People

eMAG Cuts 3% of Workforce Ahead of Anticipated Economic Downturn

by

eMAG, Romania’s largest e-commerce platform, laid off 3% of its workforce in April 2026 as a preemptive measure against anticipated economic downturn and declining consumer spending. CEO Tudor Manea stated the company observed declining real incomes starting in August 2025 and prepared organizational restructuring to withstand difficult economic conditions. Layoffs targeted offline operations (showroom closures) and content processing areas where AI adoption improved productivity. The company does not plan further restructuring in 2026.

Austrian Wellness Group Therme Appoints Former EU Commission Official as Vice President for Global Impact

by

Austrian wellness group Therme Group, founded and led by Romanian businessman Robert Hanea, appointed Ramona Chiriac as Vice President for Global Impact. Chiriac, who ended her mandate as head of the European Commission Representation in Romania in March 2026, will focus on strategic partnerships, institutional relations, and thought leadership on the future of wellness and human development. The appointment reflects Therme Group’s ambitions for international expansion and positioning at the intersection of wellbeing, cities, communities, culture, and societal transformation.

Ikea to Cut 850 Jobs Globally as Furniture Giant Seeks Organizational Simplification

by

Inter Ikea Group announced 850 job eliminations globally (300 in Sweden) to reduce complexity and costs. The reorganization aims to improve decision-making speed and reduce prices for customers. In Portugal, Ikea is undergoing gradual structural updates with individual transition plans for affected employees. The company reported a 32% drop in net profit to 1.5 billion euros in fiscal year 2024/25.

Google Executive Matt Brittin Takes Helm at BBC Amid Major Restructuring

by

Matt Brittin, 57-year-old former Google executive who led the Europe-Middle East-Africa region for a decade and spent 18 years at Google before leaving in autumn 2024, officially took leadership of BBC as Director-General. He replaces Tim Davie, who resigned following controversy over editing of Donald Trump’s speech in a BBC documentary. Brittin assumes command during a challenging period as BBC plans to cut 2000 jobs and save 500 million pounds over two years due to financial pressures. The BBC also faces a 10 billion dollar defamation lawsuit from Donald Trump over the controversial documentary aired before the 2024 US presidential election, with trial scheduled for February 2027.

Swiss VC Firm Redalpine Elevates Sebastian Becker to General Partner as London Office Expands

by

Sebastian Becker, 30, became General Partner at Swiss venture capital firm Redalpine based in Zurich. He started as a working student during his studies and became partner after three years. Two years ago he was made Equity Partner and is now helping build out the London office. He discusses his career path, deep tech investments, and SpaceX investments.

Mawave CEO Argues Against People Pleasing in the Workplace, Advocates for Honest Disagreement

by

Mawave CEO Jason Modemann shares perspectives on workplace culture, arguing that employees who disagree and challenge ideas are more valuable than those who practice people pleasing. He discusses how people pleasing can become a career inhibitor and emphasizes the importance of clarity, honesty, and taking clear positions in professional settings.

EDP’s CFO Charts Course Through Energy Transformation, Receives Industry Recognition

by

Rui Teixeira, CFO of EDP, discusses the challenges of managing a capital-intensive energy business amid volatile geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions. He emphasizes the need for CFOs to be active agents of change in the digital transformation era, particularly regarding AI adoption and employee empowerment. EDP has announced a 12 billion euro investment plan through 2028 and maintains 80% of debt with fixed interest rates.