Tonight, at the January Gathering of the Managers' Association of Slovenia at the Grand Hotel Union, we awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Management. It was presented to Tone Strnad, founder and long-time director of Medis. The 2025 Young Manager is dr. Aleš Ugovšek, General Manager of the M Sora Group. The 2025 Artemida Awards went to Irena Brugger, General Manager of Davidov hram, and Judita Rigler, Director of Lab Interior, part of the Mikro+Polo group.

President of the Republic of Slovenia, dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, in her address to Slovenian managers: "If we know how to connect the excellence of our science, the perseverance of our athletes, the nobility of our culture, and the dynamism of our economy, we need not fear any challenge."

President of the Managers' Association, dr. Iztok Seljak, at the end of his term: "Let us look forward and strive for the positive."

At the annual January Gathering of members of the Managers' Association of Slovenia (hereinafter MAS), 400 representatives from the political summit, as well as the economic and social life in Slovenia, come together. On this occasion, MAS outlines the guidelines for its activities in the current year. Among others, the event was attended by the President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, Marko Lotrič, and the Minister of the Economy, Tourism, and Sport, Matjaž Han.

In her introduction, Petra Juvančič, Executive Director of MAS, pointed out that we are facing a year in which we will discuss the Slovenia of the future: "We are convinced that it is built on responsible leadership, respect for science, the inspiration of art, and perseverance in sports. Successful representatives from all fields share a common vision: to create a forward-thinking and interconnected society."

The Urgent Need for Social Dialogue

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, emphasized that Slovenia urgently needs social dialogue. She believes more effort must be invested in forging a much-needed partnership between the state, the economy, and employees, announcing that this will be one of her first initiatives for the new government team and the parties entering the National Assembly. According to her, in a world of geopolitical uncertainty, it will not be the biggest who win, but the most adaptable and creative—in all areas. "If we know how to connect the excellence of our science, the perseverance of our athletes, the nobility of our culture, and the dynamism of our economy, we need not fear any challenge," the President concluded in her address.

Looking Forward and Striving for the Positive

Juvančič thanked the President of MAS, dr. Iztok Seljak, whose three-year term is ending in the coming weeks, and highlighted the key shifts that MAS has achieved during this period under his leadership. In his address to his professional colleagues, Seljak said: "People will not remember us for what we did for ourselves, but for what we did for others, and only through others, for ourselves as well. Therefore, let us look forward and strive for the positive. Everyone should provide a vision of a better future in their own segment, company, or institution, and realize it for the benefit of all through globally breakthrough technical-technological and business innovations."

Tone Strnad, Recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Management

Tone Strnad, the founder and long-time director of Medis, is a leader with a rare combination of vision, empathy, and determination. His life's work transcends business success—it is based on the understanding that responsibility to people, culture, and nature is the essence of leadership. As the founder of Medis, he built an international company from scratch in 1989 and set a clear benchmark for success: growth is only sustainable if it brings well-being to patients, employees, and the wider community.

Under his leadership, Medis became the first modern Slovenian company to market and register medicines in the Central and Eastern European region as a licensing partner. Today, it operates in 20 countries—from Albania, through Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary to the Baltics—and employs over 400 experts. Medis has given patients in the region access to over 200 innovative medicines that often do not reach smaller countries.

Today, as President of the Board of Directors at Medis, Strnad remains focused on responsible, sustainable, and socially committed leadership. Upon receiving the award, he pointed out that the recognition is also the success of his colleagues: "With this recognition, you have placed me, as one of the few entrepreneurs, among the ranks of great Slovenian business leaders. Even today, it still seems almost incredible to me that from those first entrepreneurial steps, we have built Medis into the highly respected company it is today, operating in 20 European countries. It is as if we had painted an extraordinary canvas: entirely on our own, with our own knowledge and perseverance, featuring a thousand faces and a clear message—we care for people's health. I am sincerely proud of this." More about this year's award recipient.

The 2025 Young Manager is dr. Aleš Ugovšek, General Manager of the M Sora Group

Dr. Aleš Ugovšek, holding a doctorate in wood science, took over the leadership of the M Sora Group in early 2024. The group has nearly 300 employees across five countries and consists of two companies: the joint-stock company M Sora with its subsidiaries, and the cooperative KGZ M Sora. M Sora is one of the leading Slovenian companies in the field of top-quality wooden and wood-aluminum windows, as well as the wholesale of building fittings.

Ugovšek successfully combines technical knowledge with strategic thinking and places a strong emphasis on company culture. Under his leadership, M Sora remains a reliable, responsible, and internationally growing player in the industry, building its future on tradition, sustainability, and people.

As a new-generation leader, Ugovšek steered M Sora toward thoughtful modernization—from process optimization and digitalization to the development of marketing and innovation. He is distinguished by an inclusive and transformational leadership style, and his colleagues describe him as a calm, unifying leader who leads by example. He is deeply involved in his profession and the local community, and believes in leadership that unites company success with people's values.

"Even more than proud, I am grateful today. To my colleagues, my team, my family, and everyone who nominated me for this award. Pride and gratitude are contrasting, yet at the same time connected emotions. Every success of ours is paved with the efforts of many others. Therefore, this award is also yours," Ugovšek said upon receiving the award.

The 2025 Artemida Awards Go to Irena Brugger and Judita Rigler

This time, MAS recognized two female managers who have successfully broken the glass ceiling and taken the highest positions in their organizations. For their role in creating added value within the organizations they lead, they were awarded the Artemida Award. The recipients are Irena Brugger, General Manager of Davidov hram, and Judita Rigler, Director of Lab Interior, part of the Mikro+Polo group.

Brugger is a leader who, with a combination of strategic determination, ethical stance, and a strong focus on people, successfully guides organizations through demanding transformations. Under her leadership since December 2023, the company has, among other things, digitized key processes, implemented a new ERP system and online store, and strengthened competencies in sales, purchasing, and logistics. "We are committed to continuing to lead changes—with vision, courage, and heart," Brugger said on behalf of all female leaders.

With her clarity, integrity, and high professional standards, Rigler proves that determination, consistency, and care for people are the foundation of sustainably successful leadership. Under her management, Lab Interior has recorded growth in profit and added value. The share of women in leadership positions increased from 33% to 83% in a single year, confirming her commitment to professionalism, meritocracy, and talent development. "Every woman carries courage within her, which she transforms into a vision and walks the path of success with feminine energy. The work and life of female managers often look like mission impossible, but everyone knows we always find solutions," Rigler summarized.