Samir Mane: Difference between revisions
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| name = Samir Mane |
| name = Samir Mane |
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| image = Samir Mane 2023.jpg |
| image = Samir Mane 2023.jpg |
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| caption = Samir Mane in 2022 |
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| birth_date = 24 December 1967 |
| birth_date = 24 December 1967 |
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| birth_place = [[Korçë]], [[Albania]] |
| birth_place = [[Korçë]], [[Albania]] |
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| known_for = Founding BALFIN Group, Being one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Western Balkans, Philanthropist. |
| known_for = Founding BALFIN Group, Being one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Western Balkans, Philanthropist. |
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| children = 4 |
| children = 4 |
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| honours = "High Honor Decorate for Services to the Republic of Austria" in 2019<ref>[https://www.koha.net/en/arboretum/173219/the-president-of-austria-awards-businessman-samir-mane-with-the-highest-decoration-of-honor/ The President of Austria Awards Businessman Samir Mane with the Highest Decoration of Honor] - Koha.net</ref> |
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"For Special Civil Merits to the Albanian Economy" in 2016 |
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'''Samir Mane''' ({{IPA-sq|ˈsamir ˈmane}} |
'''Samir Mane''' ({{IPA-sq|ˈsamir ˈmane}}; born 24 December 1967) is an [[Albanian people|Albanian]] entrepreneur. He is the founder and President of [[Balfin Group]], one of the most significant and successful investment groups in the [[Balkans|Western Balkans]], comprising over 50 companies. |
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== Early life == |
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Born on December 24, 1967, in Korça, Albania, Samir Mane is the second child in his family and has two brothers. He was a student at the Faculty of Geology and Mining at Tirana University when the communist system in Albania collapsed in 1991. |
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Like many other young people, he chose to emigrate in search of a better future outside the country. He moved to Vienna, Austria, where he quickly found work as a translator, enabling him to establish crucial connections.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ricou |first=Manon |date=September 4, 2022 |title=Exclusive Investigation: Albania, the former Stalinist dictatorship which has become the new pearl of the Adriatic |url=https://actu.6play.fr/information-et-magazines/enquete-exclusive-albanie-lex-dictature-stalinienne-devenue-la-nouvelle-perle-de-ladriatique-diffusion-du-4-septembre-2022-sur-m6-a-2315}}</ref> Leveraging these contacts, Samir Mane pursued his dream of establishing his own business.<ref>{{Cite web |title=From Student to Entrepreneur |url=https://unyt.edu.al/index.php/2023/05/24/nga-student-ne-sipermarres-open-lecture-by-samir-mane/}}</ref> |
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While residing in Austria in 1993, he identified an opportunity to enter the business of electronic products and home appliances in Albania. Within three years, the initial modest sales of electronic appliances led to the establishment of Albatrade—the first business in wholesale electronics. This success laid the foundation for the [[Balfin Group|BALFIN Group]] (Balkan Finance Investment Group), marking the beginning of an unparalleled success story. |
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== Career == |
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Through the years, Samir Mane has created an immense and diverse portfolio<ref>{{Cite news |title=Meet Samir Mane, Albania's first billionaire |url=https://www.firstpost.com/business/meet-samir-mane-albanias-first-billionaire-1011025.html}}</ref> of different businesses in key economic sectors such as tourism, wholesale and retail, real estate, banking, services, and others, operating in Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland and USA lately. The Group employs over 5,000 people,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Top 100 companies of South Wast Europe |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/sustainable-growth-while-investing-in-new-ideas-and-new-markets-edlira-muka-balfin-group-ceo-1 |pages=Albania Daily News}}</ref> whose dedication and passion remain key to our success story. |
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=== Key Milestones === |
