Speaker

Samir Mane – President of BALFIN Group Samir Mane, born on December 24, 1967, in Korça, Albania, is the Founder and President of BALFIN Group, one of the most influential investment groups in Southeast Europe, with a strong presence across the Western Balkans and beyond. A graduate in geology and mining from Tirana University, Mr. Mane moved to Austria in 1991, where he gained international experience and founded Albatrade, a wholesale electronics company that marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. This led to the creation of BALFIN Group, now a diversified conglomerate operating in retail, real estate, tourism, logistics, banking, asset management, and more, across Europe and North America. Recognized as a visionary leader, he is Albania’s first resident billionaire according to Forbes 2025, and the sole shareholder of a group comprising around 50 companies. His achievements have earned international acclaim, including awards from The Financial Times, the President of Albania, and the President of Austria. Beyond business, Mr. Mane is a committed philanthropist through BALFIN’s CSR efforts and the Mane Foundation, supporting education, the environment, health, and poverty alleviation. His leadership continues to drive innovation, inclusive growth, and long-term impact in the region.