Fostering prosperity: Elena Oancea's blueprint for expanding Goldbach Group.

Chatting with Elena Oancea, the Co-CEO of Goldbach Group

Elena Oancea is the driving force behind Goldbach Group, a Romanian powerhouse consisting of 8 companies operating in sectors such as retail parks development, property management, construction, real estate, architecture, urban planning, interior design, and renewable energy. With a focus on innovation and sustainable growth, Oancea is strategizing to make a significant impact on Romania's commercial landscape.

Oancea's strategic vision is anchored in consolidation, expansion, and a solid commitment to local communities. She's championing the development of retail parks under the K2 brand, targeting underserved areas. Her vision is clear: "Stay close to local communities, think long-term, and grow sustainably."

International expansion is another critical component of her strategic plan, particularly through the architectural and interior design division, K2 Design Lab. Oancea aims to double the division's revenue by the end of this year via complex international projects and strategic partnerships. This ambitious growth is set to be showcased at prominent events such as Milan Design Week.

Oancea and her team are taking sustainability initiatives to heart, integrating them into the Group's long-term objectives. She envisions Goldbach Group as a strategic partner in fostering sustainable community development and boosting commercial infrastructure across Romania and beyond.

Question: What sparked your move to Goldbach Group as Co-CEO and how does your previous experience in interior design influence your vision?

Oancea: I've reached some major personal milestones, giving me the confidence to tackle a new business challenge. Shifting gears has always reinvigorated my ambition to build impactful projects. Goldbach Group's dynamic culture and dedication to making a difference lured me in. From interior design, I bring my knack for identifying seemingly disconnected elements and making them work together harmoniously – a skill that I've applied to unify the 8 companies under Goldbach Group for a cohesive approach to growth.

Question: What were the key drivers behind Goldbach Group's impressive 30% revenue growth in 2024, and what are your targets for the upcoming period?

Oancea: 2024 was a banner year for our core business sectors, fueled by growth in green energy, real estate, retail, and logistics. We seized opportunities in areas like photovoltaic power stations, civil and industrial construction, urban planning, and architectural design. This year, we're looking to reinforce our position in these segments while exploring high-potential directions, such as the nationwide development of retail parks under the K2 brand, investments in renewable energy through Goldbach Energy, and international expansion for K2 Design Lab.

Projects like Lidl Berceni, the first stage in the development of a complete retail park managed by K2 Retail Properties, mark significant achievements for our company. This project sets the tone for more frequent expansions as we build our portfolio and expertise in retail park development.

Question: How will Goldbach Group differentiate its retail parks in increasingly competitive regional markets?

Oancea: Recognizing a compelling opportunity early on is the key to success. We eye communities that are underserved from a commercial perspective, offering clear demand but limited access to modern retail infrastructure. By delivering purpose-built developments tailored to each community's needs, we're setting ourselves apart from the competition.

Collaborating with both national and international companies, as well as local authorities, allows us to deliver value quickly and adapt to regional nuances. Through a long-term, sustainable strategy, we aim to remain close to local communities, think ahead, and grow responsibly.

Question: In an era of rapid urban development in Romania's smaller cities, how is Goldbach Group responding to the unique opportunities and challenges?

Oancea: The burgeoning growth of Romania's smaller cities is being supported by modern infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, and modern commercial spaces. We strive to be strategic and reliable partners in their development journey by providing land development, property management, and modern commercial infrastructure with a focus on sustainable growth. By closely collaborating with local authorities, businesses, and communities, we're able to customize our approach to meet each area's relevant needs and long-term impact.

Question: How does K2 Design Lab plan to solidify its local presence in architecture and interior design?

Oancea: In 2024, K2 Design Lab completed 15 turnkey projects, demonstrating our ability to manage complex projects across various segments – from residential developments to office buildings and hospitality spaces. Our goal is to create holistic experiences, transcending aesthetics and tailoring spaces to people's lives, work, and interactions with their environments.

By focusing on emotional well-being, flexibility, human-centric design, and functionality, we're capitalizing on the growing demand for spaces that prioritize both aesthetics and usability. By year's end, we aim to double K2 Design Lab's revenue through a mix of national and international projects, bolstered by strategic partnerships and participation in major international events like Milan Design Week.

Question: Which new markets does Goldbach Group aim to penetrate, and how will it adapt its business model for success abroad?

Oancea: We're targeting dynamic markets, such as Dubai, where we're working on key projects to train and develop our team. In general, we're looking for areas with growing demand for design-driven solutions, particularly in the residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors.

Our strategy is centered on our distinct creative vision, tailored to each client's unique needs, and excellence in execution. We're not exporting a fixed style; instead, we adapt to local cultures while staying true to our core values. To succeed abroad, we're also evolving our business model: forming strategic local partnerships and creating agile teams that can seamlessly execute projects across borders.

Question: As a leader known for driving transformational change, how do you balance operational efficiency with innovation across Goldbach Group's diverse portfolio?

Oancea: Trust forms the core of my leadership philosophy. By fostering an environment of trust, we balance innovation and operational efficiency at Goldbach Group. With Florentin Avădanei, the co-CEO and founder of Goldbach Group, we empower the leaders of each company within the Group, giving them autonomy, creativity, and a strong sense of ownership while encouraging bold ideas within our strategic direction and disciplined execution framework. As an entrepreneurial business, we leverage each other's strengths, sharing opportunities and supporting one another.

Question: With a diverse portfolio that includes construction, design, and consultancy services, how do you ensure cohesion and strategic alignment among the different business units?

Oancea: The successful and stable companies within Goldbach Group serve as valuable assets and partners for each other's growth. Today, all eight companies view themselves as a unified team, with complementary competencies that strengthen the group. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we share insights and resources across the group, allowing each company to capitalize on the strengths of the others while pursuing its own goals. By aligning common strategic objectives and encouraging cross-functional cooperation, we create synergies that drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Elena Oancea, earlier successful in the field of interior design, brings her unique ability to harmonize seemingly disconnected elements to Goldbach Group's leadership, helping unify the 8 companies for a cohesive approach to growth.
As Goldbach Group strives to differentiate its retail parks in increasingly competitive regional markets, Elena Oancea aims to provide purpose-built developments tailored to each community's needs, setting the company apart by delivering modern retail infrastructure to underserved areas.
Goldbach Group, under Elena Oancea's leadership, envisions enhancing its workspaces by prioritizing emotional well-being, flexibility, human-centric design, and functionality in the projects undertaken by K2 Design Lab, to capitalize on the growing demand for spaces that balance aesthetics and usability.