Helmut Swarovski, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of D. Swarovski & Co. has been named the thirty–seventh recipient of the Phoenix Award, which is given to recognize the “Glass Person of the Year.” Mr. Swarovski was unanimously selected for the award in recognition of his many contributions in the fields of glass melting with optical purity, design and automation of crystal grinding and polishing technologies and precision faceting and surface polishing. Mr. Swarovski has spear headed the family business’ expansion over the past thirty years. It is now the largest manufacturer of cut crystal in the world, supplying the fashion industry, the fashion jewelry industry, the chandelier and art object industries as well as manufacturing diverse consumer products sold under the company’s brand name. The technologies for crystal glass production have been perfected over many years under the guidance of Mr. Swarovski, which gives Swarovski’s crystal its brilliant “lights.”

While accepting the prestigious award at a black tie dinner at Le Pré Catelan, Mr. Swarovski said he was deeply honored and pleased that Paris was selected as the city to host the banquet. He thanked the committee members for traveling, near and far and said it was a sign of how important and distinctive the Phoenix Award is. Mr. Swarovski said “Paris is the capital of luxury and fashion and is exactly the place, where the Swarovski journey began.”

Helmut Swarovski is the great-grandson of Daniel Swarovski, the founder of the now 112-year-old company. Mr. Swarovski was named managing partner in 1978 and has been responsible for manufacturing worldwide as well as for management, new business development and research and development since 1970. Mr. Swarovski received his degree in Industrial Engineering in Munich, Germany in 1967.

The Swarovski group of companies include the abrasive manufacturer, Tyrolit, with manufacturing centers in fifteen countries and Swarovski Optik, a premium brand of binoculars and sports optical equipment. With consolidated sales of USD 3.6 billion,

Swarovski produces optical-grade crystal in Wattens, Austria and finished products in many other countries. There are sales offices and Swarovski stores in 160 countries. Today, Mr. Swarovski is proud to be able to employ some 22,000 people worldwide.

Mr. Swarovski’s interests include visiting trade fairs, other manufacturers and R & D centers around the world, particularly those involved in glass. He likes hunting and hiking in the Alps of Tyrol and in Africa and Alaska. He collects glass-making literature, guns, antiques and modern art. He also enjoys aviation, golf and – especially - time with his family, which includes his wife Danna and daughters, Vanessa and Nadja.