a research chemist. Priit Alamäe and Taavi Kotka built one of the largest the qualities and user experiences of the most successful In 1988, he became Technical Director of the Flavor software and system integration companies in the Baltic games. His research paid off when Rovio rose to global Division and President and CEO in 1995. Jean’s vision is States. Founded in Estonia in 2000, the company has fame with its Angry Birds game. In the past two years, intensely focused on growth, innovation and globalization. grown over 80% each year, making it one of the fastest- Angry Birds has been downloaded more than 750 million His leadership has transformed V Mane Fils into an growing technology companies in the Europe, Middle East times, making it one of the most downloaded games international group having invested in 30 countries and and Africa region. Priit and Taavi believe success requires ever. On winning the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award, with more than 3,000 employees. He is proud to have made passion and hard work. They also feel that in their Mikael said, “This award is a fantastic recognition for us. his group the world’s sixth-ranked company in its industry. sector, being young and a little crazy helps. “Because Moments like these motivate us to run the extra mile and “I am deeply honored and motivated by this award, we are young, we have to fi nd new solutions and angles. to expand our vision even further. We hope to inspire other which recognizes that family corporate governance and Entrepreneurs must have the courage to do things in their entrepreneurs by showing that great success takes hard entrepreneurship can succeed in times of crisis,” Jean said. own new way: stagnation and complacency are waiting work, courage and determination.” for the moment when growth stops.”

Germany Greece Hungary Dr. Manfred Wittenstein Spyros Theodoropoulos Csaba Soós Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer President WITTENSTEIN AG Chipita S.A. E-Star Alternative Plc.

When Dr. Manfred Wittenstein took over the company Spyros Theodoropoulos already was an experienced Years of experience, consumer demand and the that would become WITTENSTEIN AG, he knew he had to entrepreneur when he bought a small company in recognition of an opportunity have all helped Csaba Soós make internal changes to save the business and its Athens in 1986. Within the fi rst few years of ownership, make E-Star Alternative Plc. one of the most dynamically 50 employees. It was 1979, and he was 30 years old. Spyros had introduced several new products in the growing companies in the energy sector. Founded in 2000 His father had founded the business — formerly called sweet-and-savory snacks category. The CEO has as an alternative energy supplier, E-Star upgrades and Dewitta — in 1949, and when Manfred assumed control, defi ed challenges and transformed Chipita S.A. into an operates the outdated heating and remote heating systems it was a manufacturing company for sewing machines innovation-driven global player with a vision of holding a of country towns, institutions and industrial consumers. for women’s gloves. “Drive technology was a growing leading position in all the countries in which it operates. Today, the company is a leading participant in the ESCO market,” Manfred said. “Our company hit it off: the Today, the company has production facilities in 10 (energy saving company) market for implementing energy- growth rate rose up to 50% over the next few years. countries and employs 9,000 people. It also has forged effi ciency projects in Hungary. Csaba is working to attain I like to seize opportunities and try to make the best strong strategic partnerships in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, a similar market position in Romania, where the company of it.” The fi rst sub-company was established in 1984, Mexico and Nigeria — and Turkey is next. Spyros said is already counted among the top three companies in its and today there are 60, operating in 40 countries with the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award proves one can fi eld on the basis of its ongoing projects. “I thank those 1,400 employees. WITTENSTEIN AG is committed to achieve distinction without violating one’s principles. who thought of me as a nominee for this highly prestigious being a world-class global partner for the customers “More importantly,” he adds, “the award is recognition award,” Soós said of the recognition. “Obviously, one does of its intelligent mechatronic drive technology, servo for a Greek businessman in this negative economic not work to earn recognition like this. It is a great feeling, systems and components. environment, demonstrating that Greek entrepreneurship however, to receive such feedback.” is a source of hope for our country.”

24 LEADERS VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 India Indonesia Rahul Bhatia Dato’ Sri Prof. Dr. Tahir Group Managing Director Founder and Executive InterGlobe Enterprises Chairman Mayapada Group