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'''<big>1993:</big>''' '''Alba Trade''' was founded in Austria, operating in the consumer electronics market as the official distributor of household electronic goods. '''Neptun''' opened its first store in Albania and quickly became the largest network of electronic stores in the country. Today, Neptun has expanded its presence to North Macedonia and Kosovo. |
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<big>'''2002''':</big> '''Mane TCI''' (now BALFIN Construction) commenced commercial operations, specializing in real estate development and management. |
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'''<big>2005:</big>''' '''[https://www.qtu.al/ QTU]''' (Universe Shopping Center) opened to the public in Tirana, becoming the first shopping mall in Albania. Euromax, the first chain of supermarkets in the country, rapidly grew to become the largest. |
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'''<big>2011:</big>''' '''[https://www.teg.al/ TEG]''' (Tirana East Gate), the largest shopping mall in Albania, opened to the public, introducing many new international brands.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2022 |title=IFC’s Support to Help Boost Retail Property Sector in Albania, Create Jobs |url=https://pressroom.ifc.org/all/pages/PressDetail.aspx?ID=27311}}</ref> '''Jumbo''', in a franchise deal with Kidzone (owned by BALFIN Group), opened its first megastore in Tirana, Albania. Today, Jumbo is presence in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro as well. |
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'''<big>2012</big>:''' '''Skopje City Mall''' became one of BALFIN Group's most significant investments in North Macedonia. Hystead Group acquired it in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Hystead buys Skopje City Mall |url=https://eurobuildcee.com/en/news/19668-hystead-buys-skopje-city-mall}}</ref> |
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'''<big>2013:</big>''' BALFIN Group acquired ACR Holding's shares, renaming it '''[[AlbChrome]]'''. In a short period, the company became one of the most important in Albania and one of the largest producers of ferro-chrome in Europe. In January 2022, the company was sold to the conglomerate Yildirim Group.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2022 |title=EBRD funds Yildirim’s purchase of Albanian metal miner |url=https://www.ebrd.com/news/2021/ebrd-funds-yildirims-purchase-of-albanian-metal-miner.html}}</ref> '''[[Tirana Logistic Park]]''', a €43 million investment, began operations as the first logistic park in Albania. |
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'''<big>2015</big>:''' Construction of the '''[https://greencoast.al/en/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA44OtBhAOEiwAj4gpOeyK57wmzmVSPRJ9sxG4np9wQ_424ObQRZTwPGZgI1eVa8BGtJgIYxoCEYQQAvD_BwE Green Coast Resort]''', the first high-end tourist resort in Albania, commenced. |
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'''<big>2016</big>:''' '''[https://spar.al/al/ SPAR]''' supermarkets' chain entered the Albanian market as part of BALFIN Group through a franchise agreement. |
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'''<big>2018:</big> [https://www.ferronikeli.com/ NewCo Ferronikeli]''', one of the biggest nickel producers in Europe and the largest exporter in Kosovo, joined BALFIN Group. In 2023, the company was sold to the conglomerate Yildirim Group. '''TH&B Immo''', founded in 2018, operates in real estate development in Austria, focusing on residential areas, villas, and resorts. |
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'''<big>2019</big>: [[Tirana Bank]]'''<nowiki/>'s acquisition<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hodo |first=Genta |date=November 13, 2023 |title=Albania’s Tirana Bank net profit almost doubles in Q3 y/y |url=https://seenews.com/news/albanias-tirana-bank-net-profit-almost-doubles-in-q3-yy-840120}}</ref> marked an important milestone for BALFIN Group – its entrance into the banking industry. '''PJ 137 Living''' represented BALFIN Group's second investment in real estate development in Vienna, Austria. |
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'''<big>2021</big>: [https://eastgatemall.mk/en/ East Gate Mall]'''<nowiki/>'s inauguration represented an important milestone for BALFIN Group, positioning the group as the largest foreign investor in North Macedonia. Construction began on the '''M Gallery Boutique Hotel''', a collaboration between BALFIN Group and Accor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 15, 2021 |title=ACCOR AND BALFIN GROUP JOIN FORCES TO OPEN FIRST MGALLERY HOTEL IN ALBANIA |url=https://europaproperty.com/accor-and-balfin-group-join-forces-to-open-first-mgallery-hotel-in-albania/}}</ref> On the same year started the construction of '''[https://universcity.al/en/ Univers City]''', a new concept of life with diverse housing and service units, as well as complete infrastructure for comfortable living in a residential community. |
