LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
Be Part of the CHALLENGE!
An opportunity for teams that don’t wait for the future, but shape it.
The best companies don’t wait for leaders to emerge. They recognize them, develop them, and give them the space to take responsibility.
Leadership Challenge 2027, organized as part of the Balkan Business Forum, is an exclusive, three-month mentorship program that brings together companies ready to invest in their most promising leaders, test organizational capacities, and identify the team with the potential to shape the future of business.
Strategic investment in future leaders with measurable business impact
The Leadership Challenge 2027 transcends conventional corporate training models. Through intensive mentorship with international experts, your teams address real-world, high-stakes strategic dilemmas that modern businesses face. By participating, your organization gains an objective assessment of its core capacities, systematically bridges the advanced skills gap, and reinforces its employer brand as a forward-thinking market leader.
How the Challenge Works:
Companies register a carefully selected team of up to 5 professionals from key departments, individuals whose energy, knowledge, and leadership potential can represent the company among the best.
Over two months (dates coordinated with participants), teams complete tasks and challenges guided by international and local mentors, both live and online.
Teams tackle real strategic business challenges, prepare a final presentation, and submit it digitally.
Evaluation criteria include innovation, transformational capacity, organizational and team culture.
The finale takes place at the Balkan Business Forum 2027 on 22 April in Belgrade, in front of an international jury and audience.
The pre final presentations are held on 21 April in Belgrade, also in front of the international jury.
Benefits for Participants:
- Work with renowned global and local mentors.
- Access to exclusive networking events before and during the Forum.
- Recognition as a “Future-Oriented Company 2026” for the winning team.
- Exclusive prizes and media promotion for participants and winners.
For more information on registering your team, contact us at office@bbforum.rs.
Apply for Leadership Challenge!
Leadership Challenge mentors
Founder & Managing Director at Transform for Value
Executive Fellow, Center for the Future of Organization, Drucker School of Management
Former AIRBUS GROUP LEADER
Leadership Challenge Mentor
Leadership Challenge partners
Challenge participants 2026
Aleksandar Bajkovski
Division Manager, Nelt Group
Aleksandar Bajkovski is the Division Manager at Nelt ST, responsible for the Macedonian market, with over 18 years of experience in the FMCG sector. He began his career in logistics in 2005, joining Nelt ST in 2008, where he progressed through key roles in sales, finance, and portfolio management.
A particularly significant chapter in his professional journey was his international experience at Nelt Mozambique (2013–2016), where, as Operations Manager, he honed his leadership and operational skills within a complex business environment.
Upon returning to Nelt ST, from 2019 to 2022 he developed strategic sales capabilities at Bimilk, holding roles as Sales Development Manager and Sales Manager.
Since 2022, he has resumed his role at Nelt ST as Division Manager, leading his team, overseeing strategic initiatives, and collaborating closely with Procter & Gamble as the division’s key principal.
Dijana Janković
International Transport Manager, Nelt Group
Dijana Janković was born and educated in Kraljevo, where she completed her primary and secondary education. She continued her academic journey at the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, earning her bachelor’s degree in Road Traffic in 2009, and completing her master’s degree in 2012 with a focus on Road Traffic Safety.She began her professional career in 2013 at Nelt as an Assistant in International Transport, gaining foundational experience in logistics and transportation. After five years, she progressed to the role of Tender Process Coordinator, focusing on client engagement, negotiations, and management of tenders for both existing and new projects.
Her leadership development began in 2020 when she assumed the role of Supervisor for International Transport, applying her skills in team management and operational optimization for the first time. In 2024, she advanced to a managerial position, taking responsibility for the team overseeing the organization of international and consolidated transport across Europe.
Aleksandar Rajić
Portfolio Manager, Nelt Group
Aleksandar Rajić is a Portfolio Manager with more than a decade of experience in sales and trade marketing within the FMCG industry. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for the strategic management and development of brands across multiple product categories, as well as for close collaboration with principals on the design and implementation of market strategies.
His professional focus lies in effectively connecting sales and marketing functions in order to deliver sustainable brand growth and measurable business results. Aleksandar has particular expertise in strengthening brand positioning, optimizing commercial strategies, and adapting market approaches to the specific dynamics of local markets.
Over the years, he has also built solid experience in leading and developing teams, guiding them toward high performance through clear goal setting, continuous capability development, and a strong culture of accountability.
