On Sunday, November 14, 2021, Marsel Skendaj, one of the most emblematic characters of Albanian entrepreneurship, passed away at the age of 72. Skendaj died in Germany, following a serious illness from which he recently suffered. He left this world surrounded by closest family, in the same calmness and dignity that characterized his life as well.

Since many years ago Marsel Skendaj had earned the epithet as one of the "pioneers of Albanian capitalism after the 90s". The fact is that the activity and the traces he has left in the Albanian environment have spoken much more to the public than he has.

Initiator of the introduction to the new Albanian enterprise, of many business innovations and western technological feeds, Skendaj - Marsel, as he simply and friendly liked to be addressed by the people who worked with him - did not hesitate to engage in the most diverse sectors. If import-exports and construction are considered classic investments, he passed way beyond that, creating business events such as the establishment of the first private airline in the country, Ada Air, or the first commercial internet service provider Adanet.

But undoubtedly, Marsel Skëndaj has left a special mark with his contribution to the new Albanian media. His name stands behind historical logos of print and electronic media such as TV Klan, Klan Magazine, Korrieri newspaper, Albanian Daily News, etc. And this, not just as an investor, owner, or co-owner and founder: Above all, he will be remembered as a modern, civil entrepreneur, and as a businessman who clearly understood that professional space and independence in the daily work of journalists, were indisputable elements in strengthening the quality of this sector. 

Marsel Skendaj will remain the atypical representative of an unusual, special era of new Albanian history, that of post-communism. Courageous in time of uncertainty, calm in a tumultuous period, elegant and cultivated amid an often arrogant and ignorance-cultivating environment; he remained true to himself and his values even when others became unrecognizable.

Marsel Skendaj is survived by his wife Vera, and children Jonida, Gjergji and Anisa. Albanian Daily News and albaniandailynews.com staff send their heartfelt condolences to the Skendaj family.