On Friday, the price of gold reached over $2,500 per ounce, setting a record, and with the average gold bar weighing 400 ounces, its value now stands at a million dollars.

Gold prices have increased by more than 20% since the beginning of the year, as central banks, led by China, are buying gold to reduce their reliance on U.S. dollars.

Central banks and investors view gold as a long-term, reliable store of value during times of economic turmoil. This is because when interest rates fall, gold prices tend to rise, making bars more attractive than bonds.

Investors also consider gold a hedge against inflation, as gold bars retain their value even when many prices are rising.

The post Gold Bars Worth a Million Dollars for the First Time in History appeared first on CorD Magazine.

The export of ICT services in the first half of this year amounted to 1.943 billion euros, and from 2012 to 2023, revenue from exports in this sector has increased tenfold.

Additionally, based on current projections, it is expected that by the end of the year, ICT service exports will reach 4 billion euros.

The post Record Export of ICT Services in the First Half of This Year appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Preliminary research at Obradov Potok indicates a significant geological anomaly 100 meters below the surface, suggesting extensive mineralization consistent with gold. 

With four drilling rigs active and further analyses underway, the company is optimistic about discovering a new deposit. 

CEO Andrew Bray noted Rogozna’s potential to become one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits globally, also containing copper and zinc.

The post Strickland Metals Unveils Promising Gold Discovery in Serbia appeared first on CorD Magazine.

The agreement outlines a capacity of at least 1.6 billion cubic meters per year for the two-way gas pipeline, which will span 13 kilometers in Serbia and 86 kilometers in Romania. The Serbian segment is slated for completion by 2027, with the entire project expected to be operational by 2028.

“We aim to commence construction next year, ensuring this project becomes a reality by 2028,” Minister Burduja stated at the signing ceremony in Kladovo, situated on the Danube opposite Romania. The interconnection site will be located at the northern border between the two nations.

Minister Đedović Handanović emphasized that this marks a new phase in the long-standing bilateral energy cooperation between Serbia and Romania, which has spanned over five decades. She highlighted that electricity trade constituted 28% of their trade exchange last year.

“By connecting with Romania and Bulgaria, and soon with North Macedonia, Serbia is positioning itself as a crucial transit country and a key partner in ensuring the energy security of Central and Eastern European nations regarding gas supply,” Đedović Handanović asserted.

Romania, which produced almost 30% of the European Union’s gas in the first quarter, has ambitious plans to boost its output further. Minister Burduja revealed that the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea, an investment of EUR 4 billion, is set to double Romania’s gas production from 2027. Additionally, intensive drilling at the Caragele onshore site, backed by a EUR 200 million investment program, is expected to reach full capacity this year.

Burduja also noted that Romania’s transmission system operator, Transgaz, is swiftly completing the segment from the Black Sea coast at Tuzla to Podișor in the south, the final piece of the BRUA project. The pipeline, named after Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Austria, will transport gas from offshore platforms to the western border.

Furthermore, Burduja highlighted Romania’s promotion of the Vertical Gas Corridor, an initiative to connect Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, and Ukraine, offering alternative gas supply routes beyond Russia.

The ministers also discussed the ongoing power interconnection project between Reșița in Romania and Pančevo in Serbia, set to be completed next year as part of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor. Additionally, they addressed the Đerdap 3 pumped storage hydropower plant project, a continuation of their shared hydropower efforts on the Danube with the Đerdap 1 and 2 (Iron Gate) complexes.

This agreement not only strengthens bilateral ties but also underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation in achieving energy security and sustainability in Southeast Europe.

The post Serbia and Romania Sign Agreement for Major Gas Interconnection Project appeared first on CorD Magazine.

According to Bloomberg’s calculations, technology billionaires, who dominate the list of the world’s wealthiest, saw their combined wealth shrink by $68 billion.

Mark Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, and Larry Page each lost over $3 billion. Elon Musk’s net worth fell to $235 billion as of August 2, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Amazon faced the steepest decline, with its shares dropping nearly 9% in a single day, erasing almost $16 billion from founder Jeff Bezos‘ fortune. This marks the third-largest loss for Bezos, who previously saw his wealth decrease by $36 billion in April 2019 following his divorce settlement. Bezos’ net worth now stands at approximately $191 billion.

