Future of Boards Gala Winners: Responsible Leadership Honored Across Public, Family & Corporate Sectors

On Thursday, 30 October, over 150 board members, executives and corporate governance experts gathered at the InterContinental Athénée Palace for the Future of Boards Awards Gala 2025, organised by Envisia, the first business school in Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to the professionalisation of board members and governance leaders. Now in its third edition, the Gala has become a benchmark for responsible leadership and excellence in corporate governance in Romania— a space where performance meets purpose, and those who lead with responsibility, courage and clarity are celebrated for the impact they create.

The Board of the Year: Recognizing Excellence in For-Profit and Non-Profit Governance

The Board of Directors of TeraPlast, represented by Alexandru Stânean (Chief Executive Officer) and Lucian Anghel (Board Member), was recognised for its future‑oriented governance and sustainable economic impact. Actively involved in each key stage of development, the board approved and oversaw a large programme of mergers and acquisitions, expansion into five international markets and significant investments in new production capacities. Decisions are made on the basis of rigorous analyses and supported by a solid governance structure: a majority of independent members, and active committees including a Risk & ESG Committee. Through its Stock Option Plan programme, employees become part of the company’s long‑term success. Moreover, sustainability is integrated into the organisation’s strategic DNA — via circular‐economy initiatives, robust ethical reporting and extended supplier‑chain responsibility.

The Board of Romanian Business Leaders, represented by Sergiu Neguț (Chair of the Board), earned the distinction for civic and ethical leadership, in maintaining a firm and transparent pro‑European stance in a polarized climate, backed by a robust internal governance document and strategic responsibility. The board introduced strict integrity filters for partners and sponsors, withdrew from collaborations that did not meet its ethical standards, and rigorously supervised all contracts and fundraising initiatives. It stands as a model of stability and coherence, showing how the voice of a board can shape society through integrity and clear direction. Both boards exemplify how responsible governance can create long‑term value and drive real change in society. The awards for this category were presented by Radu Hanga, President of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

Honoring Specialization: Boards in Family-Owned Businesses

Transavia, represented by Laura Micu (Marketing Director), was recognised for its ability to honour tradition while driving innovation – a prime example of continuity and strategic boldness. The company’s governance reflects a mature structure, with a clear separation between the founder’s vision and the executive function—evidenced by the appointment of a non‑founder CEO and a clear demarcation of roles between the board and management. Succession has been planned strategically, and the community impact is remarkable: over 4.4 million lei were invested in education, health and sport in the past year alone. Moreover, Transavia made the largest green‑energy investment in the Romanian food industry, reducing over 6,300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. With a waste‑valorisation rate above 99% and rigorous international standards embedded in governance, Transavia demonstrates that family‑business leadership can generate both economic performance and ethical sustainability. The distinction was awarded by Simona Pirtea, Managing Partner at Enache Pirtea & Associates.

Raising Standards: Board Stewardship in Public Administration

The North‑East Regional Development Agency (ADR Nord‑Est), represented by Vasile Asandei (General Director), was recognised for its transparent and efficient leadership in attracting European funds and making a tangible regional impact. With its project Digital Innovation Zone, ADR Nord‑Est transformed a grant into an investment engine, attracting over €15 million in additional financing and supporting the digitisation of four hospitals in Iași through €4 million of PNRR funds. The platform acts as an innovation catalyst in key sectors such as health, energy and manufacturing — and has provided professional training for over 600 people, also connecting the region to European innovation networks. It is, without doubt, an example of forward‑looking public governance with real impact and sustainable results.

A special mention was awarded to the Central Regional Development Agency (ADR Centru) for its consistent commitment to ethical governance, collaboration and sustainable regional growth. The awards were presented by Adela Jansen, Board Member & Trusted Advisor.

The Individual Contributor: Non-Executive Director of the Year Award

Ana Bobîrcă, Partner & Chief Investment Officer, was named Non‑Executive Director of the Year for her strategic clarity, objectivity and balance brought to the boards on which she serves. This distinction honours the essential role of non‑executive directors in promoting transparency, integrity and governance centred on the interest of the organisation and society.

Excellence in Board Education – Professor Andrew Kakabadse Award

This award honours organisations that make continuous education a strategic priority. BRD Asset Management SAI, represented by Mihai Purcărea, CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors, and Marius Stoica, Executive Director of Financial Markets and Board Member, received the prize for the continuous integration of education into its board culture — aligned with ESG objectives, innovation and sustainable development — demonstrating that professionalising board members starts with a mindset open to learning, collaboration and strategic reflection. Its directors hold international certifications (CFA, ESG credentials, Henley programmes) and are actively engaged in professional networks. The outcome: a strong governance culture, industry recognition and an extended investor base. It validates the idea that real performance starts with a curious and disciplined mind. The award was presented by Nada Kakabadse and Gabriela Hârțescu, Dean of Envisia.

Community Spirit: Envisia Community Contributor of the Year

Gabriela Crețu, Vice President of Sales at Ursus Breweries, was recognised for her consistent involvement, active leadership and collaborative spirit that give meaning to the Envisia community. Through mentorship, networking initiatives and support of the educational mission, Gabriela became a catalyst for collective growth and a role‑model of authentic engagement. Her contribution strengthened the alumni network and inspired valuable connections within the community. The award was presented by Georgeta Dendrino, Managing Director of Interact.

A Rigorous Jury Process Led by Distinguished Experts

The Future of Boards Awards 2025 were evaluated through a robust, multi-layered jury process. At the heart of this process was the Grand Jury, a forum of internationally respected experts in governance, leadership, and policy. The Grand Jury ensured the alignment of the awards with the Gala’s mission of honoring integrity-driven leadership.

