Albulena Kërleshi serves as the Import Manager at Elkos Group, a position she has held since June 2015. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the import operations of the company, ensuring efficient production planning, and managing a range of organizational tasks. Her skill set includes expertise in organization, production planning, and various other competencies. 

Albulena pursued her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Universum International College. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in International Sales and Marketing from the International Business College Mitrovica, where she studied.

Prior to her current role, Albulena gained experience through internships at the Kosovo Business Registration Agency and ProCredit Bank. At the Kosovo Business Registration Agency, she worked as an intern, focusing on computer literacy and business analysis. She also interned at ProCredit Bank where she developed skills in computer literacy and sales. 

Elkos Group

Elkos Group, established in 1989 by Ramiz Kelmendi, began as a small wholesale trading point in Pejë, Kosovo. Over the years, it has evolved into Kosovo’s largest authorized distributor, representing approximately 90 international brands.

Key aspects of Elkos Group include:

• Diverse Operations: The company operates across various sectors, including retail centers (ETC), distribution, agrarian services, retail outlets, and entertainment facilities like bowling alleys.
• Extensive Distribution Network: Elkos Distribution covers the entire Kosovo territory, distributing over 90 international brands and numerous local products. It operates through a network of warehouses and branch offices in major cities such as Prishtina, Pejë, Prizren, Ferizaj, Mitrovica, and Gjilan.
• International Partnerships: Since 2000, Elkos Group has secured distribution rights with renowned European manufacturers, enhancing its product offerings and market presence.
• Employee and Infrastructure Growth: The company has expanded significantly, employing over 3,000 staff members, managing more than 400 vehicles, and operating across four countries.

Elkos Group’s commitment to quality and service has positioned it as a leader in the regional market, continually contributing to the economic development of Kosovo and the broader Balkan region.

Endrit is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electronic Automation and Robotics from the University of Prishtina “Hasan Peishtina”, enhancing his technical skills in electronics technology, automation, and robotics. His profile highlights a focus on developing solutions in these areas, with a strong academic background and hands-on experience in both electronic engineering and renewable energy sectors.

Focused in the field of electronics and automation. He currently holds the role of Electronic Engineer at both APIS Ltd.  and Virtual Era Ltd. , where he works on projects related to electronics, automation, and robotics. His expertise is further demonstrated through an internship experience as a Solar Engineer at UNISOLAR, where he gained practical knowledge of solar technologies.

Leona Tahiri is a digital transformation enthusiast with over five years of experience leading successful software teams. She specializes in enhancing performance, boosting customer loyalty, and forging strategic partnerships. As the Co-Founder and CEO of WeArctics, a creative agency specializing in professional photography, creative production, event management, and digital strategy, Leonata emphasizes sustainability and eco-conscious marketing initiatives.

Professional Experience:

• CURRENTLY- LinkPlus IT : Serving as a Business Development Representative, Leona focuses on business-to-business lead generation, contributing to the company’s growth and client acquisition strategies.
• LinkPlus IT : As a Product and Project Manager, she improved product development and marketing campaigns, managed project planning and tracking, and collaborated with stakeholders to define requirements and delivery milestones.
• Timberland : In her role as Brand Ambassador, Leona engages in marketing and creative content creation, promoting the brand’s values and products. 

Education:

• Steinbeis-Hochschule Schools of Next Practices: Master of Science in Business Management, specializing in Business and Organizational Psychology .
• University of Pristina: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 

Certifications:

• In Motion Methodology: Business Consulting and Business Growth Strategies, UNDP Kosovo .
• Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I): Scrum.org. 

Volunteer Work:

• The Ideas Partnership : Provided educational courses in English, Albanian, and Mathematics for the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities.
• Labyrinth Counseling Center, Inc.: Mentored group counseling activities, facilitated individual consultations, and assisted in harm reduction programs. 

Skills:

• Business Consulting
• Organizational Development
• In Motion Methodology
• Professional Scrum Master
• Marketing Strategy
• Change Management

Languages:

• Albanian: Native or bilingual proficiency.
• English: Full professional proficiency.