He believes that long-term brand success is driven by strategic thinking, strong partnerships, and the ability to translate market insights into effective execution.
Miloš Nikolić
Portfolio Manager, Nelt Group
Miloš Nikolić currently serves as Portfolio Manager at Nelt, where he is responsible for managing the brands Jacobs, Kraš and Mogyi in the Serbian market.
Over the course of a decade-long career in the FMCG industry, Miloš has built extensive experience across both distribution and retail. Prior to joining Nelt, he worked at Mercator-S, holding several roles including Category Manager for multiple product groups — fresh meat, confectionery and snacks, and coffee — as well as Private Label Director and Director of Development within the Trading division.
Miloš believes that sustainable brand success emerges from a carefully balanced combination of analytics, market intuition, and strategic planning.
Jovana Nedić
Division Manager, NELT MNE
Jovana Nedić was born in Podgorica in 1991. After graduating from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Montenegro, she began her professional career at Nelt, where she has been since 2015. Today, she works in the company’s sales division, leading one of its key business units and thriving in a dynamic role that combines strategic planning, teamwork, and continuous learning.
Sport has been a constant throughout her life from years spent on the basketball court to running, which has become both a personal ritual and a source of energy. She is currently preparing for her third half marathon and often notes that every race serves as a reminder that perseverance and discipline are just as essential in business as they are in life.
When she is not at work or on the running track, Jovana is most often exploring new places with her dog Fredi, a loyal companion in her small adventures. She also enjoys activities that bring a touch of adrenaline and serve as a reminder of the importance of occasionally stepping outside routine.
One final detail that often surprises people: Jovana plays the accordion and believes that every day regardless of its pace, should have its own rhythm.
Bojana Jakovljević
Head of Technology Strategy Section at Telekom Srbija
Bojana Jakovljević is a telecommunications professional with nearly two decades of experience in the development and transformation of mobile networks and digital services at Telekom Srbija. As Head of Technology Strategy, she approaches leadership by connecting technological vision with business objectives and team development, with a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Her career has been marked by steady progression from engineering to leadership roles, with a strong focus on leading teams, delivering complex technological projects, and aligning technology initiatives with long-term business goals.
She holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade and is a certified PMP (Project Management Professional), with additional certifications in agile methodologies.
She believes that the essence of good leadership lies in creating an environment of trust, continuous learning, and empowering people to push the boundaries of what is possible, while recognizing that technology has its greatest value when it serves people and enables their development.
Đuro Stojaković
Head of process and project management department at Telekom Srbija
Đuro Stojaković is Head of Process and Project Management at Telekom Srbija, with extensive experience in leading complex transformation initiatives that align business needs, IT capabilities, and regulatory requirements. His professional focus is on designing and improving end-to-end processes in large systems, where stability, scalability, and adaptability are key factors of success.
Throughout his career, he has led and coordinated projects involving digital transformation, migration of critical platforms, improvement of customer experience, and the implementation of new regulatory and technological models, with particular attention to change management processes that require close collaboration among diverse functional teams—from legal and sales to IT and operations.
Đuro’s leadership approach is grounded in clarity of responsibility, analytical decision-making, and team empowerment. He is actively engaged in applying artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to management and operational processes, with the goal of ensuring that technology delivers measurable business value.
He sees the Leadership Challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate, together with his team, how complexity can be transformed into a sustainable competitive advantage.
Marko Đokić
Head of Field Sales for Business Customers
Marko Đokić (born in 1986 in Ivanjica) has many years of experience in sales and sales team management, with a particular focus on working with business clients. He began his professional career in operational roles in field sales, where he developed a strong understanding of the market, client needs, and sales processes.
Over the course of his professional development, he gradually assumed roles with increasing responsibility, which led to his appointment to managerial positions. He currently serves as Head of Field Sales for Business Clients, where he is responsible for organizing team operations, coordinating sales activities, and improving operational efficiency.
Previously, during his time at Teledirekt, he held the position of Sales Director, where he contributed to the development of the company’s sales strategy and organizational initiatives that supported stable business performance, as well as the process of its merger with Telekom.
In his professional work, he consistently applies a responsible and systematic approach, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, clearly defined objectives, and the continuous improvement of business practices.