The post World’s 500 Richest Lose $134 Billion in Stock Market Plunge appeared first on CorD Magazine.

This expansion, announced on LinkedIn, marks a key growth step for the company, which has a registered capital of 2,000 convertible marks in Bosnia and Herzegovina and recently established a branch in Banja Luka.

Ananas had previously entered the North Macedonian market by acquiring Vebspot, along with its brands Grouper.mk and Paopao.mk.

The post Ananas Expands Operations to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared first on CorD Magazine.

According to the Republic Institute of Statistics (RZS), this growth is primarily driven by foreign tourists.

The data reveals an impressive 11.4% increase in the number of international visitors, while domestic tourists recorded a modest 1.8% rise in overnight stays.

The largest number of tourists came from Turkey, with 26,626 arrivals. China followed with 16,822 tourists, and Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked third with 16,664 visitors.

Belgrade continues to be Serbia’s top tourist destination, boasting 330,161 overnight stays. Novi Sad registered 53,497 overnight stays, and Niš recorded 32,194.

Among spa destinations, Sokobanja led with 56,533 overnight stays, followed closely by Vrnjačka Banja with 56,242. Mountain resorts also showed strong performance, with a total of 231,476 overnight stays. Zlatibor was the most visited mountain resort with 85,412 overnight stays, followed by Kopaonik (35,050) and Tara (29,540).

These positive trends underscore the growing appeal of Serbia as a travel destination, particularly among international tourists, highlighting the country’s diverse attractions and increasing prominence on the global tourism map.

The post Foreign Tourists Fuel Positive Trends in Serbian Tourism appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in this inspiring interview, DHL Express Managing Director Fionn Herriott shares the company’s vision, results and plans to invest constantly in technologies, people, equipment etc. He also discusses numerous challenges, the shift to e-commerce, environmental responsibility and DHL’s advantages over the competition.

Your company is considered the undisputed global leader in international express delivery. Is that because you have experience of more than 50 years and a team of 100,000 experts? What does the ID card of DHL Serbia look like?

— For international express shipments, we aren’t just the undisputed global leader, but rather this industry’s pioneers.

DHL was established in California in 1969 and began operating in Yugoslavia from 1983, while it has been present in Serbia in the form of a fully owned DHL subsidiary since 1991. We operate a daily inbound and outbound service from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport on a Boeing 757. This aircraft has a capacity of 34,000 tons. Its shipments are processed at our gateway facility located in Novi Banovci, before being delivered all over Serbia, to over 220 service points locations nationwide. Together with our partners Posta Serbia, at Posta fixed locations and through Posta Paketomat lockers, A1, Laguna / Delphi, and Hyatt Regency, we provide full coverage and convenience to send and receive all over Serbia.

Your company is known for its constant investments in technology, people, equipment etc. Is that why Serbia doesn’t differ from other countries where DHL Express operates?

— Serbia is no different from any of the other 220 countries and territories where we operate. You can order a pick-up by phone or via our online tool, My DHL+, or do it the old-fashioned way and come to our locations in person. Our customers expect the same level of service and professionalism all over the world.

Thus, you can order your shipment from Serbia to be delivered to London, UK, or to Ushuaia, Argentina, which is known as the “End of the World” because it is located at the southernmost tip of South America, and you can expect the same level of service. DHL Express staff affectionately refer to our global network as “The Big Yellow Machine” and it is an amazing thing to see in action and be part of.

Your industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years – the pandemic, energy crisis, wars… Have you had to be adaptable and creative to meet increasing demand?

— Covid-19 turned out to be the largest global health crisis in 100 years. DHL delivered over 200 million vaccine doses in over 120 countries. International transportation – whether commercial logistics or passenger services – will always be impacted by energy crises and wars. These events unfortunately create sets of problems that are predictable, and the DHL team is very experienced in adapting ing to and overcoming them for the sake of our people and customers.