Rahul Bhatia founded InterGlobe Enterprises in 1989 and What started as a garment business in 1986 has ventured Ireland um has taken it from a small aviation-related services company into the realms of refi nance, retail, health care, property to a multibillion-dollar international corporation. Today, and media. And Dato’ Sri Dr. Tahir plans to expand the Joe Hogan Niall Norton Founder and CTO Chief Executive Offi cer InterGlobe is a US$1.8 billion diversifi ed business with Mayapada Group even further. One of the group’s main Openet Openet interests in aviation, hospitality, air transport management, business arms, Bank Mayapada, is now the fourth-largest travel technology distribution, business process outsourcing privately owned bank in Indonesia with 150 branches Joe Hogan’s and Niall Norton’s business and technology and IT-enabled services, luxury products and retail. It across the country. To diversify his business, Tahir skills have driven Openet to success and built it into employs more than 10,000 people and has operations in partnered with Duty Free Shoppers USA and eventually Ireland’s largest private software company. Openet Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and Africa. Under Rahul’s became the largest duty-free shop operator in Indonesia. provides the most robust, extensible and innovative service leadership, InterGlobe and its group companies have The group also owns several offi ce towers and a hotel. He optimization software to communication and media service achieved prominent milestones and accolades across the has acquired one hospital and is working with Singapore providers worldwide, enabling them to control, monetize board. He was acknowledged in 2011 for his business to build a hospital in Indonesia. With 500 rooms, it will and increase visibility into the usage of services and leadership and entrepreneurial abilities by Forbes India be Indonesia’s largest hospital. Future plans include network resources. “We are very proud, on behalf of all the (The Outstanding Start-up Award) and Economic Times entering the natural resources sector in coal and nickel and team at Openet, to have received this great honor,” Joe (Overall Entrepreneur Award). The InterGlobe Foundation expanding his media empire. Already the owner of Forbes and Niall said. “We are focused on value and job creation has partnered with several non-governmental organizations Indonesia and the largest Chinese-language newspaper in in equal measure, and in these troubled economic times, to support causes ranging from child education, human Indonesia, Tahir’s next big move will be the launch of the are thrilled to have been recognized as contributing to rights, disability and women’s rights to employment and Topas TV channel. economic growth.” recycling-related initiatives.

Israel Italy Japan Shai Agassi Alessandro Benetton Akira Yamamura Founder and Chairman President Chief Executive Offi cer Benetton Group S.p.A. Ferrotec Corporation Better Place

In 2005, Shai Agassi was inspired by a profound question When relatives asked him to chart the future of Benetton “Our goal when Ferrotec was founded 30 years ago posed at the World Economic Forum: “how do you make Group in 2004, Alessandro Benetton accepted with great was to turn it into a billion-dollar company — one the world a better place by 2020?” With a passion for passion and enthusiasm. He pursued a business strategy which was achieved in a short time,” Akira Yamamura tackling large-scale challenges, Shai sought to answer based on growth and fi rst-class corporate governance said. “As the next step, our target is to become a 300 this question with a pragmatic solution to free cars from for one of the most recognized international fashion billion yen company.” With that as a goal, Akira steers oil, reduce emissions and usher in an era of sustainable companies in the world. Alessandro’s passion is far-reaching Ferrotec Corporation, a world-leading manufacturer of transportation. And in 2007, he founded Better Place. and goes beyond the family business. A forerunner in advanced materials and components and provider of In 2008, Israel became the fi rst country — and Renault the introduction of the private equity business in Italy, assembly solutions used in a broad array of end products, the fi rst carmaker — to embrace the company’s model Alessandro founded 21 Investimenti in 1992, of which he manufacturing systems and industries. Akira has been of building open network infrastructure to enable mass is President and Managing Director. Today, 21 Investimenti praised for his methodical dynamism, international adoption of electric vehicles. Denmark, Australia, the US represents a system of private equity funds with a combined mindset, enthusiasm, acute awareness and innovative and Canada followed suit. Today, Shai is in discussions with worth of more than €1.2 billion. “I am deeply gratifi ed to creativity. He is well known in the semiconductor industry many countries, carmakers and other potential partners have received this recognition for having completed the not only as President of Ferrotec, but as a board member around the globe. “Entrepreneurs don’t do it for riches managerial evolution of Benetton Group, to which I have of SEMI for several years. Takeo Shiina, Chairman of the or awards,” Shai said of his work and the honor. “Yet the dedicated, and continue to dedicate, most of my energies,” Japan Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 judging panel, said, awards provide the energy that drives them to the next Alessandro said. “It gives me particular pleasure that my “I can see a bright future ahead for this country even in the innovation, the next change.” role as an entrepreneur was also remembered in my activity face of the terrible diffi culty we have been experiencing in 21 Investimenti.” since 11 March 2011. Mr. Yamamura’s Ferrotec shines among other entrepreneurial companies.”

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 LEADERS 25 Presenting the 2011 country winners

Jordan Kenya Korea Randa Ayoubi Dr. James Mwangi Dr. Dae-Gyu Byun Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer and Founder, President and Rubicon Group Holding (RGH) Managing Director Chief Executive Offi cer Equity Bank Limited HUMAX

