Interview with Dino Ebneter: celebrating 30 years of success

In the business world, few things are as impressive as a company’s ability to survive, adapt, and thrive for decades. Forvis Mazars in Romania is not just a success story but a true example of strategic vision.

From a small team of pioneers in 1995, the company has embarked on a remarkable journey, evolving from a modest firm into a top-ranked force in audit, tax, and consulting. With over 370 professionals, a turnover exceeding €15m in 2023/2024, and a strong position among the top five consulting firms in Romania, the company’s story is more than just a timeline of successes - it is a testament to resilience, innovation, and continuous commitment.

This year, Forvis Mazars in Romania celebrates 30 years of excellence. They have stood by their clients in a world of change, providing not only expertise but also constant support in the face of unprecedented challenges. 

These experiences have brought valuable lessons: resilience, empathy, and the ability to adapt quickly, all while focusing on people, putting clients first, and never compromising on the quality of work.

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‎Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dino Ebneter, Country Managing Partner at Forvis Mazars in Romania.

1. Dino, how does a young Swiss man, in his 20s, end up choosing Romania?

Dino Ebneter: An offer to join a special adventure and the belief in building something unique. Romania in the 2000s was like an open construction site for entrepreneurs. Where others saw chaos and risks, my peers and I saw opportunities. I was young, with a pioneering spirit inherited from my entrepreneurial family, and a burning desire to write my own story.

2. You first came to Romania in 1999, but it took you another four years to decide to move here permanently. How was the transition? Your first day in Bucharest was probably a real cultural shock.

Dino Ebneter: The first day? The first years, I can say, were extremely difficult. I constantly felt like I was pushing my limits and expanding my comfort zone every day. At one point, I took a month off to avoid burnout and reflect on my path forward. Fortunately, I found a reset button, allowing me to rebuild the foundation of both my personal and professional life. I made a promise to myself to stay in the country and make my dream a reality. Business life remained challenging but was also exciting - something I wouldn’t have experienced in Switzerland.

3. You were born into an entrepreneurial family. What did you inherit from them?

Dino Ebneter: Dedication, caring for people, forward-thinking, and a belief in continuous learning as the fuel for progress. My family taught me that an entrepreneur doesn’t sell services, but creates stories.

4. And Forvis Mazars has become one of these stories.

Dino Ebneter: More than just a story. We started with a handful of people, and now I work with over 370 talented professionals, from whom I’ve learned over the last 20 years and from whom I will continue to learn. It’s not just my success; it’s the success of a team that believed in Romania before Romania believed in itself.

5. You still believe in Romania. Why?

Dino Ebneter: Yes, I believe in Romania. I believe in the potential of this country and its people. Romania has shown an incredible ability to adapt and evolve in the face of change, and this has always motivated me to stay and invest in its future. The people in Romania are extremely talented, and the Romanian business landscape is becoming more and more mature. Another reason I chose to stay in Romania is my family. Together with my wife, who is Romanian, we decided to raise our child here, to give him deep roots in the traditions of this country, which are as important to me as the traditions I grew up with.

6. What keeps you moving? What do you still want to accomplish?

Dino Ebneter: I am thinking about the next generation of professionals and how I can support these young people. I’ve had the luck to meet many talented individuals eager to learn, and I like to think that I’ve managed to shape leaders, not just employees. I dream of creating an environment where every young professional has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and where I can contribute to their long-term growth.

But I’m working on it. Just like running marathons. The most difficult part is achieving consistency in the training. In business, it’s the same: Young professionals are shaped by exposure to a variety of tasks and challenges. Showing up every day, ready to explore and fail, is where real learning happens. The journey is the destination.

7. Given that you often participate in sports competitions, tell me, what are the similarities between endurance sports and business?

Dino Ebneter: You need a strategy, a smart execution plan and to love what you do. When you set yourself a target, quitting is not an option. In a race anything can happen, for which you can prepare and you will be able to respond.

8. Thank you, Dino. I'm glad we are celebrating together the company’s 30 years in the local market. At the end of the interview, since you’ve told us how important it is for you to help shape tomorrow's leaders, please recommend a book for the leaders of tomorrow.

Dino Ebneter: The Second Curve by Charles Handy. For future leaders, this book serves as an important reminder that staying ahead requires continuous adaptation, rethinking conventional wisdom, and having the courage to embrace new opportunities before the current path reaches its limits.