Saulius Putrimas, Head of MERKO in Lithuania, Recognized as CEO of the Year 2025

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Verslo žinios has announced CEO of the Year for the fifteenth time – a leader who has created the most value over the past year for employees, shareholders, and society. This year’s award goes to Saulius Putrimas, CEO of Merko Statyba.

“CEO of the Year is a project about business that not only generates profit -which is essential – but also contributes to a competitive, thriving country and shares its benefits with others,” said Ugnius Jankauskas, CEO of Verslo žinios, while presenting the awards.

Out of 780 candidates, the editorial committee shortlisted 10 CEOs, evaluating them based on their companies’ financial performance, the value they create for employees, shareholders, and society, as well as their public engagement and participation in various initiatives.

“This year, choosing the CEO of the Year was straightforward for two reasons. First, the high level of engagement from collaborating organizations – they provided not only arguments but also facts about companies and leaders that we did not know. Second, artificial intelligence: by inputting data about the companies and leaders and applying our selection methodology, AI generated a top ten list, which we minimally adjusted, helping us select a CEO candidate whom the committee unanimously supported. For the first time, AI became a major assistant in choosing the CEO of the Year,” said Ugnius Jankauskas, CEO of Verslo žinios.

The final decision was made by the Verslo žinios committee after multiple meetings. By comparing financial data, sector-specific factors, and leaders’ willingness to share experience, the committee chose Saulius Putrimas, who has led the Estonian-owned construction and real estate development company Merko Statyba for 14 years. Last year, Merko Statyba achieved a turnover of €270.6 million and a net profit of €45 million, solidifying its position as one of the leaders in Lithuania’s construction sector.