When Randa Ayoubi raised the fi nancing to form Rubicon Dr. James Mwangi’s journey at Equity Bank started in It was the Korean venture boom when Dr. Dae-Gyu Byun Group Holding (RGH) in 2004, digital media production 1993 when the Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya founded Conin System Co., Ltd., in 1989. The small was not an industry in Jordan. Universities and colleges obtained a damning report ranking Equity 66th out of venture grew into a global leader in the set-top box didn’t offer training in the technology, but Randa believed 66 banks. The Governor decided to close the bank to manufacturing industry. Renamed HUMAX in 1998, in education. She rented most of the internet cafes in protect depositors, but James left a well-paying job to the company’s revenue exceeded US$1 billion in 2010, Amman and ran newspaper ads offering free classes in save the institution. Eighteen years later, he has turned with more than 750 employees worldwide. HUMAX is animation and digital production. Nearly 500 people took Equity into one of the region’s leaders. Its purpose is a leading supplier of high-quality, feature-rich digital the course, and she selected 36 for additional training. to transform the lives of Africans by providing modern TV set-top boxes and digital video recorders for cable, They formed the nucleus team of Rubicon, a global fi nancial services that maximize their opportunities. With satellite, terrestrial, IPTV and IP-Hybrid broadcasting. entertainment powerhouse with animation studios in more than 7.3 million accounts, Equity has over 50% of The company exports its products to more than 90 Amman, Los Angeles and Manila and an offi ce in Dubai. all bank accounts in Kenya, giving it the largest customer countries and is a leading brand in retail markets in the Today RGH has 573 more employees than when it began. base in the region. Through his initiative, the bank also UK, the US, Germany and the Middle East. The company’s The company offers games, applications, web content, established the Equity Group Foundation, which champions headquarters and R&D facility are in Korea, with 16 offi ces social media, digital distribution and brand licensing. educational initiatives aimed at creating transformational worldwide. Dae-Gyu said he believes their story inspires RGH has productions airing on Cartoon Network, is leaders. Equity has focused on the empowerment of youth other young entrepreneurs. “In the next 10 years, through producing feature fi lms for global distribution and has and women and has spearheaded a successful agricultural new business advancement, we will continue to pursue a themed entertainment division working on a US$1.5 campaign. James said, “This award is in recognition of excellence in innovation,” he said. “The Entrepreneur Of billion entertainment and leisure resort in Jordan. Similar Africans who have continued to believe in themselves and The Year Award provides motivation and inspiration to projects are planned for Australia and China. are constantly working to transform their lives.” achieve that goal.”

Malaysia Liew Kee Sin President and Chief Executive Offi cer S P Setia Berhad

Liechtenstein Belgium Liew Kee Sin is a passionate advocate of positively transforming not just his own life, but also the lives of Christoph Frommelt Anton Frommelt those around him — his employees, customers, contractors, Owner and Owner and suppliers and community. Under his stewardship, S P Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer Setia Berhad has won numerous awards and recognition, Frommelt AG Frommelt AG both locally and internationally, for its total development philosophy, which focuses on creating value for Founded 136 years ago, Frommelt AG is a timber service customers from all social strata through innovative and production center with strong regional and historical development concepts, excellent product quality and new roots. Brothers Christoph and Anton Frommelt took Innovation industry benchmarks. Liew said, “My greatest joy as an over the business in 1991 and brought the company to entrepreneur is being able to make a real difference in the forefront of energy effi ciency. With more than 60 people’s lives and enrich the community and environment employees, Frommelt combines engineering expertise, around us.” The company’s corporate responsibility Keep dreaming artisan craftsmanship and innovation with process- charter, “Building Sustainable Communities for All,” is oriented yet highly customized production. “We view this designed to help ensure long-term sustainability of the award as recognition of the hard work and commitment Road to greatness environment, the community and its own organization. of our entire team,” the brothers said. “It is both a reason In line with this vision, Liew established the S P Setia for celebration and a commitment for the future. First Foundation, which provides fi nancial assistance to the and foremost, however, it provides us with additional underprivileged and the needy. motivation to improve a little more each and every day.” Add value Raising the bar 26 LEADERS StriveVOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 Mexico With a concession to fl y — the fi rst one granted in Mexico Netherlands in 22 years — but no capital of their own, Volaris founders Pedro Aspe Pedro Aspe, Roberto Kriete and Enrique Beltranena started Frans van Seumeren Founder and Member of the Chief Executive Offi cer raising funds for their new venture. In October 2005, Board of Directors Frans van Seumeren Holdings Volaris offi cially took off as a company and celebrated Volaris its maiden fl ight in March 2006. In just six years, they have grown Volaris to a fl eet of 34 airplanes and fl own 20 million passengers on 56 routes. It’s now the largest low-fare airline in Mexico and the third-largest airline in Roberto Kriete the country. Offering fi rst-rate customer service, low It was his father’s company when Frans van Seumeren Founder and Shareholder fares, on-time guarantees and a well-known brand are joined Van Seumeren’s Crane Company in 1969 at the age Volaris all differentiating factors that make Volaris stand out. of 19. Four years later, he was CEO. During his leadership, The company is also committed to its corporate social the company grew and transformed into a crane-hire responsibility program, which has helped the company company, specializing in heavy lifting and transport achieve one of the lowest carbon footprints in the air projects where engineering plays an important role. The transportation industry. company has been a market leader since 1974. In 2000, the group took over its biggest competitor, Mammoet, and chose Mammoet as its company name. Today, Enrique Beltranena “ The only way that entrepreneurs Frans is investing in 15 companies and helping young Founder and entrepreneurs follow their dreams. He established the Chief Executive Offi cer can truly make their ideas come to Human Life Foundation, which supports projects in Ghana, Volaris life is to have a diverse talent pool such as a school for girls and an amateur football club. full of open-minded people.” “To win the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is a very big surprise; the reactions of the business world are enormous and warm,” Frans said. “It shows also a lot of respect and Enrique Beltranena, Volaris appreciation for everything I did in my life.”

