VEKA has been awarded the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 prize in the Family Business category.

By Schilling Communication - PR Agency Published on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 16:45

Photo credits : VEKA

Summary for decision-makers

The VEKA Group has been awarded the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 international prize, recognizing its entrepreneurial spirit, innovative capacity, and long-standing commitment to sustainable development. The jury particularly highlighted the group's vision and responsibility, notably with the creation in 1993 of the first European PVC window and door recycling plant, followed by other facilities in the United Kingdom and France.

This award, presented to Elke and Andreas Hartleif, the family leaders of VEKA, recognizes the group's strategy of independence and its positive impact on the economy and the environment. This prize confirms VEKA's position as a major player in the sector, committed to sustainable and innovative solutions worldwide.

On November 6 in Munich, Elke and Andreas Hartleif, respectively Human Resources Director and CEO of the VEKA Group, received the "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025" award in the "Family Business" category.

VEKA awarded the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 prize for its sustainable commitment and innovative spirit

This international recognition confirms the entrepreneurial spirit of the VEKA group, its drive for innovation and its continuous commitment to sustainable development.

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ Grand Prize is a unique international program that celebrates the best of global entrepreneurship, combining responsibility with sustainable business models. It operates in over 60 countries, supporting the journeys of women and men entrepreneurs in achieving their ambitions. Through a competition judged by an independent jury, it recognizes visionary leaders whose success contributes to economic growth and a positive impact on society, in their communities, their countries, and around the world.

The 2025 jury particularly commended VEKA's vision, sense of responsibility, and capacity for innovation, which have shaped the sector for decades. It is worth noting that VEKA did not wait for the circular economy to become a major political issue, establishing the first recycling plant for end-of-life PVC windows and doors in Europe as early as 1993. Two other VEKA recycling facilities, located in the United Kingdom and France, have since reinforced this proactive policy in favor of sustainable development and environmental protection.

The prize was awarded to the daughter and son-in-law of Heinrich Laumann, founder of the VEKA Group.

Elke and Andreas Hartleif declared:What mattered most to us was remaining independent as a family business. This award is not only a testament to our current entrepreneurial achievements, but also a significant moment for the entire Laumann Group family (owner of the VEKA Group).Years ago, Heinrich Laumann attended the ceremony alongside his daughter Elke Hartleif as nominees.Today, many years later, we are proud to receive this distinction. It is moving to be able to celebrate this achievement in his name."And to conclude:"Winning the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award is both recognition and motivation to continue developing sustainable and innovative solutions for our clients and partners worldwide. The next generation of the Hartleif family is already ready to take the reins. We look forward to continuing VEKA's success together."

Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers

What is the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award and what is its objective?

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year award is an international program that recognizes entrepreneurial excellence, innovation, and responsibility in more than 60 countries. It celebrates entrepreneurs who have a positive impact on the economy and society.

Why was the VEKA group recognized at this competition?

VEKA was praised for its vision, its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, as well as for the early establishment of PVC window and door recycling plants in Europe.

Who accepted the award on behalf of the VEKA group and what is the vision for the future?

Elke and Andreas Hartleif, daughter and son-in-law of founder Heinrich Laumann, received the award. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining family independence and continuing to develop sustainable and innovative solutions.