CEE Sustainability
Leadership Awards
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The awards were created in 2023 by a small group of professionals active in sustainability integration in finance and business, each with over a decade of work experience in the field.
The aim of the awards it to recognise and celebrate leadership by individuals in different sectors and parts of the system, who have been promoting, advancing, or driving sustainability integration in their own country or across the region and beyond.
The nominees will be evaluated according to 15 different criteria by a jury comprising topic experts and practitioners.
All systems and organisations are formed and run by people - and we believe that inspirational and dedicated individuals can have a great impact on a sector, organisation, mindset, or practice.
Award Winners 2025
Ota Melcher
Department Ministry of Finance
A pioneer of sustainable finance in the public sector through national policy leadership, coordination, and initiatives.
Marta Mikliszańska
Allegro
Marta led Allegro’s ESG strategy, integrating sustainability into operations and promoting greener e-commerce.
Szilvia Golya
OTP Bank
Szilvia advanced green banking by integrating sustainability into products, portfolios, and transition finance.
Kristýna Machová
Inven Capital
Kristyna set ESG benchmarks through cleantech investment, SFDR reporting, and sustainable finance advocacy.
Award Winners 2024
Martin Hojsík
European Parliament
His public leadership role in supporting environmental protection and climate change awareness has been inspirational and transformative for the region.
Magdalena Radová
Tilia Impact Ventures
Revolutionising the investment landscape with an innovative impact measurement methodology in VC funds across CEE.
Eva Bucova
ING Czechia
Pioneering sustainability performance assessments in banking, supporting SMEs and initiatives like Změna k lepšímu.
Marián Hlavačka
CORWIN a.s.
Leading brownfield revitalisation investment, paving the path for sustainability in the property market.
Martin Špolc
DG Climate Action, EU Commission
Led the adoption of the EU Sustainable Finance reporting framework through transformative policy efforts in the EU Commission.
Richard Juřík
Ministry of Environment, Czechia
A champion of sustainable finance and DNSH guidelines in the Czech public sector, leading change in existing practices.
Award Categories
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The CEE Sustainability Leader Category is recognising achievements in promoting and actively supporting the discussions and practices related to sustainability and decarbonisation. This category is dedicated to celebrating individuals whose leadership spans different sectors and countries, showing cross-disciplinary approach and coalition-building.
2024 Winner: Martin Hojsík
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This category recognises achievements in sustainability integration in investing (the investment process and the portfolio construction). It celebrates achievements in creating positive impact through investing and engagement, while also celebrating people who are driving the public discourse about sustainability in investing.
2024 Winner: Magdaléna Radová
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This category recognises professional achievements in supporting and driving sustainability integration in the banking sector. The category rewards individuals implementing the changes needed for sustainability integration in banking across different operations, products, and services.
Winner: Eva Bučová
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This category recognises achievements in sustainability integration in business, driving changes in business models or changing practices, rethinking products and services, and fighting for improved sustainability performance and disclosure.
2024 Winner: Marián Hlavačka
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This category recognises individuals who have successfully made tangible and significant changes to policy or regulation, resulting in changes of market behaviours which have led to positive sustainability impact.
2024 Winner: Martin Špolc
The Jury of CEE Leadership Awards
The jury has been selected to ensure a balanced group of professionals,
and their selection is based on their expertise, sector, experience, track record, and geographical scope.