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'''<big>2022</big>: West Park''', a unique commercial facility catering to customers' daily needs through well-known brands, officially opened in Korça, marking BALFIN Group's first investment of its kind in the portfolio. |
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'''<big>2023</big>:''' Construction began on '''[https://vloramarina.com/ Vlora Marina]''', one of the most ambitious projects for Albanian touristic infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fox |first=Anabelle |date=December 12, 2023 |title=D-Marin partners with world-class marina in Albania |url=https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/d-marin-partners-with-world-class-marina-in-albania-news.html}}</ref> The project envisions the creation of a marine resort before the development of residential and service spaces. The modern marina will provide 438 berths throughout the year. |
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Today – with 100% of shares of BALFIN Group owned by Samir Mane – he is considered by peers as one of the most successful businesspeople in Western Balkans and beyond, with the Group managing a portfolio of approximately 50 companies. For his vision, innovative ideas and entrepreneurship charisma, he was included in the '''[https://www.ft.com/content/7e2cad2a-fa18-11dc-9b7c-000077b07658 Financial Times]''' top four "People to Watch in Business".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hope |first=Kerin |date=March 26, 2008 |title=Who’s who: People to watch in business |url=https://www.ft.com/content/7e2cad2a-fa18-11dc-9b7c-000077b07658 |work=[[Financial Times]]}}</ref> |
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In March 2012 Mane was named the Honorary Consul of Thailand <ref>{{Cite web |title=Honorary Consulate of Thailand in Tirana |url=https://aid-air.com/en/embassy-consulate/thailand/honorary-consulate-of-thailand-in-tirana-albania/ |website=Aid Air}}</ref> at the opening ceremony of the new consulate. He resigned from this position in 2023. |
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==Biography== |
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Mane was born in the southern Albanian city of [[Korçë]] on 24 December 1967. He was a student of the Faculty of Geology and Mining at Tirana University when the communist system in Albania collapsed. As a young student, he migrated to Austria where mostly worked as a translator while building his personal business network. Whilst living in [[Austria]] in 1993, he spotted the opportunity to start business with electronic products and home appliances in Albania. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://ceeqa.com/team/mane |title=CEEQA - Samir Mane Biography}}</ref> |
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Samir Mane is married to Eva Mane and is the father of three sons and one daughter. While he divides his time between Tirana and Vienna, he has often mentioned in interviews that his favorite place to reside is Green Coast<ref>{{Cite news |title=Opinion – Historia mbresëlënëse e njeriut më të pasur shqiptar! |url=https://tvklan.al/opinion-historia-mbreselenese-e-njeriut-me-te-pasur-shqiptar/}}</ref> in the Albanian Riviera. |
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In 2008 he was included in the ''[[Financial Times]]'' top four "people to watch in business" in Albania.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7e2cad2a-fa18-11dc-9b7c-000077b07658.html#axzz3O9TS6WZx |title=People to watch in business |work=Financial Times |date=2008-03-27 |accessdate=2012-08-08}}</ref> |
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The beginnings of Mane's business activities started in 1993 in Vienna, where Mane founded Alba Trade. Having started with the trade of electronic devices, soon the Balfin Group, created by Mane managed to create the largest network of electronics stores in Albania, Neptun and then extending the network in the neighboring countries as well. Today Neptun is present in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oranews.tv/vendi/neptun-me-dyqan-te-ri-tek-cristal-center-oferta-per-te-gjithe-te-interesuarit/|title = Ora News -}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://balkanweb.com/rrefehet-samir-mane-biznesmeni-me-i-pasur-ne-shqiperi-si-e-bera-milionin-e-pare/|title=Rrëfehet Samir Mane, biznesmeni më i pasur në Shqipëri: Si e bëra milionin e parë|date=8 November 2016}}</ref> |
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== Mane Foundation == |