New Zealand Nigeria Norway Bill Buckley Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Odd Reitan Founder Group Managing Director Chief Executive Offi cer and BSL Buckley Systems Ltd Access Bank Plc Chairman Reitangruppen

His current enterprise, BSL Buckley Systems Limited, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s secret to success is never The fi rst store of the Reitan family was established in is a success, but business hasn’t always been rosy for standing still. “I am continuously looking for something 1948, and Odd Reitan, at age 21, opened his fi rst grocery entrepreneur Bill Buckley. The 1978-launched Buckley new, interesting and something that will add value to store in 1972. Today, Reitangruppen is a multinational Engineering encountered serious glitches, and Bill had our stakeholders,” he said. To that end, Access Bank is and multibillion-dollar group. The organization has four to divest majority shareholding to stay afl oat. In 1986, intent on becoming the catalyst for growth on the African business areas and includes Norway’s largest grocery he launched Buckley Systems and, in the same year, continent. Incorporated in 1989 and listed on the Nigerian chain, Europe’s second-largest chain of convenience stores, capitalized on the IT boom in Silicon Valley. He became Stock Exchange in 1998, the bank serves individual and Norway’s fi fth-largest privately owned real estate company a major supplier to American factories. Now, Buckley corporate customers in both the Nigerian and greater and a Nordic fuel and energy company. Throughout his Systems is the global leader in the manufacture and African economies. With subsidiaries in eight African 40 years in business, Reitan has been committed to supply of precision electromagnets to 90% of the world’s countries (covering the three monetary zones on the developing Reitangruppen based on a distinct vision and ion implant industry. Everything produced is exported to African continent) and the UK, the Access Bank Group has set of values. In fact, the company’s eight value principles clients in the US, Britain, Europe, Japan and other Asian implanted its brand through its knowledge- and purpose- are carved in stone at several company offi ces all over Keep dreaming destinations. “It’s no good doing what anyone can do. driven philosophy, which demonstrates commitment to the Scandinavia. Reitangruppen now has more than 30,000 You have to go after the stuff that’s too complicated for economic and social well-being of the countries in which employees and 3,200 stores and kiosks in seven countries the average engineer so you can be ‘Johnny on the spot’ it does business. On winning the award, Aigboje said, “I in the Nordics and the Baltics. “I see this award as a great when the demand hits,” Bill said. am honored to be granted this award, which is not only a recognition for our 30,000 employees, the entire retail reward to my personal achievement, but also and more industry in Norway and our many years of commitment to Add value importantly recognition of the bank’s success.” value-based management.” Raising the bar Strive VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 LEADERS 27 Presenting the 2011 country winners

South Africa OmanSouth Republic PhilippinesSlovak PolandSingapore Braam van Huyssteen van Dr.Braam Mohammed Fellner ErramonĽuboš I. Aboitiz Eu KrzysztofRichard Pawiński Founder and Managing Director Director Managing and Al Founder Barwani cer Offi Executive PresidentChief and cer Offi Executive Chief PresidentGroup of the Tekkie Town ChairmanTekkie s.r.o. Agency, Travel ChiefBUBO Executive Offi cer Ltd. International Sang ManagementYan Eu Board MB Holding Company LLC AboitizPower Corporation Maspex

