Liviu Drăgan, Druid AI CEO, dies at 70

Business Forum
Liviu Drăgan, the Founder and CEO of Druid AI, has died at age 70. He was an engineer, inventor, and business leader with over four decades of experience in technology and innovation.

Before founding Druid AI, he spent 23 years at the helm of TotalSoft, a company founded in 1994. During his tenure, the company launched Charisma, an early widely adopted business system in Europe and globally. 

Under his leadership, Druid AI grew to serve over 300 clients globally, including private companies and public institutions.

Effective today, Andreea Pleşea, Druid AI's Co-Founder and Chief Customer Success Officer, will assume the role of CEO, according to a company release.

Pleşea, who has worked closely with Drăgan since the company's inception, is an expert in AI solution implementation and has been instrumental in the company's strategic direction, digital transformation of clients, and international expansion.

“Liviu was more than a founder — he was a mentor, an inspiration, and a tireless advocate for technology that serves people,” said Pleşea. “His legacy lives on through every Druid AI solution, every client success story, and especially through every member of our team who continues his mission. We are honored to carry his vision forward.”

Since 2018, Druid AI has focused on providing every employee with an intelligent virtual assistant, building a global network with over 200 partners.

RECOMMENDED
AI simplifies work but fuels employee anxiety, survey finds
Industry

AI simplifies work but fuels employee anxiety, survey finds

AI has become increasingly embedded in employees' day-to-day work over the past year. More than 48% of employees see AI as a tool that simplifies their work; however, many remain concerned about the broader implications of its growing integration, according to a survey conducted by Genesis Property early this year, on a sample of 1,146 employees.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Industry

Sphera Franchise Group posts sales growth in Q1 2026

Sphera Franchise Group, Romania's largest food service group, reported consolidated sales of €75.6 million in Q1 2026, up 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Growth was driven by the return to positive performance of KFC Romania and the strong evolution of Taco Bell.

Finance

BT posts 30% profit jump in Q1 2026

Banca Transilvania (BT) said its consolidated net profit reached RON 1.14 billion lei (€228 million) in Q1, representing a 30.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Total assets for the group expanded to RON 227 billion lei (€45.4 billion) as the institution neared the milestone of five million active customers.

Real estate

Arcadis signs major lease at Business Garden Bucharest

Vastint Romania has announced a new leasing contract with Arcadis Romania, which will occupy 1,183 sqm in building A of Business Garden Bucharest. The global design, engineering and consultancy company joins a growing community of international tenants at the development.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  22 May, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Business Forum  |  22 May, 2026 at 1:20 PM