Vlad Ardeleanu

Deputy President

Vlad Ardeleanu is a distinguished Romanian entrepreneur, executive, and sports leader whose career reflects strategic vision, operational excellence, and a proven ability to build and scale high-impact organizations across multiple sectors. With leadership experience spanning healthcare, retail, entertainment, and sports administration, he brings to European chess a rare combination of business expertise, institutional leadership, and commitment to sustainable development.

As co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Medima Health, Vlad Ardeleanu has led the development of a national network of diagnostic imaging clinics, offering MRI, CT, and PET-CT services across Romania. His work in healthcare has been defined by a commitment to accessibility, quality, and innovation. He also co-founded Clinicile Dentare Dr. Ardeleanu, helping establish a modern dental care network focused on affordability and excellence.

His business career began in retail, where he co-founded Artima, a supermarket chain in Transylvania that was later acquired by Carrefour. He subsequently served as Director of Commercial and Development at Carrefour Romania, overseeing major operations with sales exceeding €1 billion and leading strategic initiatives such as Supeco and Carrefour-Online.ro. Later, as Chief Executive Officer of Superbet, Romania’s leading sports betting and gaming operator, he guided the company through a period of major expansion and strategic transformation. During his tenure, Superbet secured a landmark €175 million minority investment from Blackstone, the private equity firm’s first investment in Romania.

Alongside his corporate achievements, Vlad Ardeleanu has demonstrated a deep and active commitment to chess governance and development. Serving as President of the Romanian Chess Federation and a member of the Romanian Olympic Committee, he has worked to elevate the profile of chess nationally and internationally, while promoting its educational, cultural, and social value.

Under his leadership, the Romanian Chess Federation has strengthened its international visibility and expanded its contribution to the chess community through important initiatives and events. Romania has successfully hosted elite competitions connected with the Grand Chess Tour, welcoming some of the world’s strongest players and reinforcing the country’s presence on the global chess map. The Federation has also supported the development of the Romania Grand Prix, contributing to a stronger and more dynamic national competitive structure.

A central pillar of this vision has been investment in the next generation. The Romanian Chess Federation has placed increasing emphasis on supporting young players, talent development, and the creation of meaningful pathways for junior excellence. A landmark example is the launch of “Chess Nest”, an ambitious new program designed to support young talents who achieve international titles before the age of 18. Powered by the Dragic Foundation, the initiative provides support of up to €100,000 per player, covering training, participation in international tournaments, and long-term development. This program reflects a strategic commitment not only to rewarding talent, but to building the future of Romanian and European chess through sustained investment in youth.

Vlad Ardeleanu’s candidacy for the ECU Deputy President represents leadership with substance, international executive experience, and a modern vision for European chess. He stands for professionalism, growth, innovation, and the strengthening of chess institutions across Europe, while remaining firmly committed to supporting federations, players, and the next generation of talent.