European CEO Awards 2026: The Surprising Names on This Year's List

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-14

Every year, EU Business News shines a spotlight on the CEOs who are reshaping Europe's corporate landscape. The 2026 European CEO of the Year Awards, now in its third year, is no exception. This year's supplement goes beyond the usual suspects, digging into what makes a great leader and how they're building teams that last. ### The Winners: A Mix of Industries and Impact From tax advisory to molecular diagnostics, corporate event management to destination management, the 2026 awardees represent a broad cross-section of Europe's economy. These aren't just figureheads—they're hands-on leaders driving real change. And they're setting a new bar for what it means to be a CEO in today's fast-moving business environment. ### Cover Feature: Asle Johnsen of Aiwell Water This year's cover star is Asle Johnsen, CEO of Aiwell Water and Aiwell Holding AS. He's been named Best Sustainable Water Management Solutions CEO 2026 (Nordics). Asle's expertise in sustainable water management has not only propelled his company forward but also created ripple effects that benefit partners and the environment alike. It's a reminder that leadership isn't just about profits—it's about impact. > "We are proud to have worked with such impactful CEOs who are devoted to improving their industries, and I'm sure they will continue to help their teams, clients, customers, and the wider communities with such intelligent solutions and support." — Melissa Bramall, Awards Coordinator ### What Sets These CEOs Apart? EU Business News doesn't hand out awards lightly. Each winner is carefully evaluated based on their performance over the past 12 months. The magazine prides itself on the validity of its awards, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals are recognized. So what makes these CEOs stand out? - They lead with purpose, not just profit. - They foster strong teams and empower their employees. - They innovate in the face of challenges. - They give back to their communities. These are the qualities that define the best of the best, and this year's winners embody them all. ### A Word from the Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall, Awards Coordinator, shared her thoughts on this year's winners: "We are proud to have worked with such impactful CEOs who are devoted to improving their industries, and I'm sure they will continue to help their teams, clients, customers, and the wider communities with such intelligent solutions and support. Congratulations again." ### How to Learn More For a deeper look at the winners and their working practices, you can access the winners supplement on the EU Business News website. It's a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in leadership, innovation, and the future of European business. ### About EU Business News and AI Global Media EU Business News is more than just a magazine. It's a platform that celebrates excellence across Europe, with a newsletter, a regularly updated website, and a series of awards programs. It's part of AI Global Media, which has been creating engaging B2B and B2C content since 2010. Their flagship brand, Acquisition International, offers a monthly digital magazine that inspires and informs a global audience. So there you have it—the 2026 European CEO of the Year Awards. These leaders are not just winning awards; they're shaping the future of business in Europe and beyond. And that's something worth celebrating.