Employee of the Year 2025–26: The Best of the Best

There are awards that recognise a strong month.
There are awards that celebrate consistency over a quarter.

And then there is Employee of the Year — recognition reserved for someone whose impact has reached across teams, divisions and ways of working throughout the course of an entire year.

This is the first year the Vorenta Group has presented the award, making it a particularly significant milestone. Over the past financial year, colleagues across the Group have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience and commitment in very different ways. From operational delivery and customer support to innovation, collaboration and leadership under pressure, the standard of nominations has been remarkably high.

The Directors reviewed each winner from the past year in detail, considering not only the reasons behind the original nominations, but also the broader impact each individual had on colleagues, operations and the organisation as a whole. It was not a quick decision — nor an easy one.

But there can only be one inaugural winner.

And for the 2025–26 financial year, that recognition goes to Orҫun Durak.

🏆 Orҫun Durak

Novice Official Veterinarian – HMOC, E1

Orҫun was first recognised as HMOC’s Employee of the Month in December 2025, praised for his collaborative approach, calm attitude and willingness to step into challenging situations without hesitation. What became increasingly clear over the months that followed, however, was that his contribution extended far beyond the expectations of his role.

His influence has been felt across all three divisions of the Group.

Drawing on experience and technical skills developed before joining HallMark, Orҫun has contributed not only operationally, but also strategically — supporting technology initiatives, systems data security, fault-finding and process improvement. He has actively contributed ideas around learning systems, intranet development and opportunities involving AI, consistently approaching challenges with curiosity and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Importantly, none of this was required of him.

Again and again, Orҫun stepped forward voluntarily, offering support wherever he believed he could improve outcomes, strengthen systems or help colleagues. That willingness to move beyond his remit — and to do so with professionalism and enthusiasm — is a large part of what made his impact so widely recognised.

His high professional standards and proactive attitude have already created opportunities to work alongside the VPHA, and he is expected to become one of the future HMOC/HMMH training champions within the Group.

What stands out most is not simply capability, but mindset. Orҫun consistently approaches unfamiliar or complex work without fear, resistance or ego. Whether dealing with technical challenges, operational pressures or entirely new areas of work, he brings energy, focus and a genuine willingness to learn.

That combination is rare.

And it is why he has been selected as the inaugural Employee of the Year.

Honourable Mentions

While there could only be one overall winner, the Directors also wanted to recognise two individuals whose contributions across the year were especially noteworthy.

Ricky Hyde

January 2026 Employee of the Month – MLC

Recognised for maintaining MLC’s high operational standards while navigating procedural challenges, all while continuing to foster strong interpersonal and intercompany relationships.

Silvia Orizio

Q3 Teammate of the Quarter

Recognised for her exceptional knowledge-sharing, her solutions-focused approach and her unwavering commitment to accuracy, professionalism and supporting others.

More Than an Award

Employee of the Year is ultimately about impact — not only in the work completed, but in the effect a person has on the people and systems around them.

Orҫun’s contribution over the past year reflects the very best of the Vorenta Group’s values: quality, integrity, openness and collaboration. His professionalism, initiative and willingness to embrace challenge have made a lasting impression across the organisation.

Congratulations to Orҫun on a thoroughly deserved achievement.