Berlin, 7 November 2024 - The technology and family-owned company Heraeus has been awarded the "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year", one of the most coveted business awards in the country. Jan Rinnert, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of the Heraeus Group, accepted the honorary award for exceptional entrepreneurial and social commitment at a festive event at the Motorwerk in Berlin on Thursday.
The main criteria for this prestigious award are the successful development of a family business over generations, exemplary civic engagement and the personal commitment of the shareholders to solving key social or humanitarian challenges. This year, the jury proposed that the prize be awarded to the Heraeus Group. The jurors were convinced that the family-owned company fulfils the criteria in an outstanding manner.
"Heraeus sets standards when it comes to corporate and social commitment. With a clear focus on sustainable innovation and technological excellence, the company shows what is possible despite challenging economic conditions. This award is more than deserved and can certainly be an inspiration for other companies. We warmly congratulate the award winners," said Dr Henrik Ahlers, Chairman of the Management Board of EY.
Jan Rinnert accepted the award on behalf of the company's approximately 16,400 employees. "We are extremely honoured and grateful for this recognition. It motivates us to continue our efforts and continue to make a positive contribution to society," said Rinnert in his acceptance speech. In his laudatory speech, Chairman of the Supervisory Board Franz Haniel emphasised that Heraeus had made a name for itself in many industries through its creativity and tireless pursuit of excellence, true to the new company claim "Materials. Innovations. For Generations".
The award ceremony, hosted by journalist and TV presenter Judith Rakers, brought together around 300 personalities from business, politics and the media in Berlin. The event provided a platform to highlight the extraordinary achievements of the Heraeus Group and to promote dialogue about sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship. As a further highlight of the event, polar explorer and adventurer Arved Fuchs shared his insights on climate change and spoke about the resulting consequences and challenges.
The honorary prize is awarded as part of the "Entrepreneur Of The Year" competition organised by EY in partnership with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Manager Magazin and LGT Group.
