Elfete Zeka drives international go-to-market and strategic partnerships at VIVAVIS AG, a German technology provider for the digitalization of critical infrastructure in energy and water. She builds partner ecosystems that bring SCADA, grid control and telecontrol solutions to utilities and grid operators across Europe and beyond, with a focus on opening new markets for European critical infrastructure technology. An industrial engineer by training, she works at the intersection of technology, markets and people and collaborates closely with utilities and partners to understand their operational realities and strategic priorities. Her focus lies on translating complex grid technology into clear business cases for decision-makers and on building long-term partnerships that help grid operators modernize their networks securely and reliably as the energy transition accelerates.
Bernd Richter is Managing Partner of Richter Lighting Technologies GmbH in Heubach, which he founded together with his wife Marion in 1993. Under his leadership, the family business has developed into an internationally recognised provider of innovative architectural, lighting, and acoustic systems. Richter embraces cutting-edge technologies and develops proprietary software solutions and AI systems. As an entrepreneur, he combines technical innovation with sustainable growth and social responsibility. He also serves as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) Ostwürttemberg, supporting the regional economy. In 2025, he was awarded the Economic Medal of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Alexander Jordan is a Senior Key Account Consultant in the international sales team at PreZero International, based in Germany. Working closely with regional colleagues and various business units, he builds strategic partnerships with clients across diverse industries. His primary focus is to establish and expand the circular economy, thereby driving forward crucial topics like resource sovereignty and decarbonization. Furthermore, Alexander consistently identifies and jointly develops new business opportunities to advance them within PreZero, championing sustainable resource management.
Janez Jalen brings over two decades of technology leadership within the Schwarz Group. Following executive roles as CIO for Lidl in Slovenia and Serbia, he led Country Management at Schwarz IT, serving as the strategic IT business partner across all divisions, including Lidl, Kaufland, PreZero, and Schwarz Production. Building on a strong business education background, he now focuses on scaling Schwarz Digits—the group’s digital and cloud unit—where he leads international expansion and high-impact strategic engagements to drive modern digital infrastructure globally.
Learta Hollaj is an energy and sustainable development expert with over a decade of experience spanning energy policy, institutional governance, international partnerships and strategic leadership. She has contributed to Kosovo’s energy transition through policy research, stakeholder engagement and participation in the development of key strategic frameworks. Her work has also focused on regional cooperation, sustainable development and mobilising partnerships between public institutions, international organisations and development partners. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Kosovo, advising on strategic priorities and coordinating high-level domestic and international engagements.
Thilo Rentschler (born 1967) is the Chief Executive Officer of the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Ostwürttemberg), a role he assumed in October 2021. A trained banker with a degree in Business Administration, his career includes founding business development firm Klip AG and directing social welfare institution Mariaberg. Politically, Rentschler joined the SPD in 1992, subsequently serving as Mayor of Aalen (2013–2021), and holding positions on several municipal and regional councils. He is also an Honorary Senator of Aalen University.
Irfan Percuku is a versatile business professional who has served as the Managing Partner at Fati Group since 2012.
He holds a degree in Business Administration from FH Neu-Ulm (2008), specializing in Controlling and Treasury. His career began in wood processing and retail, advancing from a trainee to Assistant Store Manager at Handelshof. Following his studies, he transitioned into finance, working as an Accounting Analyst at IBM and later as the Head of Controlling at Preiss-Daimler. He also completed multiple specialized training programs in commerce and management.
Zenun Krasniqi is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and the Chairman of the Albanian-German Business Union in Germany. He owns and co-owns a diverse portfolio of companies operating across Germany, Kosovo, and Albania. His businesses span vital economic sectors, including real estate, construction, gastronomy, industry, and energy. Focused on regional growth, Krasniqi fosters job creation, drives strategic investments, and strengthens international trade networks. His vision centers on leveraging cross-border collaboration and institutional partnerships to unlock new economic opportunities and build long-term commercial bridges between Germany and the Balkans.
Shqipe Neziri Vela is an international development professional with extensive experience in energy, mining and anti-corruption. She has led programmes worldwide to advance transparency and accountability in natural resource governance. She has worked with the U.S. Department of State, the World Bank, UNDP, UNICEF and OSCE, and lectured on global energy policy at RIT Kosovo. She chairs Kosovo Women in Energy and Mining and mentors students and professionals from diverse backgrounds and countries.
Dennis Gies, CEO of Toynamics Europe GmbH (part of the Hape Group), directs the company’s European sales, operations, and digital commerce. He maintains a strong connection to Kosovo through a software development hub in Pristina. Dedicated to international growth, Gies focuses on strengthening business cooperation between Germany and Kosovo. He actively seeks to exchange experiences with fellow entrepreneurs while exploring new strategic opportunities in technology, digitalization, services, and global business development to expand the group’s market-leading toy and educational portfolio.