Dr. Ralf Köster Honored as “Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015”

The renowned prize “Entrepreneur Of The Year” aimed at distinguishing leadership excellence in mid-sized German companies was awarded in its 19th edition. Dr. Ralf Köster was chosen as winner of the category “industry”. Since 2004, Dr. Ralf Köster manages the global BARTEC Group, headquartered in Bad Mergentheim, as CEO. In awarding the price, the jury particularly recognized Dr. Ralf Köster’s exemplary commitment, entrepreneurial vision as well as the motivation to succeed as a team. This clearly marks a strong contribution to the innovation strength and competitiveness of the German business environment.

“I feel honored in receiving this distinction which I would like to share with the whole company – our employees, management teams and shareholders. Our joint effort was a key driver of the BARTEC Group’s dynamic growth, its emergence as Global Player and its positioning as one of the most innovative mid-sized German companies”, Dr. Ralf Köster points out. “A clear focus on customer requirements and solution providing, consistent internationalisation and efficient organisational structures in light of increasingly complex market environments were important preconditions for becoming a world market leader in explosion protection.”

The distinguished leaders received their awards at a gala event in the German Historical Museum, Berlin, at which prominent guests from the worlds of business, science, politics and media participated. An independent jury of experienced business and science personalities selected the finalists in a multi-stage selection process. The most important decision criteria included innovation strength, vision and potential for the future, sustainability of company development, responsibility for employees and broader society as well as personal engagement of the entrepreneur.