Marko Knežević
Head of ICT Product & Solutions Development
Marko Knežević holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and has more than 15 years of experience in the telecommunications and ICT industry, gained through his work with business clients at Telekom Srbija. He currently serves as Head of ICT Product and Solutions Development, where he is responsible for the development and lifecycle management of ICT solutions, as well as advanced solutions based on 5G technology.
Throughout his career, he has progressed from engineering and presales roles to leadership positions, maintaining a continuous focus on the business segment through B2B sales and the development of ICT and digital solutions for smart cities and public administration.
He is actively involved in defining business plans, KPIs, and marketing strategies for the launch of new products. His work is characterized by strategic thinking, a strong customer focus, and a commitment to people development, guided by the belief that long-term results are achievable only through strong relationships with clients, partners, and teams.
In his professional approach, he believes that responsibility, integrity, and leading by personal example are the foundation of true leadership authority.
Nataša Jotić
Head of SME Customer Service Development at Telekom Srbija
Nataša Jotić is an executive with more than two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, with a particular focus on the development of new services and business models, project management, and team leadership.
In her current role, she is responsible for defining the strategy for the development of core services, initiating and managing projects, and coordinating complex cross-functional activities. She is particularly focused on improving customer experience and developing innovative solutions aligned with contemporary market trends.
Throughout her career, she has successfully led multidisciplinary teams and contributed to the development and implementation of numerous telecommunications services. Her experience includes work on technical projects, infrastructure development, as well as collaboration with regulatory bodies and international partners, with a significant contribution in the areas of distribution and the development of multimedia content.
In her work, she promotes trust, responsibility, and open communication, with a clear focus on results. She believes that strong and successful teams are built through the synergy of knowledge, energy, and vision, as well as through the continuous development of people and encouragement of their initiative. Her professional philosophy is based on the belief that true transformation emerges from the alignment of strategy, execution, and teamwork.
Life and business motto: Results come when a clear vision becomes the shared energy of a team.
Personal: She is married and the mother of two daughters, Tina and Julija.
Anja Božić
BMW Junior Marketing Manager, Delta Auto Group
Anja Božić is a BMW Junior Marketing Manager at Delta Auto Group. Born in 1999 in Belgrade, she completed her primary and secondary education in Aranđelovac. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Faculty of Organizational Sciences in Belgrade.
She began her professional career in 2023 through the “Young Leaders” talent program at Delta Holding, where she gained her first experience in a corporate environment.
As part of the program, she moved to Delta Auto Group, where she developed her career in marketing, working on digital channels and BTL activities for BMW, MINI, Honda, and Maserati brands.
She is currently a BMW Junior Marketing Manager, responsible for planning and executing marketing activities and supporting the development of the BMW brand strategy.
Đurđina Caković
Communications Manager, Delta Auto Group
Đurđina Caković is a Communications Manager at Delta Auto Group, where she is responsible for the strategic management of communications and brands within the company’s portfolio. She graduated from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade.
She began her professional career in a marketing agency, gaining experience working with clients from various sectors, including the FMCG industry, nongovernmental
organizations, as well as international institutions such as the World Bank and USAID. During this period, she developed competencies in public relations, BTL activities, and digital communications.
She continued her professional development at Digital Serbia Initiative, where through collaboration with IT companies and startups she participated in projects supported by international organizations. Her work focused on project and event management, organization of regional conferences, as well as cooperation with domestic and international media.
She further expanded her experience in public relations within the Represent Communications system, where, as a PR Account Manager, she managed communications for clients in the tobacco and banking industries, along with social media management and strategic communications.
Today, she is part of Delta Auto Group, where she manages communications for multiple international and premium brands, including BMW, MINI, Maserati, Honda, Farizon, KTM, and BMW Motorrad. Her role includes media relations, event organization and launches, as well as internal and corporate communications across the entire portfolio.
Marko Čakarević
Supply Chain Manager, Delta Auto Group
Marko graduated from the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering in Belgrade. At Delta Auto Group, he is responsible for managing the entire logistics chain and operations.
He began his professional career at Delta Holding through the “Young Leaders” program in the company Fun&Fit, where after one year he took over the position of Logistics Manager. During the following period, he was responsible for leading the logistics department and improving operational processes.
He continued his career at Delta Auto Group, where he developed expertise in logistics and complex supply chain management across all brands within the group, including BMW, MINI, Honda, Maserati, and Farizon.
