by David Couliau

Gigi: king of the Romanian roads

In Bucharest and across Romania, Gheorghe Vlase is legendary – not only because he is one of the country’s richest men – but also because of his colourful character. 

For the past 24 years, despite successfully running Vlase Spedition – a huge transport company with a 150-strong fleet of trucks – he has been driving his trucks at the same time. 

He is not your typical CEO. He is not your typical truck driver. More of an eccentric intellectual, he can sometimes be seen wearing a tuxedo behind the wheel.

Inspiring Romania’s future drivers

Portraits and poetry from his country’s great historical figures decorate some of his trucks. Gigi’s fervent devotion to his homeland makes him all the more sad when he sees how little interest young people have in entering the profession that is so dear to him. 

But it’s the same patriotism that gives him faith in the development of his beloved industry. More and more modern highways are being built and real efforts are being made to meet EU standards.

With a love of his country just as big as his personality, Gigi prays that there is a future ahead for Romania’s roads.