Digitalisation and the use of available modern technologies is the only way forward when you want to move faster

For example, in Serbia throughout the 1990s, and especially throughout the NATO bombing of Serbia, DHL Express Serbia did not close for even a single day, which is a fact that makes us very proud. DHL is the world’s most international company. It is a globally connected team of international problem-solvers who share a ‘can do’ attitude and a passion to succeed for our customers with our promise of “Excellence. Simply delivered”.

We mentioned the pandemic… Is it true that it led to a drastic increase in demand for your services and that e-commerce achieved growth over 18 months that was only expected in ten years?

— The world was shut down for two long years. Covid-19, and the ensuing lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, meant shops closing their doors and consumers staying at home. Naturally, home delivery e-commerce services exploded in popularity almost overnight. The pandemic accelerated the shift to e-commerce, from physical stores to online shopping, by roughly five years. And, of course, DHL experienced a massive increase in demand to service this e-commerce boom.

Environmental responsibility is part of your group’s long-term strategy. Your goal is for DHL to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in every country in which it operates, including in Serbia, by 2030. How will you achieve this locally?

— DHL Group is committed to sustainability. That means DHL globally shifting more to the use of aviation biofuel and more electric vehicles in our fleets, as well as carbon neutral facilities. In Serbia, this means that we also offer our customers a chance to participate in carbon offsetting with our GoGreen Plus service. GoGreen Plus is a service solution for our customers who have ambitious sustainability targets.

By 2027, our entire Belgrade courier fleet will be exclusively electric. Our planned greenfield facility at Nikola Tesla Airport will be a carbon neutral facility, like all DHL greenfield facilities going forward. I am sure that, by Expo2027, DHL Express Serbia, together with our partners and customers, will be very proud of our advances in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our credentials as a much more sustainable company.

In your business, a good service is one that’s fully adapted to the client and comes at a reasonable price. Is that one of your advantages over the competition?

— Everything starts with service quality. That is our key competitive advantage. We are a service-based organisation and we pride ourselves on being the global #1 in time definite international express. Of course, having the appropriate pricing is vital to customers seeing the value proposition and deciding to use us, instead of our competitors. We cannot offer the service we offer at prices that aren’t sufficient to maintain that level of service and reliability vis-à-vis a global network operation that is best in class. We are an industry leader, and maintaining that highest level of service requires continuous investment in our people, in technological innovations, and in the latest and most sustainable additions to our aviation and network operations.

Thanks to digitalisation and modern technologies, shipments today travel faster than ever between countries and continents. How is DHL Express Serbia in this regard? What do you think the future will bring us in this regard?

— Digitalisation and the use of available modern technologies is the only way forward when you want to move faster. In Serbia and around the globe, DHL team members communicate using all available digital platforms in order to accelerate processes. WhatsApp and Viber have been amazing tools for our staff to connect Peer2Peer and speak and send pictures, rather than sending emails with attachments. We have a DHL platform called Campfire that allows staff members to share their digitalisation initiatives. Moving away from reliance on paper is the key to speeding things up. In Serbia, we have great digital solutions and an excellent cooperation and partnership with the Serbian customs administration. Things can and will get better and faster as we advance on our digitalisation journey in an orderly and structured way.

The post Global #1 Everything Starts With Service Quality appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in this CorD interview, Dr Raketić explains how her company has evolved from a modest paediatric clinic to a polyclinic with over 75 consultants. It has become the first choice for more than 10 embassies and numerous companies that prioritise the health of their employees and their families.

Have trust, expertise, dedication and a sense of security been crucial to thousands of patients entrusting their health to you?

— The positive experience from working in public institutions and private practice has been applied to the operations of our polyclinic.

For over 12 years, Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” has been caring for the health of both children and adults, offering an individualised approach tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The dedication of all members of our team is reflected in our need to listen carefully, understand, and provide a high-quality service in an optimal and expected timeframe.

Your healthcare institution has more than 75 consultants catering to the needs of all family members, not just the youngest ones?

— In addition to full-time staff, Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” provides medical services and consultations across all medical fields for both children and adults. Our polyclinic was established in response to frequent requests and appeals from the parents of our young patients to address all health issues in one place.

In the case of illness, we resolve health issues in both children and adults quickly and efficiently, hence our slogan “The Healthy Face of the Family”.