LinkPlus IT 

A software development company specializing in enterprise solutions, established in 2013 and headquartered in Prishtina, Kosovo, with an additional branch in Skopje, Macedonia. The company has a team of over 50 professionals dedicated to delivering scalable and innovative software applications.

Services and Expertise:

LinkPlus IT offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Custom Software Development: Utilizing technologies such as JAVA (EE, Spring, Hibernate), Microsoft Technologies, Android, iOS, and QA Automation to build tailored solutions.
• Enterprise Application Solutions: Developing scalable applications for sectors like aviation and automotive industries.
• Quality Assurance: Providing both manual and automated testing services to ensure high-quality software delivery. 

International Presence:

The company actively engages in projects across North America and Europe, collaborating with clients in Canada, the USA, Germany, and Switzerland. Current projects include enterprise solutions for the aviation and automotive sectors.

Company Culture and Values:

LinkPlus IT is committed to ethical conduct and values, fostering a culture of responsibility, competence, and fairness. The management emphasizes sharing these principles within the organization to ensure every employee understands their importance in client interactions.

Valon Krasniqi is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in logistics, purchasing, project management, and leadership across various industries.

Current Role: 

• Logistic & Purchasing Manager at GEKOS SHPK : Valon leads a dynamic team in optimizing inventory management, implementing demand forecasting strategies, and ensuring seamless logistics coordination. His focus is on driving efficiency through process improvement and risk management, all while fostering a collaborative work environment. 

Previous Experience

• Key Account Manager at SOLARIO SARL : Valon cultivated strong customer relationships and drove sales within existing accounts. His responsibilities included identifying opportunities, conducting marketing campaigns, and staying ahead of industry trends.
• General Manager in the Petroleum Industry : He oversaw 14 petrol stations, managing daily sales activities and negotiating contracts with suppliers. This role honed his skills in team leadership, procurement, and strategic decision-making.
• Project Manager at ARDA REI : Valon excelled in overseeing various construction projects, preparing tender portfolios, and liaising with government bodies, gaining comprehensive project management skills. 

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s in Architecture from Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranes
• Public Management from Kolegji Evropian “Juridica”
• PMP – Project Management Professional from the American University of Kosovo

Language Proficiency

• Fluent in Albanian, English, Serbian, and Croatian
• Basic proficiency in Italian

Skills Highlights

• Strong organizational and leadership skills, having managed teams of over 100 people
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities
• Expertise in time management and working under pressure
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making

GEKOS SH.P.K. 

A leading distribution company based in Prishtina, Kosovo, with over two decades of experience in the wholesale import and export sector. The company specializes in distributing a wide range of products, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco, food, and non-food items.

gekos-ks.com

Key Aspects of GEKOS:

• Product Portfolio: GEKOS offers a diverse array of products, partnering with globally recognized brands such as DIAGEO, which includes renowned labels like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and J&B. This collaboration allows GEKOS to cover approximately 60% of the market share in its sector.
  gekosgroup.com
• Company Size and Location: The company employs between 51 to 200 individuals and is headquartered in Prishtina, Kosovo.

Distribution Network

With an extensive distribution network, Gekos ensures that its products are available across Kosovo, serving a wide range of customers from small retailers to large supermarkets.

Awards and Recognition

Gekos’ commitment to quality and service has earned it several industry awards and recognitions, reflecting its high standards in the distribution sector.

Collaborations and Partnerships

As a strategic partner to global brands, Gekos has established strong partnerships that ensure Kosovo consumers have access to high-quality products.

Current Position: HR Manager at Radio Television of Kosovo

Experienced Human Resources Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. 

Skilled in HR Consulting, Communication, Payroll Processing, HR Policies, HR Information System, Administration and Microsoft Office. 