Grand Jury Members:

• Professor Lorenzo Fioramonti – Academic Director, NATIVA Campus; Chair of the Grand Jury
• Anca Dragu – Governor of the National Bank of Moldova
• Ramona Chiriac – Head of the European Commission Representation in Romania
• Patrick Dunne, OBE – Professor and Author of Boards

Alongside the Grand Jury, dedicated category juries contributed their field-specific expertise to evaluate nominees across strategic, ethical, and performance-based criteria. These included:

Envisia Community Contributor:
Georgeta Dendrino (Managing Partner, Interact), Codrin Scutaru (CEO, Public Affairs Solutions), Carmen Micu (CEO & Co-Founder, Envisia)

Board Stewardship in Public Administration:
Gabriela Hârțescu (Dean & Founding Member, Envisia), Alexandru Petrescu (President, Financial Supervisory Authority), Mihai Precup (Board Member, Romanian Post)

Excellence in Board Education – Professor Andrew Kakabadse Award:
Gabriela Hârțescu, Costel Negricea (Rector, Romanian-American University), Nada Kakabadse (Professor of Governance & Ethics, Henley Business School; Envisia Co-Founder)

Boards in Family-Owned Business:
Mihaela Hârșan (Secretary General, Family Business Network Romania), Carmen Micu, Adriana Lobdă (Co-Founder, Envisia)

Non-Executive Director of the Year:
Marius Perșinaru (Entrepreneur, Consultant, Non-Executive Director), Ștefan Nanu (Chair, Supervisory Board, Romanian Investment and Development Bank), Neil McGregor (Independent Non-Executive Director, Purcari Wineries)

Board of the Year:
Adriana Lobdă, Sergiu Oprescu (Chair, Supervisory Board, UniCredit Bank Romania), Andrei Gemeneanu (Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Morphosis Capital)

Together, these jury members ensured a balanced, fair, and high-integrity process — celebrating governance that reflects courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to long-term value.

Gala Conclusions: Leadership with Vision and Long‑Term Value

An evening of responsible ideas

The Gala opened with a deep leadership panel titled “How Responsible Governance Can Rebuild the Social Contract”, featuring Prof. Lorenzo Fioramonti, Academic Director of Nativa Campus and former Italian Minister of Education, and Dr. Victoria Hurth, independent researcher and global expert in sustainable governance. Moderated by Carmen Micu, CEO & Co‑Founder of Envisia, the discussion explored how boards can rebuild public trust, balance stakeholder expectations and lead with a renewed sense of responsibility to society.

A new generation of governance leaders

Another highlight of the evening was the launch of the volume Chronicles from the Boardroom – A Romanian Perspective, Volume II, authored by graduates of the Master of Arts in Board Practice and Directorship programme (Henley Business School in partnership with Envisia). The new edition brings together research and reflections from a new generation of governance professionals exploring how directors address complexity, ethics and transformation in contemporary boards. Topics cover family business succession, regulatory challenges, stakeholder engagement and the evolving mindset of independent directors. The book is also a celebration of continuous learning and an expression of Envisia’s mission to build a community of leaders who consistently invest in knowledge, reflection and the future of responsible governance.

An evening of meaning and community
Beyond distinctions, the gala was a celebration of connection – an evening in which leaders from business, public institutions and academia came together around a shared belief that governance, when practised with integrity, can transform organisations and society.
“Each edition of the Future of Boards Gala reaffirms our belief that responsible governance — what we call governance of common sense — is one of the most powerful forces for positive change”, concluded Carmen Micu. “The professional board members we honour remind us that strong boards build better companies — and better companies create more prosperous societies in every sense. This is the future we aim to shape".

Future of Boards Awards Gala 2025 partners

The event was made possible thanks to the partners who share Envisia’s vision for responsible leadership:

• Visionary Partners — BRD Romania, ProTV
• Ally Partners — Electrica SA, Transgaz
• Contributor Partners — SAI Muntenia Invest, RomGaz, Ursus Breweries, Regina Maria, Evergent Investment, Moore Romania, Raiffeisen Bank, Adrem, Patria Bank, Electrocentrale Borzești, Returo
• Institutional Partners — Bucharest Stock Exchange, General Secretariat of the Government, Family Business Network, Romanian Association of Fund Managers, Aspen Institute Romania, British-Romanian and French-Romanian Chambers of Commerce, ROREG – Association of Regional Development Agencies, ROPEA
• Venue Partner — InterContinental Athénée Palace, part of the Ana Hotels Group
• Creative Partners — InterAct, Future Station, Public Affairs Solutions, Enache Pirtea & Asociații, Positive Communication
• Media Partners — ProTV, Profit.ro, The Diplomat, Business Review, Romania Insider, Financial Intelligence, Nine O’Clock.

Together, these partners contribute to strengthening an ecosystem of ethical leadership, sustainable performance, and trust.

About Envisia

Envisia is the first business school in Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to the professionalisation of board members and governance leaders. Its mission is to cultivate responsible leadership at the highest level — supporting chairpersons, non‑executive directors and senior executives to lead with purpose, ethics and long‑term vision. Through accredited postgraduate programmes, professional certifications and international partnerships with Henley Business School – University of Reading (UK), the Romanian‑American University and other prestigious institutions, Envisia develops the competencies, discernment and vision needed to navigate today’s complex governance landscape. For more details see: www.envisia.eu.

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