He further advanced his professional development through the internal program “Delta Future”, with a focus on strengthening leadership skills and managing complex business systems. In his current role, he oversees the complete supply chain process, from vehicle production tracking, import logistics, warehousing and preparation, to transportation and final delivery to customers.
He is focused on process optimization, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring timely delivery in line with the standards of premium brands.
Miloš Todorović
Corporate & Diplomatic Sales Manager, Delta Motors
Miloš was born in 1996 in Belgrade. After completing the Fifth Belgrade Gymnasium, he continued his academic path in the United Kingdom, where he graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Business and Management.
During his studies, he gained his first professional experience in sales, including work in the field of groundwater systems and remediation devices, as well as in a luxury retail environment in Bicester Village, where he worked with brands such as Victoria Beckham, Tod’s, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Hermès.
He began his career at Delta Motors in 2019 as an intern and assistant to the chief motorcycle mechanic, after which he moved to the Product & Price department. From 2021, he became part of the sales team, where he quickly progressed from assistant to independent sales consultant, working with private clients, companies, and diplomatic customers. In October 2024, he was appointed Corporate & Diplomatic Sales Manager.
A passionate motorcyclist, he has ridden more than 300,000 kilometers as a rider and over 100,000 kilometers as a passenger. He has traveled across the United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, Estonia, Poland, Norway, Finland, Spain, Portugal, and Gibraltar on two wheels. He is also a devoted sports fan, supporting FK Partizan and KK Partizan, and holds a brown belt in judo.
He brings this same approach into his professional work: the ability to make fast decisions, take responsibility, and stay persistent on long, demanding journeys, regardless of conditions.
Srđan Marković
BMW Motorrad Brand Manager for Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo, Delta Motors
Srđan Marković was born in 1986. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Sciences, which laid the foundation for his career in sales, market development, and premium brand management.
He began his professional career at Delta Motors, entering the automotive industry as a motorcycle sales advisor. During this period, he gained experience in client relations, market understanding, and the development of sales processes within the premium segment.
Through continuous professional development, he advanced to the position of BMW Motorrad Brand Manager, responsible for the markets of Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. In this role, he oversees dealer network performance and development, enhances the premium customer experience, and conducts market and competitor analysis across the region.
Alongside his professional work, Srđan is a passionate motorcyclist, an enthusiast of classic cars, and a recreational runner, which further shapes his understanding of the BMW Motorrad brand and the riding culture it represents.
Ivana Ćetković
Team Manager
She began her career with the company in 2019 in an agent role, and since 2022 she has been serving as a Team Manager. During this time, she has gained extensive experience across various functions from direct customer support, to quality control, to coaching and performance management. She currently leads a team focused on handling escalations and complex cases, where she works daily on improving processes and enhancing customer experience.
Her understanding of team dynamics is further shaped by her academic background, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management.
She was a participant in the AmChamps – Young Leaders in Change 2023/2024 program, where she further developed her strategic thinking and cross-sector collaboration skills. She continues her professional development through additional education in the fields of sustainable development and Continuous Improvement management, with a focus on process optimization and achieving sustainable results.
Stefan Vasiljević
Senior Team Manager
He has been with the company since 2019, when he began his career after graduating from the Faculty of Philology in Belgrade, with a degree in Russian language, literature, and culture.
Through an exceptionally fast development path, he has distinguished himself as one of the fastest-promoted team members, progressing through key development stages and advancing to the position of Senior Team Manager in a short period of time.
Throughout his career so far, he has built a strong focus on team leadership, process improvement, and achieving high operational standards. His approach is characterized by analytical thinking, dedication, and a clear results-oriented mindset.
He is focused on further professional development, with the goal of taking on broader operational responsibilities in the next phase of his career and advancing to the role of Operations Manager.
Ankica Glidžić
Team Manager
She began her career with the company in 2017 as a German-speaking customer support agent while studying at the Faculty of Philology. Prior to that, she gained international experience living and working in Vienna, where she further developed her language skills through an Au Pair program and a German language course.
From the very beginning, she stood out for her motivation, dedication, and strong communication skills.
After completing her studies, she continued her professional development within the company, taking on various roles across different departments, including the digital business segment, where she further strengthened her skills and adaptability in a dynamic environment. Since 2020, she has been in the role of Team Manager, leading a team of around twenty colleagues providing customer support. In this role, she is focused on team development, performance improvement, and achieving consistent business results.