Education: 

• University of Prishtina – Bachelor’s degree, Management Information Systems

• Universiteti i Pejës “Haxhi Zeka” – Master’s degree, Human Resources Management

• • Current Role: Director of engineering at Hennessey Digital
  • Responsibilities:  Is responsible for overseeing the company’s engineering department, ensuring that all technical projects align with business objectives and are executed efficiently
  • Skills: Back-end Web Development , Front-end Development, Software Development

• TOP WORK STReNGTHS: Communication, problem-solving, management
• Additional experience: Web Developer at BBros L.L.C.  
• Location: Kosovo

Hennessey Digital

Named to Fortune’s 50 Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing, Hennessey Digital is an award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in SEO for lawyers and other online marketing services. We use a results-driven approach to law firm SEO, PPC advertising, conversion rate optimization, content, website development, and creative services. Our work puts our clients ahead of the competition across the United States (and unlike others, we look forward to Google algorithm changes!). We don’t just do the work: we educate, innovate, and personally care. Our clients can sleep better knowing they’ve partnered with us. We’re a 100% virtual company — and always have been — by design to attract the brightest and best talent from around the world. Our fully remote team of experts & industry leaders bring the skills, creativity, and experience to grow our clients’ business. We like GIFs and jokes and have a lot of fun, we mostly like helping our clients win!

Current Role: Product Manager, System at Cattus

Location: Pristina, Kosovo

CACTTUS

CACTTUS ofron zgjidhje të integruara teknologjike në fushën e Teknologjisë së Informacionit dhe Komunikimit siç janë: • Konsulencë • Integrim hardware dhe software • Zhvillim të solucioneve softuerike dhe implementim • Instalim dhe mirëmbajtje të sistemeve • Telekomunkacion dhe Rrjeta • Trajnime dhe certifikime Me qëllim të arritjes së suksesit total në projekte, CACTTUS ka krijuar marrëdhënie të ngushta bashkëpunimi dhe partneritete me kompanitë më të njohura botërore që kanë influencuar TIK rreth e rrotull rruzullit tokësor (Microsoft, Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, IBM, Lenovo, Oracle,Symantec, Xerox etj ). Këto marrëdhënie janë orientuar kryesisht, por nuk janë kufizuar vetëm në furnizim me hardware dhe software, por dhe në ofrimin e përkrahjes teknike dhe shërbimeve të konsulencës, si dhe zhvillimin e solucioneve dhe aplikacioneve software sipas kërkesës.

Arlinda Zaimi is a Senior Program Officer and Project Manager with extensive experience in the international affairs sector. She is skilled in working with nonprofit organizations and non-governmental entities. She is currently associated with the Jahjaga Foundation as Project Manager.

Education: 1. Strong community and social services professional, graduated from BA Faculty of Philology English Literature.

2. European Peace University in Shtadtchlaining, Austria

Previous work experience: 1. Senior Program Officer at National Democratic Institute (NDI)

2. Administrative Assistant & Cashier at Economat des armées

Jahjaga Foundation

Jahjaga Foundation (JF) is a non-governmental organization founded in March 2018 by former President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga. The foundation aims to promote democratic development in Kosovo and the Balkans through social inclusion and support for marginalized groups, serving as a foundation for peacebuilding in the region. Its core focuses include social inclusiveness, interethnic and regional reconciliation, and security. The organization operates as a nonprofit with a team of 11-50 employees. 

Current Position

• Project Manager at Jahjaga Foundation: Puhiza Bekolli serves as a Project Manager at the Jahjaga Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Kosovo focused on promoting democratic development, social inclusiveness, and regional pacification. 

Previous Experience

• Lecturer at Jahjaga Foundation: In addition to her current role, Puhiza has contributed as a lecturer within the foundation, sharing her expertise on various subjects.
• Participant in International Conferences: She has actively engaged in international conferences, such as the English Language Teachers Association (ELTA) conference, where she presented on interactive teaching methods for English language learning. 

Education

• South East European University (SEEU): Puhiza Bekolli completed her education at South East European University (SEEU), a higher education institution located in North Macedonia.
• University of Pristina – Bach degree (English Language and Literature)

Current Position: Advisor at the Presidency of the Republic of Kosova.

Education: University of Pristina – Bachelor’S of Law