Born on December 24, 1967, in Korça, Albania, Samir Mane studied geology and mining at Tirana University.

In 1991, when the communist system collapsed in his home country, Mane decided to emigrate to Austria, where he started working and building a professional network.

In three years time, initial sale of modest quantities of electronic appliances led to him setting up Albatrade – the first business in the wholesale of electronics. Immediately, the foundation of BALFIN Group (Balkan Finance Investment Group) followed, and an unparalleled success story took its course.

Through the years, Samir Mane has created an immense and diverse portfolio of different businesses in key economic sectors such as tourism, wholesale and retail, real estate, banking, services, and others, operating in Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia, Switzerland and USA lately.

Today – with 100% of shares of BALFIN Group owned by Samir Mane – he is considered by peers as one of the most successful businesspeople in Western Balkans and beyond, with the Group managing a portfolio of approximately 50 companies.

BALFIN Group is always looking for new and innovative projects. Its vision is to invest in new ideas and explore new opportunities, building a better future for the communities where it is present.

For his vision, innovative ideas and entrepreneurship charisma, he was included in the Financial Times top four "People to Watch in Business" in Albania in 2008. In 2016, Samir Mane was awarded “For Special Civil Merits” from the President of the Republic of Albania, and in 2019 with the Medal of High Honor from the President of Austria.

In addition to being an increasingly successful businessmen, Samir Mane is at the same time a distinguished philanthropist. BALFIN Group has one of the largest corporate social responsibility footprints in the Western Balkans, supporting sustainability development in Education, Environment, Health & Well-being, and Poverty Alleviation via Mane Foundation.

Awards and recognitions received:

• In 2019, "High Honor Decorate for Services to the Republic of Austria", the highest Austrian state award, awarded by the Austrian President and endorsed by the Austrian Ambassador in Albania.
• In 2016, "For Special Civil Merits" awarded from the President of the Republic of Albania.