The Manager of the Year award has been presented since 1991 as the highest recognition for leadership in Slovenia. During the selection process, the committee reviews over 80 substantive indicators, analyzes the financial results of the past five years, collects 360-degree feedback, and interviews the shortlisted candidates about their vision and strategy.

This year's laureate, Enver Šišić, leads one of the most recognizable groups in the region. Under his leadership, the Perutnina Ptuj Group has become the fastest-growing agri-food group in the region and one of the most profitable poultry companies in Europe.

Therefore, it is with great pride that we award him the title of Manager of the Year 2025.

A Leader Who Builds Opportunities from Hardships

He arrived at the Ljubljana railway station in 1992 as a young student. In his pocket, he had twenty Deutsche Marks and the phone number of a friend in Slovenia. The war took his home and mapped out a different future, but it taught him that life requires courage, adaptability, and perseverance.

Enver Šišić brought this life lesson into the business world. Today, he embodies it as the General Manager and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Perutnina Ptuj Group—Slovenia's largest poultry producer and one of the leading food companies in Southeast Europe.

Projects That Others Don't Want

In 1998, he started as a young technologist. Instead of looking for shortcuts, he consciously chose the hardest projects—the ones others overlooked because they seemed too complicated or too risky. "Only where it is difficult is there a chance for success," he says today.

Slowly but steadily, he climbed the ranks: from Head of Development, Director of the Meat Industry, Executive Director of Production, to General Manager. "It took me twenty years to reach my current position. All this time, I took the stairs—because that is the only way you get to know the people and the processes. If you take the elevator, you don't see what's happening between the floors."

Numbers That Confirm the Story

When he took over the leadership of the group in 2019, revenues were at 250 million euros. Five years later, they exceeded 532 million. Sales doubled. Today, Perutnina Ptuj is among the fastest-growing agri-food processing companies in the region and, at the same time, one of the most profitable poultry operations in Europe.

Three-quarters of their sales are generated in foreign markets, with an average export growth of over 20% per year. The vision is clear: to increase revenues to one billion euros. The steps to get there have already been taken—through strategic investments and the trusting cooperation of employees.

A Billion as a Realistic Goal

Over the last five years, they have invested more than 200 million euros in development. They invested in expanding production, digitalization, automation, and sustainable solutions. A 120-million-euro renovation of the meat industry in Ptuj is just around the corner, which will create 300 new jobs. This ambition is not an empty wish but the logical consequence of systematic work. "When we talk about a billion in revenue, it's not just a financial goal," emphasizes Šišić, "but the development of the region, new jobs, and the pride of the people who create here."

Perutnina Ptuj in Numbers:

• Over 120 years of tradition – the company was founded in 1905.

• 5,165 employees (up from 3,677 in 2019).

• 532 million euros in revenue in 2024 – the goal is one billion.

• 58.5 million euros in profit, which is 130% higher than in 2019.

• 75% of sales from exports – present in markets across all of Europe.

• 145,671 tons of production in 2024, with a goal of 200,000 tons by 2027.

• Over 200 million euros of investments in the last five years, with a 120-million-euro renovation of the Ptuj meat industry upcoming.

• The iconic Poli brand – alongside the Poli Kids, Poli Green, Slim&Fit, Poli Pops, and Piknik lines.

• Highest standards – ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, three-star Green Star certification.

People Before Balance Sheets

But the story goes beyond finances. Enver Šišić modernized the salary system, eliminated outdated tariff scales, and introduced a fairer reward model.

They established the "PP Education" platform and a digital classroom, enabling employee development and internal mobility. "Knowledge is accessible to everyone today. Experience is what holds value—and you cannot buy or copy that," says Šišić.

He also emphasizes: "If you motivate people to feel valued, if you think about people the same way you think about business, then you have a chance to succeed."

Sustainability as a Commitment to the Future

Šišić is bound to Perutnina Ptuj by a special emotion—"this is not just my workplace, it is a part of my life." Therefore, he develops the company with respect for the people, the environment, and the region.

Under his leadership, Perutnina Ptuj was the first in the region to introduce antibiotic-free breeding. They joined the Better Chicken Commitment initiative for better animal welfare, are building smart farms, investing in the circular economy, reducing energy and water consumption, developing sustainable packaging, and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

Trendsetters

In the market, Perutnina Ptuj does not follow trends; it creates them. Their most recognizable product, Poli, was declared Brand of the Year at SOF 2024, and the company received the "Excellent Food Company" and "Company of Podravje" awards. In recent years, they have introduced a series of innovations: Poli Kids, Natur Premium, Slim&Fit, the plant-based Poli Green line, high-protein Poli Pops snacks, Piknik barbecue products, and numerous solutions for the HoReCa market.

Support for Culture and Sports

Perutnina Ptuj is also closely connected with the local environment through sponsorships and partnerships: it supports the Arsana Festival, Kurentovanje, the Perutnina Ptuj Cycling Club, the Ptuj Book Club, and numerous other projects that enrich the cultural and sporting life of the region. These are not just financial gestures, but a way of giving back to the community that gives the company its roots. "When you support culture, sports, and tradition, you are investing in people—in their energy, joy, and creativity. And that also gives back to the company," says Šišić.

A Leader Who Keeps His Word

"The most important thing is that you deliver on what you promise," says Šišić. To him, leadership means integrity, consistency, and setting an example. He teaches through his actions—with responsibility, precision, and a high work ethic.

The owner trusts him completely. "In all these years, he has only called me once," he says with a smile. This, too, is proof that the results speak for themselves.

The Power of a Personal Story

When he mentions colleagues from the Haloze hills who have been working in the company for over four decades, pride can be felt in his voice. "This is not just a work environment. This is a family. This is a community."

However, the greatest strength of his leadership is his personal commitment: "I do not want to be remembered by the number of investments or new products, but by how I improved the lives of my coworkers and their families."

We can conclude that Enver Šišić is a manager who combines personal integrity, business excellence, and humanity. He proves that true leaders don't just build companies, but create the future—together with people and for people.

The selection committee for this year's Manager of the Year award included: Committee President Aleksander Zalaznik, Tomaž Berločnik, Boštjan Gorjup, Petra Juvančič, Tjaša Kolenc Filipčič, Medeja Lončar, Aleša Mižigoj, and Sabina Sobočan.