As a child, I was naturally curious, especially when it came to numbers. I loved puzzles and finding logical solutions. That early passion for problem solving made finance a natural career choice for me, as it’s a field where logic has a real-world impact.
I began my career at Deloitte in audit, which gave me a solid foundation in financial controls and assurance, and I had the privilege of working with talented professionals and clients across a wide range of industries.
A few years later, I took on the role of head of internal audit at Tirana International Airport (TIA). That was a significant step up in both responsibility and strategic impact. I developed a deeper understanding of corporate governance, internal controls and operational efficiency. It was a role that really pushed me, aligning audit functions with the company’s broader strategic goals.
True leadership means accountability, regardless of whether anyone is paying attention
Today, I’m proud to serve as director of internal audit at Kastrati Group, the sole shareholder of Tirana International Airport. This position has broadened my horizons even further, as I oversee audit functions across a diverse portfolio of businesses, from construction and tourism to ports and aviation. This requires from me both cross-industry knowledge and strategic thinking.
In 2025, I was also appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board of TIA, a role I consider a major milestone in my career. It has deepened my involvement in strategic oversight and given me the privilege of working alongside highly respected industry professionals, further sharpening my understanding of governance at the highest level.
Albania has made progress, but challenges like slow administrative processes, inconsistent laws and a drain of talent persist. However, the country’s location, natural beauty and growing tourism present major opportunities. I believe businesses that combine local knowledge and a long-term approach can overcome Albania’s challenges and create lasting value.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone – through embracing new responsibilities, even when things feel uncertain. This was true for me when I moved to a group-wide leadership role at Kastrati. I had to quickly gain insights, build trust with new teams and think more holistically about governance across the group. It was a challenging but highly rewarding journey that has helped me to grow.
What I enjoy most about my job is seeing how every part of a business connects, then shaping the strategies that build long-term value. I love creating synergies, tackling complex problems and supporting my teams.
My favourite quote is from CS Lewis: ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.’ Throughout my career this has been a guiding principle. In business, integrity isn’t just a personal value; it’s the foundation for trust and long-term success. True leadership means accountability, regardless of whether anyone is paying attention.
Understanding how financial decisions impact the entire organisation is key
My ACCA qualification gave me a strong technical base in finance, audit and ethics. This has been crucial. It also encouraged me to think globally and strategically, and to view challenges from a broader business perspective. This has been invaluable in leadership roles, where understanding how financial decisions impact the entire organisation is key.
If I had law-making powers, I would simplify business regulations, making them clearer and more efficient. I’d also prioritise education and skills development to help close the talent gap and retain our young professionals. A transparent, growth-oriented environment is essential for Albania’s long-term development.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I would have loved to have been a doctor as I’m fascinated by the complexity of the human body. Medicine gives one the chance to make a direct, positive difference in people’s lives during their toughest times.
Outside of work, I enjoy nature, especially hiking in the Albanian mountains. I also love swimming to relax and stay active. I like cooking for family and friends, and I’m passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles in others.
