Stefanini sees growth in Romania as a strategic European tech hub

Stefanini Sees Growth in Romania as a Strategic European Tech Hub

The Brazilian technology multinational, Stefanini, continues to bolster its presence in Romania, underscoring the country’s significance within its European operations. In an evolving digital landscape, Romania stands out as a crucial hub for the company’s delivery and development of technology solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

At the helm of this strategic expansion is Farlei Kothe, recently appointed CEO of North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions. The company, headquartered in Brazil, has been leveraging Romania’s skilled workforce to drive forward its ambitions in AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and technical support. Currently, about 1,500 employees work for Stefanini in Romania, reflecting its commitment to the region.

During a press event, Kothe elaborated on Stefanini’s growth plans, which are anticipated to reach a growth rate of 14-15% for the current year, following significant increases exceeding 40% in the EMEA region over the past two years. This expansion has been largely fueled by the digitalisation surge driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Romania’s appeal as a tech hub is attributed to its pool of proficient and multilingual talent, making it an ideal location for the company’s operations. “Romania is our main delivery centre in EMEA,” Kothe stated, highlighting the country’s competitive edge due to its well-prepared workforce.

Moreover, Stefanini has embarked on innovative ventures like the development of its generative AI assistant, SophieX. This AI tool is notable for its capability to perform real-time translations in over 60 languages, indicating a future where AI and automation are central to optimising operations and enhancing customer service within Romania and beyond.

Looking ahead, Kothe shared plans for potential acquisitions, as the company eyes businesses involved in cloud transformation, AI, business consulting, and services tailored for the financial sector. Stefanini’s strategic acquisitions in the past included a cybersecurity company and a digital marketing agency in Romania.

In a broader strategic move, Stefanini consolidated three of its large regions – North America, EMEA, and APAC – under Kothe’s leadership. This restructuring aims to strengthen Stefanini’s global presence, foster operational efficiencies, and facilitate seamless collaboration across its international teams. While this requires Kothe to relocate to the United States, he assures that his connection to Romania remains strong, with plans for regular visits to the country.

The company recently established an AI Centre of Excellence in the US, differentiating it from existing centres in Romania and Mexico by focusing on developing tools and technologies to enhance customer services. This centre plays a pivotal role in the development of Stefanini’s AI library, stemming from the acquisition of the AI startup Woopi in Brazil.

Kothe noted regional differences in AI adoption between Europe and North America. He highlighted Europe’s cautious stance, influenced by regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, contrasted with the rapid AI advancement in the US, spurred by its robust tech sector.

As Stefanini looks to the future, the Romanian market is expected to retain its significance. Kothe envisions this as a foundational year, with plans extending over the next four to five years. He sees Romania’s contribution as critical to meeting the company’s ambitious growth targets and sustaining its competitive edge.

For Kothe, who has spent eight years in Romania, this strategic role transition is also a personal journey. “My main learning here was to understand the diversity of cultures,” he reflected, underscoring the professional and personal growth he experienced in the country. Despite his relocation, Romania remains integral to Stefanini’s European strategy, with regular engagement and visits planned to maintain momentum and relationships within the region.

Source: Noah Wire Services