Dr. Mohammed2001, June in Al BarwaniTown startedTekkie outfounded with a fundamentalHuyssteen van Braam Erramon AboitizTravel usheredBUBO started in AboitizPowerFellner Ľuboš Corporation’sphysician, former A One of the largest1989, in foodLtd. companiesInternational in CentralSang Yan andEu Easternjoining After need to solveshoe problemslifestyle and andsport create leading industry a into it standards.built has he and era of growthidea an in 2007than aftermore the nothing company with was1993 in listeds.r.o., on Agency, Europe, known Maspexbest was cofoundedcompany a of by Krzysztoftransformation the Pawiński led Eu Richard Today, the he in hasup a rangeGrowing of successesAfrica. South across in oilfistores eld182 with chain the Philippine exotic in Stockleader Exchange.a is Travel He articulatedBUBO Today, a strongbus. old an and in 1990. The(TCM) groupmedicine is the leadingChinese producertraditional in of juices,roots strong its for services, explorationBraam Africa, and production,South of Cape engineeringSouthern and and State Free acquisition strategyAntarctica. by raisingincluding capitalcountries, and150 debtthan at themore to trips nectars c and softscientifi drinks inmodern a Poland, offering the by Czechleader Republicindustry andan into manufacturing, 1986 in and mining.Stellenbosch Whenof he leftUniversity a the comfortable from job graduated right momentthan more and to undertravel theof rightseller conditions.biggest the is His it vision Slovakia, In Slovakia, and it hasproducts. a strongwellness positionand care in Hungary,health TCM Romaniato approach at the he Petroleumservice, Developmentmilitary his After Oman (PDO),Economics. Mohammed’sin degree a with was to assembleIran, a portfolioThailand, of assetsIndonesia, thatIndia, wouldChina, — allow countries 60 and Bulgaria. family a Maspexas isbegan also which a Polish marketcompany, listed leader the of in head As entrepreneurial a at Bay zeal Mossel led in him toTropika his biggestcalled venturestore sports —a his opened AboitizPower and toZealand convertNew its distributionNamibia, Kenya, businessMexico, to Cuba, a US, the pasta for products andopportunities controlson a significapitalized cant portionRichard 1879, ofin the business fl agship to branddue MBsurvive Petroleumto chance a Services.him gave Then,locals realizingfew when time generating and new businessof most and,the eventually,making by becomeAnd few. a a powername to Tahiti, Romanian market.wellness and In justcare overhealth 20 years,integrative the companygrowing the in TCM a need to diversify,retailers hesports beganfamily Petrogaslarge very E&P,two Unitedof dominance the seller of to endseller users.top a AboitizPowernow is agency wasthe incorporatedtechnologies, in innovative has completed launching 14by acquisitions,TCM of partlyappeal the abroad. Maspexbroadened He markets. Engineering to Servicestirelessly LLCworked andteam Mawaridhis and MiningBraam —But the town. the in 1998, andplans it has grownand fromairlines a productioninternational capacitynumerous offor ights fl exports and its productsmodern in to moreproducts than 50 countrieseasy-to-use and aroundconvenient the more largest miningTekkie 100 companywere inthere the Sultanate.2008 by and The groupportfolio, hastheir grow 22MW witha 420,000means powersuccess distribution“This abroad. customersexpansion to a further for world, accountingsoon forapproach 35% of itsinnovative turnover.His “Ouroutlets. company’sretail accessible operations inaward 20 countries,prestigious a hassuch 6,800win “To employees Bay. andMossel in Towns capacity of offall 2,051MWthe after with 720,000“Straight said. customers.Ľuboš me,” “Whatto deal the great success, in and indistributed a sensebeing my positionproducts brand in it, isSang theYan resultEu in of a resulted generates in revenueseveryone for in excessrewarding of US$1.2and me for billion. “Ithumbling is anvery was company has accomplishedboundaries the forget to is nothad thewe result1989, ofin one person’s totalitarianism collective online. effort,”and Krzysztofstores food said.health “It’s a very nicepharmacies, moment — supermarkets, honor to be nominatedcontinuous and amongwork hard suchof stalwartsyears their whofor have business the effort or ability,when butmoment of thethe at wholethere teamwas I inclusivethem. of thebeyond menget and to be recognizedRichard by ajourney,” globala is company like entrepreneurship Ernst that & Younglearned is “I’ve made a positive contribution to the society,”said. Braam Mohammed perseverance,” and womenthat of that camepiece a beforekept have us,”I and Erramon cut, was said. wire barbed the a dreamis It come true.”destination. the much so not ride, the about is “It said. said. “If my nomination encourages young entrepreneurs our cut to had literally we times, those In today. even wire self-discovery.” about also to strive for excellence and if I can help them in any way, really story our makes what is this me, for and out, way then I have made a contribution to the society.” outstanding.”

PortugalSwitzerland QatarSweden Russia Frank Ziemer DionísioFrank Pestana Lönner AshrafAnders Abu Issa Peter Demchenkov Chief Executive Offi cer Offi Executive ChairmanChief cer Offi Executive ChairmanChief and Chief Executive Offi cer Ziemer Group AG Group GroupZiemer Pestana AB ChiefMeda Executive Offi cer ALIDI Group Abu Issa Holding