In order to prevent disease, we recommend regular annual check-ups and vaccinations according to the vaccination schedules of specific countries. Various diagnostic procedures are available both during and after check-ups, enabling the treatment of disease according to globally recognised therapeutic protocols.

Your polyclinic provides services to foreign nationals and maintains close professional relations with more than 10 embassies. Are you their first choice as a medical advisor and trusted physician?

— Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” offers prevention and treatment services to citizens from abroad and foreign nationals residing in Serbia. I personally serve as a medical advisor and trusted physician at the embassies of France (Medicin Conseiller), Austria (Vertrauensarztin), Germany (Kooperationsarzt), and Switzerland (Medical practitioner). Members of other embassies (including those of Canada, Great Britain, the EU delegation, and others) also place their trust in Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić”.

Ever-more companies are providing their employees with benefits like medical check-ups or treatment facilities at private healthcare institutions. Are they able to turn to you for such services?

— For adults, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing disease is of utmost importance. That’s why annual systematic check-ups are recommended, including several specialist examinations, ultrasound scans and laboratory analyses. Furthermore, many companies offer systematic check-ups for their employees’ families, primarily children. It is crucial to monitor the health of children from birth, and later, depending on age, specialists from various fields are included in systematic check-ups.

In the case of illness, we resolve health issues in both children and adults quickly and efficiently, hence our slogan “The Healthy Face of the Family”. Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” maintains excellent cooperation with all companies that provide health insurance services in Serbia. Additionally, for foreign nationals, reimbursement from their insurance company is possible.

The post The Healthy Face of the Family appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Many Belgraders are buying apartments in Pančevo while their daily activities remain tied to Belgrade. The reasons are numerous: more affordable real estate prices, good transport connections, excellent urban planning and the availability of all necessary public facilities, writes Jovan Radulović, an expert who has over 30,000 square metres of real estate and 250 constructed housing units.

Just a century ago, Zemun and Belgrade were not only separate cities, but also belonged to different empires: with Zemun belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and Belgrade to the Ottoman Empire. The idea that they would one day function as a single entity was utterly unimaginable, yet the opposite is unimaginable today.

As the central parts of the city become denser and more traffic-congested, and more expensive, many citizens, and consequently investors, are turning to more distant neighbourhoods, traditionally less urbanised zones and nearby towns as attractive alternatives for living and doing business.

New residential neighbourhoods are emerging in cities like Pančevo, Obrenovac and Nova Pazova, offering apartments and houses at more affordable prices. Interestingly, the buyers of these apartments are mainly Belgraders or people whose work is tied to Belgrade.

IN RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS, LOCATION IS KEY

I had the opportunity to manage the realisation of several residential and commercial complexes in the Belgrade neighbourhoods of Vračar, Voždovac, Zemun and New Belgrade. We have completed over 30,000 square metres and 250 housing units. My business philosophy is that the three main factors in residential construction are location, location and location.

I work closely with urban planners, architects, engineers and construction companies to ensure that every project is completed on time and to the highest standards of quality.

When I received a proposal to invest in a property in Pančevo, I was concerned about the location’s attractiveness. However, we entered into our first project and completed it successfully. The satisfaction with that venture is evident from the fact that we currently have three new projects underway in Pančevo. The reason for this trend is clear: the merging of cities. Many Belgraders are buying apartments in Pančevo despite their daily activities remaining tied to Belgrade. The reasons are numerous: more affordable real estate prices, good transport connections, excellent urban planning and the availability of all necessary public facilities. Under current traffic conditions, it takes less time to reach Belgrade’s Republic Square from Pančevo than from neighbourhoods like Banjica, Banovo Brdo or Bežanija.

One of the main obstacles to Belgraders buying apartments in Pančevo was the standard of residential construction, with buyers from Belgrade accustomed to a higher level of fit out than was previously offered in Pančevo.

TOP QUALITY FIT OUT IS IMPERATIVE

The imperative of our business is top quality and modern fit out, innovative architectural solutions and the use of the latest technologies and materials. I work closely with urban planners, architects, engineers and construction companies to ensure that every project is completed on time and to the highest standards of quality.

Applying these business principles to the Pančevo market has yielded outstanding results. Customers are very satisfied and demand has exceeded our supply, proving this to be a successful formula! Every buyer purchasing a property wants security, reliability and quality. We have met our customers’ needs on these points.

