In the 21 years since founding Riko at the age of 33, Škrabec developed the company into Slovenia's leading engineering company, the association said in the justification of its pick.

"Riko has put networking of companies at the centre of its operations; together they create high-profile stories with high added value, while they also make above-average invests into socially-responsible projects."

Last year 108 employees generated EUR 117m in net sales revenue and EUR 7m in net profit. Return on equity stood at 24.4% and added value per employee at EUR 144,000, one of the highest in Slovenia.

The Manager Association also highlighted Riko hiše, the company manufacturing and marketing wooden organic houses, which increased revenue by 20% last year to EUR 8m and posted EUR 0.5m in net profit.

Riko hiše employs 65 people, with as many more working for the company at its partners.

The Manager Association also noted Škrabec's investment in local traditions and in socially-responsible activities, and his sustainable attitude to the environment, culture and employees.

He has received several business awards. His many functions include the chairmanship of the Slovenia-Russia Council and of the Slovenian Consular Corps. He serves as honorary consul of Morocco and Belarus.

Škrabec told the press before the award ceremony that he did not set quantitative goals in his company, while he always strived to create conditions that encouraged everybody to give it their best. He is convinced results always come if people try hard enough.

A supporter of "small steps", he also promoted education and cooperation among companies, especially in forays into foreign markets.

The annual manager congress in Portorož, featuring some 300 Slovenian managers, is focusing on networking this year.

The women managers' section will present its Include.All award for 2017 to Varis Lendava, a bathroom manufacturer which is aspiring for gender equality and diversity in executive and other positions.