The story ofleading Groupof Pestanadeveloper began in 1965groundbreaking a whenis its Ziemer Frank Ashraf Meda Abu Issa tooktransforming overof the journey family long businessthe on when heembarking was When In 15 years, Peter Demchenkov Spain saw his career progress Spain founder, Manuel Pestana,international an developedbuilt has He a fi ve-startechnology. hotel in ophthalmic 19 years old, afterspecialty a histo father passeddistributor away. Sincepharmaceutical then,small a his from from sales representative Adell to directorManel of national Meyer Thomas Portugal. him His son brought Dionísio only not joined has thethat business inSwitzerland 1976in at business entrepreneurial a kept and leadershipLönner Anders qualitiesCEO havecompany, established pharmaceutical distributioncer andOffi logisticsExecutive at ALIDIChief Group. HavingPresident gainedand Founder the agefor oflife of 24, tookquality overthe the chairmanshipimproved also has andbut has beensuccess, great Qatar’s key retailmanagement, empires.his Under Abusight. Issalost Holdingnever startedand withcourse steady successful experience in distribution,Desigual the company Desigual responsible Group, for theZiemer group’sthe 1999, growth. in GroupFounded Pestanapatients. of has millions small retailmore operations.to million Today,€90 it hasaround grownfrom to moreincreased thanhave sales proceeded to develop the business and started to provide gone from one hotelinstruments to a multinationaldiagnostic and surgical companyin owningspecializes which 120 stores withoperations 2,000has employees.now Meda Workingyears. 10 in togetherbillion with€1.2 than contract made logisticsAdell services.Manel CEO And afterDesigual Peteraward, becamehis ALIDIaccepting While and managingthe in 96position luxury hotelsexceptional an acrossbuilt 10has countries. Asophthalmology, for his brotheris and Nabil Abucountries Issa,120 in Ashraf hasproducts beenits sells a pioneer countries, in the50 in Group’s behalf General on Directoraward this in 2006,receive “We the companyeffort: team extendeda it’s clear it the grouplaser expandedfemtosecond internationally,mobile the it diversifiproducts, its of ed intoOne market. Middle East, settinginternationally, new trendscompany by creatingpharmaceutical his own retail50th-largest the its geography the of byresult enteringthe not newis regions,award This therebyteam. multiplyingDesigual the of seven businessmore in used divisions:been has hotels, surgery, golf resorts,corneal and casinos, refractive for concept stores:Meda’s Blue Salon,billion. €2.2 Highland,to sales Momento,increasing of Karisma,goal a with its profi ts.pushing Todaypeople the company3,500 of but runstwo, operationsor person a in theonly 21of work vacation clubs,Frank travel,award, the brewerywinning andOn the Internationaloperations. million a than Mosafer of andthose Arabesque.from differs Using that his marketconcept a knowledgeon based is and success regions of theThomas by Russian founded Federation was andDesigual in Belarus.direction.” Currently,same the in Business honored Centrefeel ofand Madeira.award this Today, receive it’s to one of thedelighted world’sam “I said, strong the contacts,both Ashrafabandoning AbuBy Issa alsoindustry. diversifithe in ed theplayers groupother the ALIDI Groupgrowth is one of theoutstanding key playersexperienced of has the logisticsand 1984 in Meyer leading internationalThis recognized. hospitalityand noticed groups, been buthave Pestanaefforts our that activities and by partneringoperations, and offeringresearch consultationexhaustive the and to large expensive market in Russia.company “Tofashion winand the Entrepreneurtextile A years. Of several The last Year the over still retainsand thework stronghard the family without values andpossible workbeen ethichave atnot would multinationals nal fi the in seekingprojects businessand inproducts Qatarniche in the areasmature on of focusing Award is a greatcharacterized honoris for company me the as it shows Barcelona, that in the judges headquartered the company’sis award the core. “It’sHowever, an honorteam. forentire me,my of my companyenergy creative energy, infrastructure,strategy. growth construction,successful a utilitiesfound andquickly eventMeda phase, truly respect2011, of As and appreciatedesigns. theoptimistic successand our colorful teams haveuniquely its by and all the 7,000above but employeesachieved, whohave havewe contributedwhat for reward to a thejust not management. Year The Of “Winning the Entrepreneur Qatari the Entrepreneurreceive to happy Of Thevery am “I achieved,” shops, Peterown said.its of 275 of presence global a had Desigual success of Groupremain to Pestanawork, good withthe theirup determinationkeep to us for and incentive an Year Awardthe all is awith responsibilityit share to towardswant I “and my colleagues,said, Anders my Award,” department at corners 1,800 shops, multi-brand 7,000 hard work,” Dionísio said, callingchallenges.” new theout honorseek to “a strongand innovative community and abovevision.” our all,in my country,”believed who AshrafMeda at said. people great in points sale 25 and countries 71 than more in stores motivating force to continue to invest in and expand on than more employs company The airports. international our hotel brand worldwide.” countries. different 83 from people 3,500

28 LEADERS VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 Singapore Slovak Republic South Africa Richard Eu Ľuboš Fellner Braam van Huyssteen Group Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer Founder and Managing Director Eu Yan Sang International Ltd. BUBO Travel Agency, s.r.o. Tekkie Town

