RCI Holding Key Executive Promotions

Bucharest, Romania – July 01, 2024 – RCI Holding is pleased to announce a series of strategic executive promotions designed to strengthen the leadership team and support the company’s growth and innovation objectives. These changes reflect RCI Holding’s commitment to delivering excellence and advancing its position as a leader in the industry.

Cristina Popescu Promoted to Chief Operating Officer

RCI Holding announces the promotion of Cristina Popescu to the role of Chief Operating Officer. With over 30 years of professional experience, out of which close to 15 years of experience within RCI Holding, Cristina has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise. Previously, Cristina served as the Managing Director of Ciga Energy SA and coordinator of the Energy practice in the RCI Holding, where she played a crucial role in driving the group’ success.

Cristina's extensive background includes roles as Country General Manager at MVV Decon GmbH and Energy Consultant at Electrabel Belgium and Ecorys UK.

Her new responsibilities will include collaborating with the CEO to set and drive organizational vision, operations strategy, and hiring levels. She will translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, oversee company operations and employee productivity, and ensure compliance with business regulations.

Cristina will also focus on building a highly inclusive culture, implementing effective recruiting, onboarding, and performance management processes, and maintaining trusting relationships with key stakeholders.

Frank Hajdinjak Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer

Frank Hajdinjak will take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer. Frank brings over 35 years of experience in the energy and automotive sectors, with a strong background in general management, organizational development, leadership, and performance management. Previously, Frank was the CEO of CIMA Data Analytics, one of RCI Holding companies, and for 15 years CEO at E.ON.

In his new role, Frank will focus on developing a group strategy with a three-to five-year perspective and creating a financial plan for future implementation. He will play a direct role in strategy implementation, facilitate collaboration between business lines, and help communicate the strategy across the organization.

Frank will also identify potential capital projects, joint ventures, M&A targets, and other strategic opportunities, as well as assess risks involved in the strategic plan.

Giani Radau Promoted to CEO CIMA Data Analytics

Giani Radau, currently Chief Development Officer within CIMA Data Analytics, takes over from Frank as CEO of CIMA, ensuring the strategy legacy and developing new lines of business and strategic partnerships. Giani joined CIMA DATA and RCI Holding in Dec 2023 from Atos Romania, where he led the Digital and Resources & Services business lines. 

Giani brings to the group over 30 years of experience in IT&C businesses with an outstanding track record in operations management, company transformation and business development in Utilities, Industries and Public Sector, for local and regional markets.

Cristian Ionescu Promoted to Managing Director of CIGA Energy Advisory

RCI Holding is also announcing the promotion of Cristian Ionescu to Managing Director of CIGA Energy Advisory (CEA), the recent spin-off consulting division of CIGA Energy. Cristian previously served as the Head of Advisory within the company and possesses significant experience in management consulting, gained throughout his 12 years of consulting in the South-East European region (with both CIGA and EY).

His main focus, particularly in recent years, was on digital transformation in Power & Utilities companies, supporting both established and emerging players from the region in their transition to a digital, data-driven organization.

Cristian aims to leverage his successful track record of managing high-performing teams to continue CEA’s internal development of personnel and processes, as well as efficiently navigating the dynamic landscape of the P&U consulting market.