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In addition to being an increasingly successful businessmen, Samir Mane is at the same time a distinguished philanthropist. BALFIN Group has one of the largest corporate social responsibility footprints in the Western Balkans, supporting sustainability development in Education, Environment, Health & Well-being, and Poverty Alleviation via '''Mane Foundation'''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 2023 |title=BALFIN Group 30 years: major announcements regarding expansion and philanthropy |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/balfin-group-celebrates-its-30th-anniversary-major-announcements-in-expansions-and-philanthropy}}</ref> |
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In March 2012 Mane was named the [[honorary consul]] of [[Thailand]] at the opening ceremony of the new [[consulate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkanweb.com/shqiperi/2685/zamir-mane-konsull-nderi-i-tajlandes-ne-shqiperi-85272.html |title=Zamir Mane, konsull nderi i Tajlandës në Shqipëri |publisher=Balkanweb.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-08}}</ref> He resigned from this position in 2023. |
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== Recognitions == |
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In 2019, "'''High Honor Decorate for Services to the Republic of Austria'''<ref>{{Cite news |title=The President of Austria awards businessman Samir Mane with the "High Decoration of Honor" |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/presidenti-i-austrise-vlereson-me-dekoraten-e-larte-te-nderit-biznesmenin-samir-mane/#gsc.tab=0}}</ref>", the highest Austrian state award, awarded by the Austrian President and endorsed by the Austrian Ambassador in Albania. |
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In 2015, Mane started building Green Coast, containing ten types of buildings, from villas to apartments, including a 5 star hotel. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.monitor.al/ne-tirane-ndertohet-shume-pritet-ngecje-e-shitjeve-bankat-jane-terhequr/ |title=Në Tiranë do ndërtohet shumë, pritet ngecje e shitjeve, bankat janë tërhequr|date=22 September 2018}}</ref> |
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In 2016, "'''For Special Civil Merits'''<ref>{{Cite news |title=Nishani gives the title "For Special Civil Merits" to businessman Samir Mane |url=https://sot.com.al/aktualitet/nishani-i-jep-titullin-%E2%80%9Cp%C3%ABr-merita-t%C3%AB-ve%C3%A7anta-civile%E2%80%9D-biznesmenit-samir-mane}}</ref>" awarded from the President of the Republic of Albania. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 12:17, 8 April 2024
Samir Mane | |
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 Samir Mane in 2022 | |
| Born | 24 December 1967 |
| Education | University of Tirana, Faculty of Geology and Mining |
| Occupation(s) | Founder and actual President of BALFIN Group |
| Known for | Founding BALFIN Group, Being one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Western Balkans, Philanthropist. |
| Children | 4 |
| Website | www.balfingroup.com |
Samir Mane (Albanian pronunciation: [ˈsamir ˈmane]; born 24 December 1967) is an Albanian entrepreneur. He is the founder and President of Balfin Group, one of the most significant and successful investment groups in the Western Balkans, comprising over 50 companies.
Biography
Mane was born in the southern Albanian city of Korçë on 24 December 1967. He was a student of the Faculty of Geology and Mining at Tirana University when the communist system in Albania collapsed. As a young student, he migrated to Austria where mostly worked as a translator while building his personal business network. Whilst living in Austria in 1993, he spotted the opportunity to start business with electronic products and home appliances in Albania. [1] In 2008 he was included in the Financial Times top four "people to watch in business" in Albania.[2]
The beginnings of Mane's business activities started in 1993 in Vienna, where Mane founded Alba Trade. Having started with the trade of electronic devices, soon the Balfin Group, created by Mane managed to create the largest network of electronics stores in Albania, Neptun and then extending the network in the neighboring countries as well. Today Neptun is present in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.[3][4]
In March 2012 Mane was named the honorary consul of Thailand at the opening ceremony of the new consulate.[5] He resigned from this position in 2023.
In 2015, Mane started building Green Coast, containing ten types of buildings, from villas to apartments, including a 5 star hotel. [6]
References
- ^ "CEEQA - Samir Mane Biography".
- ^ "People to watch in business". Financial Times. 2008-03-27. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
- ^ "Ora News -".
- ^ "Rrëfehet Samir Mane, biznesmeni më i pasur në Shqipëri: Si e bëra milionin e parë". 8 November 2016.
- ^ "Zamir Mane, konsull nderi i Tajlandës në Shqipëri". Balkanweb.com. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
- ^ "Në Tiranë do ndërtohet shumë, pritet ngecje e shitjeve, bankat janë tërhequr". 22 September 2018.