After joining Eu Yan Sang International Ltd. in 1989, A former physician, Ľuboš Fellner started BUBO Travel Braam van Huyssteen founded Tekkie Town in June 2001, Richard Eu led the transformation of a company best known Agency, s.r.o., in 1993 with nothing more than an idea and he has built it into a leading sport and lifestyle shoe for its strong roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and an old bus. Today, BUBO Travel is a leader in exotic chain with 182 stores in South Africa. Growing up in the into an industry leader by offering a modern scientifi c trips to more than 150 countries, including Antarctica. Free State and Southern Cape of South Africa, Braam approach to TCM health care and wellness products. In Slovakia, it is the biggest seller of travel to more than graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 1986 As head of the listed company, which began as a family 60 countries — China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Iran, with a degree in Economics. After his military service, he business in 1879, Richard capitalized on opportunities for the US, Cuba, Mexico, Kenya, Namibia, New Zealand and opened a sports store called Tropika in Mossel Bay at a TCM in the growing integrative health care and wellness Tahiti, to name a few. And by making the most of new and time when few locals gave him a chance to survive due to markets. He broadened the appeal of TCM by launching innovative technologies, the agency is now a top seller of the dominance of two very large family sports retailers more convenient and easy-to-use products in modern and fl ights for numerous international airlines and has plans in the town. But Braam and his team worked tirelessly to accessible retail outlets. His innovative approach soon for further expansion abroad. “This success means a grow their portfolio, and by 2008 there were 100 Tekkie resulted in Eu Yan Sang brand products being distributed in great deal to me,” Ľuboš said. “Straight after the fall of Towns in Mossel Bay. “To win such a prestigious award supermarkets, pharmacies, health food stores and online. totalitarianism in 1989, we had to forget the boundaries was very humbling for me and rewarding for everyone in “I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is a journey,” Richard and get beyond them. I was there at the moment when the business for their years of hard work and continuous said. “It is about the ride, not so much the destination. It is the barbed wire was cut, and I have kept a piece of that perseverance,” Braam said. also about self-discovery.” wire even today. In those times, we literally had to cut our way out, and for me, this is what makes our story really outstanding.”

Sweden Switzerland Anders Lönner Frank Ziemer Chief Executive Offi cer Chief Executive Offi cer Meda AB Ziemer Group AG

Spain Spain When embarking on the long journey of transforming Meda Frank Ziemer is a groundbreaking developer of leading Thomas Meyer Manel Adell from a small pharmaceutical distributor to a specialty ophthalmic technology. He has built an international Founder and President Chief Executive Offi cer pharmaceutical company, CEO Anders Lönner kept a business in Switzerland that has not only brought him Desigual Desigual steady course and never lost sight. Under his management, great success, but has also improved the quality of life for sales have increased from around €90 million to more millions of patients. Founded in 1999, the Ziemer Group, While accepting his award, Desigual CEO Manel Adell made than €1.2 billion in 10 years. Meda now has operations which specializes in surgical and diagnostic instruments it clear it’s a team effort: “We receive this award on behalf in 50 countries, sells its products in 120 countries and is for ophthalmology, has built an exceptional position in the of the Desigual team. This award is not the result of the the 50th-largest pharmaceutical company internationally, market. One of its products, the mobile femtosecond laser work of only a person or two, but of 3,500 people pushing with a goal of increasing sales to €2.2 billion. Meda’s for refractive and corneal surgery, has been used in more in the same direction.” Desigual was founded by Thomas success is based on a concept that differs from those of than a million operations. On winning the award, Frank Meyer in 1984 and has experienced outstanding growth the other players in the industry. By abandoning both the said, “I am delighted to receive this award and feel honored over the last several years. A textile and fashion company expensive and the exhaustive research operations, and that our efforts have been noticed and recognized. This headquartered in Barcelona, the company is characterized focusing on mature niche products and projects in the fi nal would not have been possible without the hard work and by its uniquely colorful and optimistic designs. As of 2011, phase, Meda quickly found a successful growth strategy. creative energy of my entire team. However, the award is Desigual had a global presence of 275 of its own shops, “I am very happy to receive the Entrepreneur Of The Year not just a reward for what we have achieved, but above all 7,000 multi-brand shops, 1,800 corners at department Award,” Anders said, “and I want to share it with all the an incentive for us to keep up the good work, to remain stores in more than 71 countries and 25 sale points in great people at Meda who believed in our vision.” innovative and to seek out new challenges.” international airports. The company employs more than 3,500 people from 83 different countries.