We can now state unequivocally that the housing market in Belgrade and Pančevo functions as a single entity, indicating complete integration. It would not be surprising if, during the lifetime of children being born today, Pančevo becomes what Zemun already is — Belgrade’s greenest and most beautiful part.

The post Pančevo is Becoming Part of Belgrade appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Stefan Persson, the man behind the global fashion giant H&M, has a story that’s as much about innovation and vision as it is about resilience and business acumen. Born in 1947 in Stockholm, Sweden, Stefan grew up in a family where entrepreneurship and a strong work ethic were core values. His father, Erling Persson, founded Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) in 1947, initially as a women’s clothing store called Hennes, meaning “hers” in Swedish. This modest beginning laid the foundation for what would become a fashion empire.

Erling Persson’s initial foray into fashion retail began after a trip to the United States, where he was inspired by the efficiency and customer-centric approach of American stores. He returned to Sweden with the idea of offering fashionable clothing at affordable prices, a concept that quickly gained traction. By 1968, Erling had acquired Mauritz Widforss, a hunting and fishing store, expanding the product line to include men’s and children’s clothing, thus rebranding the company to Hennes & Mauritz.

One of Stefan’s most significant contributions to H&M was the development of the fast fashion model

Stefan joined the family business in 1972 after completing his studies. His entry marked a significant turning point for H&M. With a keen eye for fashion and a solid understanding of business operations, Stefan began working closely with his father to streamline processes and expand the company’s reach. His early years in the company were spent learning every aspect of the business, from store management to inventory control, ensuring he was well-prepared to lead the company in the future.

In 1982, Stefan Persson took over as the CEO of H&M from his father. Under his leadership, the company embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy. Stefan was a visionary who understood the importance of globalization and the potential of emerging markets. He initiated the company’s international expansion, starting with neighboring Scandinavian countries and gradually moving into Europe, North America, and Asia.

Stefan’s approach to business was guided by a few key principles: offering high-quality fashion at affordable prices, maintaining a flexible and efficient supply chain, and continuously innovating to meet customer demands. He believed in the power of brand identity and worked tirelessly to build H&M into a recognizable and trusted global brand. One of Stefan’s most significant contributions to H&M was the development of the fast fashion model. This approach involves quickly moving designs from the catwalk to stores to capture current fashion trends. By maintaining a highly responsive supply chain and leveraging economies of scale, H&M could offer trendy clothing at prices that were accessible to a broad audience.

Stefan was also a pioneer in fostering collaborations with high-profile designers. The first of these collaborations was with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, which was a massive success and set the precedent for future partnerships with designers like Stella McCartney, Versace, and Balmain. These collaborations not only boosted H&M’s brand image but also made high fashion accessible to the masses.

Today, H&M is one of the largest fashion retailers in the world, with over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries

Under Stefan’s leadership, H&M also became a leader in sustainability within the fashion industry. Recognizing the environmental impact of fashion, Stefan implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing the company’s carbon footprint. H&M launched its Conscious Collection in 2010, featuring clothing made from organic and recycled materials. The company also set ambitious goals for sustainability, including becoming climate positive by 2040.

Stefan’s commitment to innovation extended beyond fashion. He invested in new technologies to improve the shopping experience, both online and in-store. H&M was one of the early adopters of e-commerce, launching its online store in 1998. The company also embraced digital technologies to enhance supply chain efficiency and customer engagement.

Stefan Persson’s approach to leadership was characterized by a deep respect for the company’s heritage and a forward-looking vision. He believed in empowering employees, fostering a collaborative culture, and maintaining a customer-centric focus. Stefan was known for his hands-on approach and his ability to inspire his team to achieve extraordinary results.

In 1998, Stefan stepped down as CEO and was succeeded by Rolf Eriksen, though he remained actively involved in the company as chairman of the board. His son, Karl-Johan Persson, took over as CEO in 2009, continuing the family legacy and furthering the company’s growth. Today, H&M is one of the largest fashion retailers in the world, with over 5,000 stores in more than 70 countries. Stefan Persson’s vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the company and the fashion industry as a whole. His ability to balance tradition with innovation, maintain a strong brand identity, and commit to sustainability has set a benchmark for other companies to follow.

