The finalists for Estonia’s Best Manager include the Auditor General, a “reviver” of impossible projects, and a leader in private healthcare.

The jury has selected three finalists from whom this year’s Best Manager will be chosen: Marja-Liisa Alop, head of Meliva Eesti; Janar Holm; and Tarmo Hõbe, head of T1 Keskus.

Jury member Neeme Tammis, head of Hansa Group and holder of the “Best Manager 2025” title, explained that selecting the final three candidates from all nominees was extremely difficult.

“These three are each outstanding personalities in their respective fields, very strong leaders, and active contributors to societal discussions,” he said. “This competition highlights both the leader and their organization, and it’s great to see the hard work of leaders and their teams being recognized in this way.”

The jury highlighted Tarmo Hõbe for his ambition in leading challenging projects to success. He has rescued Saku Suurhall from a difficult situation and revived T1 Keskus after bankruptcy, turning it profitable. He also brought stages of the World Rally Championship (WRC) to Estonia—something previously considered impossible—putting Estonia on the global rally map and bringing millions of euros into the economy.

Marja-Liisa Alop has, in a short time, built Meliva Eesti into Estonia’s largest private healthcare group by uniting several separate companies. She is also active in public healthcare debates, contributing to discussions on healthcare organization and funding at the national level.

Janar Holm has demonstrated how a public sector leader and top official can act as an opinion leader without a political mandate—speaking uncomfortable truths and influencing real-world decisions through facts and arguments to drive change.

The Best Manager competition is organized by Äripäev, PARE, the Eesti Tööandjate Keskliit, and the Pärnu Juhtimiskonverents. Candidates could be nominated by anyone.

In total, 107 leaders from both the public and private sectors were nominated.

The final decision will be made by a jury consisting of representatives of the “Best Manager 2025” title, PARE, Äripäev, and the Estonian Employers Confederation.

The Best Manager will be announced on May 15 at the Pärnu Management Conference.

Background information on the “Best Manager 2026” competition

• The aim of the “Best Manager 2026” competition is to recognize strong leadership and highlight outstanding leaders in Estonia.
• Anyone could nominate candidates for the competition, while the final decision is made by a jury.
• In evaluating the finalists and selecting the winner, the jury considers the long-term performance of the company or organization, the leader’s sustained reputation, and their contribution to Estonian society beyond their organization. The assessment also takes into account the results of the leadership barometer—employees’ evaluations of the company’s leadership.
• The competition is organized by Äripäev, PARE, the Eesti Tööandjate Keskliit, and the Pärnu Juhtimiskonverents.
• The Best Manager will be announced on May 15 at the Pärnu Management Conference.
• This year marks the 13th anniversary of the tradition. Previous winners have included Lauri Tabur, Anne Samlik, Erkki Raasuke, Bo Henriksson, Kai Realo, Jaanus Vihand, Otto Pukk, Margus Rink, Madis Toomsalu, Veiko Veskimäe, Ivo Suursoo, and Neeme Tammis.