SEF.WomenAward names Natalie Spross CEO of the Year

(CONNECT) Three Swiss female entrepreneurs have been recognized for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements at this year's sixth edition of the SEF.WomenAward. The prize is awarded in the categories Entrepreneur/CEO of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In addition, the Swiss Economic Forum (SEF), a platform of NZZ Connect, recognizes a personality with many years of entrepreneurial experience and special commitment to women in business with an honorary award.

During the gala evening at The Circle in Zurich, the award for Entrepreneur/CEO of the Year went to Natalie Spross. She has been CEO of Spross Holding AG since 2013. In the opinion of the WEF, it shapes a modern corporate culture with foresight and responsibility and at the same time strengthens social responsibility towards employees. In doing so, it is providing important impetus for the future-oriented development of the construction industry. "You are not only the first woman to head the Spross Group, but also the creator of an impressive change," laudator Sabine Magri is quoted as saying in a statement from the SEF. "As the successor to your grandfather and father, you have successfully led the traditional family business, which began 125 years ago as a commercial nursery, into the present day with skill, determination and a good feel for the needs of the market."

Young Entrepreneur of the Year was Deana Mohr-Haralampieva. The co-founder and CEO of the biotech company MUVON Therapeutics, a spin-off of the University of Zurich, convinced the jury "with her vision and drive". According to the Swiss Economic Forum (SEF), it is thus driving forward innovative approaches to the regeneration of muscle tissue. In addition to the company's scientific excellence, laudator Angela Bucher praised Mohr's "courage to question funding logic, to convince investors of a long underestimated billion-dollar market and to position women's health not only as an economic opportunity, but also as a social necessity".

Karin Lenzlinger, President of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce, received the honorary award for her entrepreneurial life's work. She is "an impressive personality who has shaped entrepreneurship, responsibility and sustainable business for many years", the SEF said, explaining its choice. Laudator Anja Bates praised Lenzlinger as a "leader who takes responsibility further - not only for Switzerland as a business location and for companies, but also for people. And this attitude has characterized your work for many years." Bates also traced Lenzlinger's path from primary school teacher to CEO of the family business Lenzlinger Söhne from Nänikon ZH. Today, she contributes her experience to various boards of directors and foundation boards. ce/mm