Stefan’s journey from joining his father’s modest clothing store to transforming it into a global fashion powerhouse is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen. His legacy continues to shape H&M’s future, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the fashion industry.

The post The Visionary Behind H&M’s Global Success appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in this interview for CorD’s special edition, Stojković explains how a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to researching and developing innovative therapies operates on our market, the partnerships it builds, and how it improves treatment outcomes for the most severe diseases.

Where do you see your contribution to the local market?

— Our priority in Serbia and Montenegro is to contribute to improving the quality of life for patients and extending their longevity through the availability of the most advanced therapies and scientific innovations, particularly in therapeutic areas that place the greatest burden on society, such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, immunology, neurology and haematology.

In addition to synthetic and biological therapies, our commitment to medical discoveries is reinforced by advanced technological platforms like RNA technology, radioligand therapy, and gene and cell therapies. These platforms are bringing us a completely new generation of medicines that transform the treatment paradigm for some of the most serious diseases, with a personalised approach to each patient. Our engagement in the local community involves partnerships and the pooling of capacities, resources and knowledge with all healthcare stakeholders. Through multisector collaboration, we aim to contribute collectively to create positive changes in the healthcare environment, significantly impacting the overall development of society.

Which partnerships in Serbia would you highlight?

— Partnerships are particularly important in areas where we face the greatest challenges. First and foremost, these are cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Serbia. It is encouraging that addressing this problem can be enhanced significantly by pooling the resources of Serbia’s research and scientific institutions and Novartis, which has longstanding experience in creating innovative solutions. One project that Novartis is implementing in partnership with the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering at the University of Belgrade is genetic testing, aimed at determining the genetic profile of patients with hereditary lipid disorders and establishing a national screening programme for familial hypercholesterolemia . We are also engaged in projects focused on digitalization and the application of AI in healthcare. This includes the clinical decision support system, designed to generate and analyse data from healthcare institutions to enable faster diagnosis, improve treatment quality and increase efficiency.

What is the key to improving treatment outcomes for the aforementioned diseases?

— Raising awareness of the importance of prevention, early recognition and timely therapy intervention is a significant part of improving health. In addition to healthcare professionals and the association “Moja druga šansa” [My Second Chance], significant support for our campaign “U ritmu Čuke” [In the Rhythm of the Ticker] has been provided by Football Club Čukarički. With the campaign “Jača sam od (m)raka” [I’m Stronger than Cancer], conducted in cooperation with the Women’s Centre Milica, our aim is to motivate women to perform self-examinations and to have ultrasound and mammography screenings, through messages from patients who’ve successfully battled breast cancer. Early detection of cancer is the first crucial step toward successful treatment. Adequate treatment, including the availability of adjuvant therapies, reduces the risk of disease recurrence and progression to metastatic cancer, representing an investment in health and allowing women to return to normal life.

The post Collaboration is Crucial appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Milena Gajović Shrestha is at the helm of SR Technics Services in Belgrade and proudly highlights her belief that employees represent the company’s greatest resource. We spoke with her about the introduction of next-generation engines, the WOW initiative, creating an encouraging working environment and other intriguing topics from the MRO industry (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul).

Your company will be remembered for this summer’s introduction of next-generation engines in the form of the first geared turbofan (GTF) engine from the Zurich facility?

— Since April 2022, SR Technics has become part of the global network of GTF engine maintenance providers, powering the Airbus A320Neo family. As part of the GTF project, this year’s key achievement for us is the induction of the first GTF engine, with our engineering teams actively engaged in the project through numerous training courses and educational programmes.

We are very proud to have become part of the exclusive network for the maintenance of Pratt&Whitney GTF engines, providing our employees with the opportunity to be at the cutting edge of next-generation engine technology. This project represents the result of years of investment in research, development and implementation, confirming our commitment to innovation in the MRO industry. We plan to expand our workforce significantly in the coming years, creating an additional 400 jobs globally.

Could you tell us more about the “Women on Wings” initiative, which aims to promote the growth of a diverse and inclusive workforce within SR Technics?

