In its special edition for "Person of the Year," TIME magazine has selected a prominent Albanian figure among the influential names globally. Samir Mane, the founder and President of BALFIN Group, has been recognized for his significant impact.

TIME magazine has a long-standing tradition of choosing the "Person of the Year" dating back to 1927. This award honors an individual or movement that has had a profound influence on events throughout the year. In 2024, TIME selected Donald Trump as "Person of the Year," marking the second time he has received this distinction. The motivation for his selection is attributed to his role in "sparking a generational political shift, reshaping the U.S. presidency, and transforming the nation's role on the global stage." The first time Trump won the award was in 2016, after his victory in the U.S. presidential elections against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

TIME Magazine 2024 awards are as follows:

"Person of the Year": U.S. President Donald Trump

"CEO of the Year": Lisa Su, CEO of the multinational technology corporation Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

"Athlete of the Year": Basketball star Caitlin Clark

"Icon of the Year": Music legend Elton John.

While each individual has been recognized for their contributions in different fields, TIME describes the entrepreneurial journey of Samir Mane as follows: "With a career that began in the early '90s, Mane has built a global conglomerate operating in 11 countries across 2 continents, bringing innovation and sustainable economic impact."

Read the full interview below:

Beyond Borders: Samir Mane on Expanding BALFIN Group

In this year’s Time Magazine People of the Year edition, we explore the stories of individuals who have shaped industries, empowered communities, and left an indelible mark on society. Among them is Samir Mane, an entrepreneur whose remarkable journey from post-communist Albania to founding BALFIN Group—a diversified business conglomerate operating across two continents and 11 countries—stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. Mane’s story reflects not only personal success but also a deep commitment to creating lasting value for economies and communities.

When you moved to Austria in the early '90s, you didn’t go with the idea of finding a job but rather to start a business. Where did this mindset come from? Is Samir Mane a born or self-made businessman?

I have always felt an inner calling to pursue entrepreneurship, even during the years of dictatorship in Albania, when the concept of being a businessperson was neither fully understood nor encouraged.

When I emigrated to Vienna in 1991, I saw firsthand that what might have seemed like an unattainable dream in my home country was a viable reality in a different context. It was a pivotal moment for me. I realized that with determination, perseverance, and strategic thinking, I could build something of my own, something I always dreamt of.

In that sense, I am entirely self-made. My entrepreneurial journey is a result of hard work, learning, and adaptability. However, the inspiration to embark on this path was deeply rooted in my own aspirations and the recognition of opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Can you recall a moment that marked a significant turning point for you? Or perhaps more than one important moment?

The success of a business is rarely the result of a single defining moment but rather a series of decisions and actions. For BALFIN Group, there have been key moments that have shaped our trajectory and positioned us as a leader in different economic sectors.

One of the most significant milestones was the development of QTU, Albania’s first shopping mall, in 2005. It not only redefined consumer expectations but also set the stage for BALFIN to become a pioneer in modern retail infrastructure. Another pivotal moment is the construction of Green Coast, an elite touristic destination in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Albanian Riviera. It is an important investment not only for Albania but for the region as well

More recently, our entry into the U.S. and Canadian markets in 2023 and 2024 represents a bold step toward becoming a global player. These moments—and the many others in between—highlight our ability to seize opportunities, adapt, and grow.

Do you see the diverse portfolio of your Group as a strength, or do you think more focus on a few industries could yield better results?

BALFIN Group’s diverse portfolio is one of our greatest strengths. Operating across industries such as real estate, retail, banking, tourism, asset management, and logistics has allowed us to mitigate risks, capitalize on synergies, seize opportunities in dynamic markets and create a good network of international and local partners. This diversification has been key to our resilience and growth over the past three decades.

While we remain committed to exploring new investment opportunities, our strategy emphasizes deepening our expertise and impact in industries where we have already established leadership. In the coming years, BALFIN Group will continue balancing diversification with strategic focus, leveraging our financial resources, human capital, and innovative approach to expand our footprint and reinforce our position as a global investment leader.

What is your vision for the Group for the future?

Our solid foundation of financial strength, operational expertise, and a dedicated team empowers us to aspire to even greater achievements while remaining firmly rooted in our core values. Our priorities will continue to focus on driving economic growth, advancing sustainability, and fostering innovation across all areas of operation.

BALFIN Group aims to not only expand its economic footprint but also increase its positive impact on the communities we serve. The Mane Foundation will play an increasingly pivotal role in this journey, embodying our commitment to social responsibility.

Success, however, is never a solitary endeavor. BALFIN’s accomplishments are the result of a collective effort, shaped by the dedication of our employees, the trust of our partners, and the support of our stakeholders.

BALFIN Group

BALFIN Group is one of the most significant and successful investment groups in the Western Balkans, with a gross un-consolidated turnover of more than 864 million EUR in 2023 and more than 5’500 employees.

BALFIN Group was founded in 1993 in Vienna and is currently operating in Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland, and USA.  It is active in various industries such as real estate, wholesale and retail, banking, tourism, energy, and logistics.

By adhering to the best global business principles and speaking the local language, all Group companies are unquestionable leaders in their respective fields, thus making BALFIN Group a commended and applauded partner for many important international companies and financial institutions. Through economic development, employment opportunities, innovation, and social involvement, BALFIN Group challenges the status quo, fostering a positive impact on communities.