Monaco-Matin Eco Club Awards 2019 : winners revealed
Seven managers and companies in the Principality emerged as winners of the 8th Eco Club Awards organised by the Monaco Economic Board, Monaco-Matin and Nice-Matin Group’s business division at a ceremony held Tuesday 12 November at the Grimaldi Forum, attended by 400 people.
Compering the evening was MEB Executive Director General Guillaume Rose, who after a welcome address invited Denis Carreaux to take the stage. Nice-Matin Group’s Managing Editor described “a major annual event that brings together Monaco’s business community to reward successes, innovations, and individual and team performance in this unique country”. For MEB Chairman Michel Dotta addressing the entrepreneurs present “the Monegasque exception that enables us to live in this unique place, a land of entrepreneurs in a prosperous business environment (…) is down to all of you who embody it.”
This year there was a new category linked to MEB’s positioning driven by Guillaume Rose, “Monaco’s Influence in the World” Award. Also new, was that each winner after the presentation clip and receiving their award from an Eco Club member or official was invited to answer questions from Monaco-Matin’s Editor in Chief, Arnault Cohen, which led to lively discussions revealing the passion and commitment of the winners.
As always, there was intense discussion among Monaco-Matin Eco Club members* to select winners from a short-list that reflects diversity and excellence in the Principality’s economy.
THE WINNERS
Manager of the Year: Frédéric Darnet – Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel
Presented by H. E. Mr Jacques Boisson, Secretary of State, representing HSH Prince Albert II
For results achieved from a business, employee and environmental point of view at this iconic establishment, Frédéric Darnet is a worthy winner of this award. Since his arrival, turnover has increased from €45 million to €54 million and the occupancy rate from 65% to 72%.
Sustainable Development: Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) – Roland de Rechniewski
Presented by Thomas Battaglione (SMEG)
Over the last few years, Monaco’s bus company CAM has become a key player in the Principality’s energy transition with the successful development of the Monacobike fleet of electric bikes and hybrid buses, as well as the solar powered bus boat across the harbour and autonomous electric shuttle on the Rock.
Innovation: Coraliotech – Rachid Benchaouir
Presented by Axel Hoppenot (SBM Monte-Carlo) and Tiffany Brillant (Caisse d’Epargne)
Incubated by MonacoTech, startup Coraliotech specialises in the production and promotion of products derived from corals but in an eco-responsible manner. Molecules are intended for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biotechnical markets.
International Award: Mercure International Monaco (MIM) – Adnan Houdrouge
Presented by Sylvie Biancheri (Grimaldi Forum)
Founded in 1986, the company has become a major global retailer with annual turnover topping €900 million. MIM has established many outlets, particularly in Africa, and distributes famous food, sport and fashion brands. It is also a wholesaler and employs 5,000 people around the world, including 100-plus in Monaco.
Made in Monaco Award: Cruiseline – Pierre Pélissier
Presented by Etienne Franzi (Monaco Telecom)
Cruiseline is a European leader in online cruise sales. Founded in Nice, the company quickly moved to Monaco to benefit from the Principality’s cosmopolitan nature. Today over half its 500 employees work here. Cruiseline offers trips with nearly all the major cruise lines. Having consolidated its position in Europe and South America, it has its sights set on growing the business in the United States.
Monaco’s Influence in the World Award: Opéra de Monte-Carlo – Jean-Louis Grinda
Presented by Jean Castellini, Monaco’s Minister of Finance and Economy
Since its founding, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo (OMC) has been a key player in the Principality’s influence and appeal as a place to live and work in. Under the leadership of Jean-Louis Grinda, it has led the way in being open to the world by exporting its productions, including those by its Director. Jean-Louis Grinda with Cecilia Bartoli is also behind the Baroque orchestra Les Musiciens du Prince which has toured many countries. In 2019, the OMC was behind 84 performances around the world.
Special Jury Prize: Monaco Grand Prix – Michel Boeri
Presented by H.E. Mr Serge Telle, Minister of State
In 2018, Monaco’s statistics body, IMSEE, calculated that the Monaco Grand Prix generated spin-offs totalling €90 million, It is the biggest event of the year which benefits from the remarkable expertise of Michel Boeri and his teams at the Automobile Club de Monaco who also organise six other events a year. The ACM more than deserves this award for a race that celebrates 90 years in 2019.
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More information:
Delphine Quilichini - Benoît Ulrich : presse@meb.mc / +377 97 98 68 68