Helmut List Receives Special Prize for His Entrepreneurial Life’s Work at the “EY Entrepreneur of the Year” Awards

At this year's "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year" awards, Professor Helmut List, CEO and Chairman of AVL List, was honoured with a special award for his outstanding entrepreneurial life's work. The award ceremony took place in a festive setting at the Vienna Hofburg and honoured Professor List's significant role in the global mobility and technology industry. 

Graz, 21 October 2024 - The "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year" programme, which takes place in 60 countries worldwide, is one of the most prestigious awards for entrepreneurial excellence. This year, for the first time, a special award was presented to honour entrepreneurs who have made a lasting impact on the economy through their visionary achievements and innovations. 

Helmut List was honoured for his pioneering contribution to the development and transformation of AVL, which under his leadership has evolved into one of the world's leading companies for mobility technologies.

Helmut List: Paving the way for the mobility of the future

Since Helmut List took over the management of AVL from his father in 1979, he has decisively developed the company through his foresight and innovative spirit. Under his leadership, AVL has advanced from a company specialising in combustion engines to a global pioneer in the fields of electric drives, hybrid technologies and fuel cells. With a comprehensive portfolio ranging from the development and simulation to the testing of drive systems, AVL is today an indispensable partner for the automotive industry and other sectors.

"This award fills me with great joy. I am very grateful for the people who have accompanied me on this journey - first and foremost my wife Kathryn and my family. My thanks also go to the employees of AVL worldwide, who work with passion and dedication every day to realise a CO₂-neutral future," said Helmut List in his acceptance speech.

Innovation as a success factor

AVL invests at least ten per cent of its turnover in research and development every year and holds over 2,200 patents worldwide. This innovative strength has earned the company the title of "Austria's most innovative company" 13 years in a row. AVL pursues the goal of enabling climate-neutral and safe mobility through advanced technologies - a concern that is firmly anchored in the corporate culture and ensures the company's long-term success.

"In a world that is changing and becoming more diverse, there are great opportunities open to us as entrepreneurs. Flexibility, openness and the courage to break new ground are crucial. Diversity is our strength - only through further development and new perspectives can we shape a successful future," emphasised List.

The award as an entrepreneurial personality emphasises Helmut List's lifelong commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility, which have had a decisive influence not only on AVL but also on the international mobility industry.