Launch of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition 2023

Discover the art of entrepreneurship.

With its local roots and international experience in serving family-owned and multinational companies, EY Luxembourg is proud to organize, for the sixth time, the Entrepreneur of the Year (“Entrepreneurs de l’Année”) competition for 2023. 

The objective is to celebrate the art of entrepreneurship which creates value and employment within the country. This competition is an opportunity to recognize the exceptional careers of entrepreneurs and their positive impact on the economy, the environment and innovation in the Grand Duchy.

Participation criteria and selection

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is open to business leaders who: 

• Hold a minimum of 10% stake in the company 
• Run a company established in Luxembourg, in existence for at least three years 
• Have an annual revenue of at least 2.5 million euros

Candidates meeting these criteria will be invited to an exchange with professionals from EY Luxembourg, in order to establish a detailed description of their company and to submit an application file to the members of an independent jury.

Any entrepreneur with a sense of strategy and competition, an openness to the world and a sensitivity to environmental, social and governance criteria is invited to participate in this competition to demonstrate the excellence of their company.

Yves Even, Partner, CPS Leader at EY Luxembourg; Michèle Detaille, President of FEDIL and President of the Entrepreneurs of the Year jury and Anne-Sophie Dufresne, Member of the Executive Committee of BGL BNP Paribas.

Previous winners

In October 2023, the members of the jury will have the pleasure of announcing the six finalist entrepreneurs of this sixth edition. 

The winner will join the prestigious gallery of champions of the competition. The first edition of the competition elected Nicolas Buck of Victor Buck Services S.A. as "Entrepreneur of the Year 2004". In 2006, Abbas Rafii, Director of Ireco S.A., became his successor, followed by Jacques Lanners of Ceratizit S.A. in 2009, René Elvinger of Cebi S.A. in 2013 and finally Claude Wagner of Groupe CWA in 2016.

The jury

The jury, chaired by Michèle Detaille, President of FEDIL, is composed of representatives of the economic world recognized for their experience and objectivity:

• Claude Wagner, winner of the last edition 
• Tom Theves, head of the cabinet of the Minister of Economy  
• Carole Muller, President of the Luxembourg Confédération luxembourgeoise du commerce (CLC)
• Antoine Clasen, president of the Fédération des Jeunes Dirigeants d'Entreprise (FJD)
• Vincent Lekens, president of the ICT Luxembourg alliance

Competition Process 

Candidates will have until 31 May 2023 to submit their applications. From May to July, interviews with the participants will be conducted by EY Luxembourg professionals in order to prepare their analysis file which will be submitted to the jury members. After study and deliberation, six finalists will be announced in October. In November, the winner will be announced during a gala evening.

The winner will also participate in the global competition - "World Entrepreneurs of the Year" in June 2024 in Monaco and will have the opportunity to join a community of Luxembourg (EoY Club Entrepreneurs) and international entrepreneurs (Academy of Entrepreneurs, Alumni Roundtable) to participate in dedicated events and conferences.

An internationally recognized award for over 30 years

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme was created more than 30 years ago and now operates in more than 60 countries and 145 cities worldwide. 

"Luxembourg entrepreneurs have created masterpieces that contribute to the growth and competitiveness of our country, building confidence and entrepreneurial drive for current and future generations. In a context where attracting and retaining talent is a challenge for any company, this competition aims not only to reward them, but also to generate pride and commitment among employees! Professionally and personally, I draw great wealth from their day-to-day experience and am proud to be able to share their stories with the general public," comments Yves Even, Partner in charge of Commercial and Industrial Services at EY Luxembourg and leading the Entrepreneurs of the Year programme.

More information and registration on eoy.lu