— We were proud to launch the “Women on Wings” (WOW) initiative, which was introduced to the company in April 2024. The WOW initiative is dedicated to understanding and supporting the needs of women in modern aviation, which is typically a male-dominated industry, but that situation is shifting positively. Through networking, mentorship programmes and increased visibility, we aim to empower women in technical, operational and leadership roles. We also seek to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation, thus contributing to the industry’s diversity. At SR Technics Services in Belgrade, we proudly highlight the fact that we’ve achieved near perfect gender equality (52% female colleagues and 48% male colleagues). Furthermore, when it comes to leadership positions at SR Technics Services, 60% are held by women.

Was it difficult to find enough people who are driven by passion and fully understand the company’s spirit and drive for excellence?

— That certainly wasn’t an easy task, but we managed to assemble a top professional team. At SR Technics, we continuously emphasise that our employees are our greatest resource. We strive to provide an environment in which every employee can grow and develop, both professionally and personally. Flexible working models, stimulating long-term tenure programmes and private health insurance are just some of the ways we support our teams. In this way, we strive to enable every employee to maintain a good balance between private and work life, which is crucial for our team’s long-term success and satisfaction. Throughout the year, we have numerous activities in which employees can participate according to their preferences, whether that be education, volunteering, sports, or activities that enhance their life-work balance and thus have a positive impact on their satisfaction with the working environment and atmosphere.

The post Innovating the MRO Industry appeared first on CorD Magazine.

In this year marking a significant jubilee, we spoke with Alma Quattro CEO Sanja Pešić about OOH media advertising, the past and future of billboards, the relationship between employees and the company, and between the company and its clients, as well as plans for further development.

It was back in 1994 that you installed the first backlit billboard in front of Belgrade’s Central Post Office. How would you summarise everything done by 2024, as the year marking your 30th anniversary?

— The best way to summarise the first 30 years is to reflect on all those clients who have advertised with us. Many clients remain in our network, which testifies to both our longevity and theirs.

The tens of thousands of advertising messages, business successes and campaign results that we have realised cannot be enumerated, but they certainly speak to our dedication to the business and to building a new communication channel that did not exist in our region 30 years ago. We have witnessed changes to governments, mayors, laws, regulations, taxes and rules, street protests, city and park renovations, the construction of new settlements, and yet the faces of our media have remained the same, with only the campaigns changing in large numbers.

We know our clients and they know us, and, most importantly, we have built a relationship of mutual trust

That first advertising panel still stands in front of the Central Post Office, only now it is technologically enhanced and is an electronic display. The essence remains the same, and that is to convey our clients’ messages about the products and services they advertise.

The Alma Quattro team has grown together with the agency and is responsible for all the successes of these 30 years?

— A successful team does not need changing. We know our clients and they know us, and, most importantly, we have built a relationship of mutual trust. The relationship between employees and the company, as well as between the company and its clients, should be fluid, like water, reaching everywhere and achieving everything. When we understand each other at the level of values, then our mutual cooperation is to the satisfaction of both parties. We have established with many clients the kind of cooperation that transcends strictly business relationships. This is one of the key elements of our work.

Like Switzerland’s APG SGA group, of which Alma Quattro is part, you do everything for the long term and with thoughtfulness. So, speaking of long-term goals, where do you see your agency in a few years?

— When looking to the future, we always ensure, on one hand, that all plans are long-term and that the development of the company, people and our network is sustainable, while on the other hand we focus on the present moment and the trends being dictated, as well as on staying relevant. We look to the future with optimism. The billboard has existed as such for over 150 years, and we have reason to believe it will always have its function and place in the advertising market. The growth of spending on OOH media in overall market consumption indicates that this medium has become more important than ever, and predictions and studies conducted 20 and 30 years ago have proven accurate— we spend a good part of our active lives outside our homes, moving along daily routes that always bring us into contact with billboards displaying our clients’ messages. The billboard remains a predominantly visually perceptive medium and is the right place for the creative advertising industry to showcase itself through clear and attractive messages. We follow all innovations and changes because we will be here in the future, which has already arrived.

The post Three Decades of Memorable Campaigns appeared first on CorD Magazine.