Dr Tomaž Kmecl named Manager of the Year 2026

01. 10. 2026

Tomaž Kmecl, who holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering, has combined ten years of experience in managing complex projects abroad and a Swiss work ethic, discipline and perseverance with Slovenian engineering ingenuity. Under his leadership, Kolektor Etra contributes to electrification, the sustainable transition and greater European energy independence through its cutting-edge power transformer technology.

Kolektor Etra’s growth and development gained fresh momentum after the company joined the Kolektor Group. When Dr Kmecl took over as CEO in 2009, the company employed 200 people; by the end of 2025, that number had risen to 627. Today, Kolektor Etra generates more than 93 per cent of its revenue in international markets. Revenue increased from EUR 133 million in 2020 to almost EUR 370 million in 2025, with the company achieving average annual sales growth of 27 per cent over the past three years.

This growth has been accompanied by outstanding financial results. Over the same period, net profit increased from just over EUR 9 million to EUR 118 million, while EBITDA rose from EUR 14 million to EUR 145 million. In 2025, value added per employee reached a record EUR 294,000, return on equity stood at 77 per cent and the EBIT margin was 39 per cent.

Dr Tomaž Kmecl, CEO of Kolektor Etra, said: “Our success rests on four key factors. The first is the ability to recognise opportunities and respond appropriately to circumstances; the second is developing the right high-quality end products with high added value; and the third is successfully marketing them at the right price. Equally important is our internal company culture, which is built on respectful communication, clear responsibilities, quality leadership and shared goals. We will continue to expand our business, particularly in the US market, where we see significant potential. Electrification, the green transition and the rapid development of AI-related data centres are increasing the need for reliable energy infrastructure. Our aim is to continue ensuring the safe and efficient transmission of energy from its source to the end user.”

Colleagues describe Dr Kmecl as a decisive, consistent and credible leader who inspires trust. His leadership approach is based on clear standards of accountability, open communication, swift yet considered decision-making, and the systematic development of talent and successors.

Kolektor Etra combines business success with a commitment to its employees, the environment and sustainable development. It sources a third of its materials from suppliers within a 500-kilometre radius, supports science, student competitions and local sports, and works through humanitarian organisations to help employees and their families facing hardship.

The Manager of the Year title affirms that Slovenian expertise, dedicated employees and decisive leadership can build a globally successful company.