The Croatian association of managers and businessmen CROMA has honoured the Agrokor’s executive vice-president Ljerka Puljic as this year’s star manager.

Puljic, together with the general director of Tehnix d.o.o. Djuro Horvat, was also recognized with the Lifetime Achievement award.

Puljic’s motto - "dedicated work and continuous learning are the foundations of success" – has helped this businesswoman climb to the top of this year’s list of 14 nominees.

Their numbers this year surpassed all previous records despite the unfavourable business climate, the daily Jutarnji List writes.

Puljic’s Agrokor Group is the largest private company in Croatia specializing in food production and retail. Horvat heads a firm specialized in the production of equipment for environmental protection and waste management.