ELEKTA'S FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LAURENT LEKSELL AWARDED ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – WILL REPRESENT SWEDEN IN THE WORLD FINAL
Stockholm, Sweden, November 30, 2007
At a gala final in Stockholm on November 29, Laurent Leksell, Elekta AB, was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year 2007 in Sweden. Crister Stark, Väderstad-Verken AB, won the category prize ”Best international growth” and Nicolas Hassbjer, HMS Industrial Networks AB, was awarded the judging panel’s special prize ”Rising star of the year”.
Ernst & Young presents its annual Entrepreneur Of The Year® award to the most successful and innovative entrepreneurial business leaders around the globe in over 40 countries worldwide.
The winner is the nominee best representing several award criteria including:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Sets very high standards for self and business and demonstrates unflinching desire and determination to be successful.
Financial Performance: This is reflected in the strength of the organization’s financial performance today.
Personal Integrity and Influence: Living their values has earned him/her great respect from staff, competitors, customers, advisors, family and the wider community.
In tough competition with 10 regional winners, the Swedish judging panel this year elected to award Laurent Leksell, founder and Executive Director in Elekta: ”For a radiant world leadership in hard competition, categorized by innovation and a strong community involvement. And for the ability to rebound after setbacks.”
Laurent Leksell founded Elekta in 1972 together with his father and was the President and CEO of the company up until 2005. Today, he is an Executive Director and major shareholder.
Laurent Leksell will now represent Sweden in the world final of Entrepreneur of the Year, held in Monte Carlo on May 31, 2008. Last year’s winner was Guy Laliberté, founder of Canada’s Cirque du Soleil.
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