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 3 LEADERS 29 Presenting the 2011 country winners

Taiwan UAE United Kingdom Steven Pan Farouk Toukan Stephen Catlin Chairman Executive Partner Chief Executive Formosa International CICON Building Materials Catlin Group Limited Hotels Corporation

In 2000, Steven Pan led the management buyout of Forty-four years ago, Farouk Toukan was one of three Stephen Catlin’s sheer commitment and ability to nurture Formosa International Hotels Corporation in Taiwan. Since founders of CICON Building Materials. They combined their expert talent has rewarded him with phenomenal global then, Formosa has become the innovative leader of the passion, courage and vision — and 1,500 tons of steel — to success. Having started in 1984 with just two people, industry, introducing game-changing hospitality concepts. create CICON, which today is the leading importer and £25,000 in capital and £25,000 in loans, Catlin Group In the midst of the global fi nancial crisis, Formosa beat supplier of building materials within the UAE. As Executive Limited has grown under Stephen’s management to become 10 other leading global hotel companies to acquire the Partner, Farouk has been instrumental in leading the a global insurance player with a turnover of £2.6 billion, luxury brand Regent Hotels & Resorts, setting another company with versatility and resilience, key attributes for an operating from 55 offi ces in 21 countries and employing more ambitious chapter in the brand’s story. Praised not only for entrepreneur, throughout the fi nancial crisis. On winning the than 1,600 staff. Stephen built his company in London, but he his success in the Taiwan tourism industry, Steven has led award for the UAE, Farouk said, “The award is recognition showed innovation and vision by recognizing the competitive Taiwan’s branding evolution and introduced the fi rst all- from the business community of the achievements of advantage of exporting his brand across the globe. Stephen luxury hotel mall, the Regent Galleria. He also introduced successful teamwork, combined with entrepreneurial said, “I personally, and the company, are fl attered to have new hotel brands, such as Silks, which celebrates the endeavor, and what a group of people can achieve together been honored with the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.” cultured heritage of the Silk Road. Steven said, “Winning when their aims and loyalties are united. The award the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award recognized the motivates the whole company. This is one of the most journey of rebuilding the Regent brand based on simplicity, valuable inspirations for the success of any enterprise.” Meet the Ernst & Young World empathy and humanity. As the world is more interrelated than ever before, we hope to inspire entrepreneurship that Entrepreneur Of The Year is based on the spirit of empathy and serving humanity.” distinguished panel of judges Ernst & Young extends its thanks and appreciation to the distinguished panel of judges who selected this year’s Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year Vietnam 2012 Award winner. We are grateful for their time, dedication and continued support of the Entrepreneur Doan Nguyen Duc Of The Year Programs around the world. Chairman Hoang Anh Gia Lai Ruben Vardanian | Chairman of the judging panel Joint-stock Company President, Troika Dialog, Co-head, Corporate Investment Unit, Sberbank Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2004 Russia Haryanto Adikoesoemo President Director, PT AKR Corporindo Tbk United States In 1985, Doan Nguyen Duc worked in a carpenter’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 Indonesia workshop in the Central Highlands in Tay Nguyen, Reid Hoffman Jeff Weiner Rodrigo Alonso Herrera Aspra Chief Executive Offi cer Vietnam. Three years later, with personal savings, he Co-founder and CEO and Chairman of the Board, Genomma Lab LinkedIn Corporation established a small workshop specializing in making Internacional S.A.B. de C.V. Executive Chairman furniture for students. By 1992, his workshop, Hoang Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 Mexico LinkedIn Corporation Anh Pleiku Private Business Enterprise, had 12 staff Steve Case members making furniture for homes and schools. Since Co-founder Reid Hoffman wanted to help people Co-founder and former Chairman, America Online 2000, the company has expanded into manufacturing transform their lives through economic opportunity. Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 1994 United States furniture and granite products, rubber tree planting And LinkedIn does just that, by helping its members Liu Jiren and rubber latex processing, construction and property build a network, tackle issues, cross-validate ideas and Chairman and CEO, Neusoft Corporation development, and hydropower and mining. In 2006, the increase productivity. By creating new paths, it creates Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 China company was transformed into Hoang Anh Gia Lai Joint- new possibilities for every professional. Founded in 2003, Rebecca MacDonald stock Company. The company fl oated its shares on the LinkedIn started with 4,500 members in its fi rst month. Executive Chair, Just Energy Group Inc. Ho Chi Minh City’s Stock Exchange in 2008, as well as Now, more than 150 million members in more than 200 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2003, Ontario, Canada expanded rubber tree planting projects and investment countries are connected through the world’s largest Kunio Namekata projects in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and, professional networking service website. “Under any Partner, TMI Associates a year later, in Cambodia. Now, under the leadership of circumstances, winning this award is special, but when Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010–11 Japan judge Doan, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group has become one of the you think about the talent that has won these awards over Michael Spencer biggest local multidisciplinary groups in Vietnam with the past 25 years, it’s such an incredible honor,” noted Group CEO, ICAP plc approximately 10,000 employees. Jeff Weiner. Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 United Kingdom Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010

© 2012 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. 30 LEADERS VOLUME 35, NUMBEREYG no. BE0200 3