Mrs. Anca Vlad, founder of Fildas-Catena Group, a leader in the pharmaceutical distribution and retail industry in Romania, was awarded at the Romanian Forbes Woman Gala 2025, a celebration of female leadership.
This edition of the Romanian Forbes Woman Gala was about the courage to lead, the wisdom to listen and the talent to inspire others. The theme of the gala was “Iron Hands in Velvet Gloves”, paying “homage to the ladies who are changing the business world by striking the perfect balance between the strength of a strategic, well thought-out decision and the delicacy of a diplomatic approach”, the organizers said.
“The women we have awarded in this edition come from diverse backgrounds. Whether they are company founders, top executives or come from outside the business world, these women demonstrate that influence is not only about revenue and profit, but also about the ability to generate positive, lasting change. Within this special gala, velvet became a metaphor for elegant and powerful leadership. Balanced and strong, but also sensitive, the women here tonight are an example of authentic and effective leadership that inspires and motivates. We honored their contribution and admired their elegance,” said Forbes Romania magazine.
“We invite to the stage, to your applause, Mrs. Anca Vlad, for several years now the undisputed leader among the most powerful women in Romania,” was the introduction made by Bogdan Miu, the host of the Gala.
“It is an evening of hope and everything I have heard here has inspired me tremendously. Thank you for this award and I am incredibly happy to be part of this group of great people. I wish you all the best for the future. After having served as the President of the Group, I have returned to being a marketing expert—something I’ve always wished for—after handing over the leadership of the company to a man: my son. He is also remarkably empathetic, and this health and beauty business is, I assure you, in good hands,” declared Anca Vlad when the trophy was handed to her.
“It is undeniably an evening of positive, feminine energy—of women who lend their strength, minds, and hearts to making our society better, who are leaders in the workplace and deeply engaged citizens in all aspects of our society,” also stated Raluca Michailov, owner of Forbes Romania.
The gala was preceded by the 14th edition of the Forbes Romania Woman Summit, the most important summit dedicated to female leadership, held at the Bragadiru Palace in Bucharest.
This year’s FORBES WOMAN SUMMIT was dedicated to businesswomen who lead with determination and gentleness, leaders who manage to inspire with the perfect combination of gentle strength and refined firmness. The theme of the discussions was F.I.E.R.C.E. & F.E.M.I.N.I.N.E.! A highlight of the summit was the one-to-one discussion with Anca Vlad, founder of the Fildas-Catena Group, moderated by Raluca Michailov.
