“Best Leader 2025” is Neeme Tammis
The “Best Leader 2025” was recently announced at the Pärnu Leadership Conference. The title was awarded to Neeme Tammis, Chairman of the Management Board of Hansa Group.
Neeme Tammis has founded and built up the international transport company Hansa Grupp, which won the award in a competition organised by PARE, the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, Äripäev and the Pärnu Management Conference. In addition to his many years of experience as an entrepreneur, investor and advocate in his own field, he is a recognised supporter of culture and sport, contributes to the development of leaders and helps Ukraine.
Presenting the award to Neeme Tammis 2024. Best Manager of the Year, Ivo Suursoo, Head of OIXIO Group stressed that Tammis is the best leader in Estonia because he contributes not only to successful business but also to society at large.
“The Hansa Group is a leading group of mobility companies in the region, whose leadership is highly valued by its employees. However, there are many managers in Estonia who deserve to be recognised for their good business performance, and that is why it stands out for me decisively for its social contribution, which goes far beyond its own company. Whether it’s his involvement in the field of mobility, or the activities of the Hansa Group Young Musician’s Fund.”
Hando Sutter, a member of the competition jury and CEO of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, pointed out that in these times of rapid change, outstanding leadership is critical to the success of every business and to increasing Estonia’s competitiveness. “Innovation and finding new opportunities can be hampered by a lack of experience and courage. Highlighting the best leaders and sharing their experience will also help to inject ambition into other leaders and thereby develop Estonia’s leadership culture.”
This year’s other finalists were Sirli Männiksaar, head of Ericsson Estonia, an electronics company, and Aaro Lode, head of Baltic Restaurants Estonia.
Kai Saard, CEO of the Estonian Human Resource Management Association and member of the jury, commented that all the finalists are worthy of winning because they set an example of how management can be holistic, conscious and human. “My advice to every leader: take a lead from them. Sirli Männiksaar is a true example of how far consistent self-development and a willingness to learn can take you – and that is a real management hotbed. Aaro Lode reminds us that leadership starts with the self – his focus on health, and nutrition in particular, is something that is underestimated, but builds resilience and clarity. Neeme Tammis, on the other hand, lays the foundations – sleep, health, movement, thinking and purposeful action are the daily choices that underpin good leadership.”
Meelis Mandel, editor-in-chief of Äripäev and a member of the jury, said that the recognition of the best top managers in this competition has grown over the past decade to a scale that was unforeseen at the beginning. “The voice of the nominees has become louder in society, benefiting us all. It’s pure joy.”
Background or How is the best leader in Estonia chosen?
The Best Manager competition is organised by PARE, the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, Äripäev and Pärnu Management Conference.
The aim of the competition is to recognise good leadership and to highlight outstanding Estonian leaders, thereby improving the culture of leadership in Estonia.
The competition was open to nominations from all, highlighting 110 local leaders.
The final selection was made by a panel of judges, including not only the organisers but also the best driver of the past year.
The jury assessed the finalists and the final selection based on the long-standing good performance of the company or organisation they lead, the long-term good reputation of the leader and the leader’s contribution to Estonia beyond their own organisation. The PARE Leadership Barometer was also used to assess employees’ ratings of their managers.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the tradition of choosing the best leader. In previous years, Lauri Tabur, Anne Samlik, Erkki Raasuke, Bo Henriksson, Kai Realo, Jaanus Vihand, Otto Pukk, Margus Rink, Madis Toomsalu, Veiko Veskimäe and Ivo Suursoo have won the title.