Monaco’s leading economic figures honoured at awards ceremony
On Wednesday, 17 December, at the Grimaldi Forum, the jury of the Club Eco Monaco* unveiled the 2025 winners during the 14th Trophées (Awards) Ceremony. Six individuals and entities were honoured, all of whom brilliantly embody the Principality's economic dynamism.
More than 250 officials and decision-makers gathered at the Grimaldi Forum for this 14th edition of the Club Eco Monaco Awards, organised by the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) and the Nice-Matin Group. Six winners were designated in the following categories: Special Jury Prize, Sustainable Development, Innovation, International, Made in Monaco, and Manager of the Year.
Opening the event, Simon Perrot, President of the regional press group, emphasised the significance of Monaco’s thriving economic landscape—businesses that Monaco-Matin aims to highlight through these awards and daily coverage: "We enjoy writing about your projects and ambitions."
Michel Dotta, Chairman of the MEB, expressed his pleasure that, for the third consecutive year, a woman had been named Manager of the Year. He pointed out that in Monaco, "female business owners account for 35% of leaders in the 25–34 age group and as much as 45% among those under 25, which is quite remarkable. It reflects our economy, which is robust, diverse, and forward-looking."
Concluding the speeches, the Minister of Finance and Economy, Pierre-André Chiappori, highlighted recent impressive figures, such as the 2024 GDP growth of 8.8%, which positions the Monegasque economy as "the fastest-growing in the world over this period. Not bad at all.” While Mr Chiappori does not aim to direct the economy but rather to nurture it, he also believes that “the role of the State is to ensure that Monaco is as attractive as possible for all talent. When a creator, whether an artist or an entrepreneur, considers where they can settle, I want Monaco to be on the map.”
Guillaume Rose, CEO of the MEB, then hosted the evening with his usual spontaneity—an event filled with remarkable adventures, performances, and daring acts. He was accompanied by Baptiste Bize, the new Editorial Director of the Nice-Matin Group, who elicited reactions from the winners on stage during brief interviews. The audience also had the chance to learn more about the winners through original presentation videos produced by Risorius, a member of the MEB.
The winners also celebrated the evening with their teams during the networking cocktail that followed, offering an opportunity for new connections and exchanges. This demonstrates that the driving forces behind Monaco's economic vitality consistently pursue growth.
THE WINNERS
Special Jury Prize: Yannick Alléno - Monte-Carlo SBM
As Yannick Alléno was unable to attend the evening, the Trophy was presented to Louis Starck, General Manager of the Hôtel de Paris, by Francesco Grosoli, CEO of the CMB. The chef was notably honoured for successfully developing two remarkable new venues within the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo since his arrival in the Principality in 2021: Le Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, awarded one Michelin star, and more recently, L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, which already holds two stars in the same guide. Altogether, he has 17 stars across the 17 establishments he oversees worldwide.
Sustainable Development Prize: Le Méridien Beach Plaza - Vincent Clinckemaillie
Trophy presented by Florence Larini-Negri, Director of the Mission for Energy Transition of Monaco, and Pierfranck Pelacchi, Deputy CEO of SMEG
For many years, Le Méridien Beach Plaza has maintained an impressive sustainable development policy founded on five pillars: Green Key certification, which signifies environmental excellence and responsible commitment; energy conservation; biodiversity protection; waste management; and staff awareness. Achievements include a 65% reduction in carbon footprint, enhanced biodiversity, waste segregation in accordance with 13 criteria, and over 650 hours of voluntary staff awareness training.
Innovation Prize: Koroyd - John Lloyd
Trophy presented by Henri Fissore, President of the Grimaldi Forum
Founded in 2010 in Monaco, Koroyd is a technological expert in protection. It offers solutions across five key sectors: sport, motorsport, family, industry, and defence. These are head-to-toe solutions that are lighter, more effective, and more breathable. The company has been granted 99 patents benefiting 22 partner brands. In 2026, a new 1,600m² research and development centre in Fontvieille is expected to mark a new milestone in the company's development.
International Prize: Platinium Group - Steve Sasportas
Trophy presented by Virginie Cotta, General Secretary of Monte-Carlo SBM
Founded in the early 2000s, Platinium Group is a prominent player in online ticketing, developing ticketing software and providing e-commerce solutions for major event organisers worldwide. The group operates in 47 countries, primarily in sports (Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, basketball), as well as in entertainment and trade fairs. While international growth remains the primary goal, local-born Steve Sasportas also expresses a desire “to finally be able to equip our major national events such as the Grand Prix or the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters.”
Made in Monaco Prize: International School of Monaco - Yuri Bogdanov
Trophy presented by Caroline Biagiotti, Head of Advertising Sector Monaco for the Nice-Matin Group
With 850 students representing 64 nationalities, the ISM reflects Monaco and perfectly embodies its values of excellence, openness, and cosmopolitanism. It is among the top 1% of such institutions worldwide for offering a complete curriculum from ages 3 to 18. Last year, the ISM achieved a perfect score of 100% in the International Baccalaureate; it also features prominently in the most prestigious global rankings, including Spear’s and Carfax. As a Monegasque organisation, the school has built a genuine community of students, parents, and teachers within its exceptional new premises. Over the years, the ISM has seamlessly integrated into Monegasque society by participating in numerous events across the Principality.
Manager of the Year: Sylvie Biancheri - Grimaldi Forum
Trophy presented by Pierre-André Chiappori, Minister of Finance and Economy, and Michel Dotta, Chairman of the MEB.
Sylvie Biancheri has contributed to the success of the Grimaldi Forum since its creation in 2000. Her career is built on high standards, benevolence, hard work, and sound decision-making. This year, the flagship of entertainment and business tourism in the Principality celebrated its 25th anniversary with panache, benefiting from a 6,000 m² extension. As part of the Mare Terra project, the anniversary gift now enables the venue to host more events simultaneously or to offer its historic clients the opportunity to expand while remaining loyal to the Principality. The icing on the cake is that the export of major summer exhibitions is once again a reality, as "Colours," the tremendous success of the 2025 edition, will be presented to the Chinese public in 2026 and likely other destinations.
* The jury of the Club Eco Monaco, part of the Nice-Matin Group, is made up of representatives from its member companies—such as Compagnie Monégasque de Banque, Grimaldi Forum, Monaco Economic Board, Monaco Telecom, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer—and includes the management team of the regional daily newspaper.
