Mario Hintermayer Honoured by H.S.H. Prince Albert II with the Maria Callas Monaco Entrepreneurial & Humanitarian Excellence Award.
Monaco has long celebrated individuals whose achievements extend far beyond commercial success. Entrepreneurs, innovators and philanthropists who use their influence to create meaningful change are part of the fabric that defines the Principality’s international reputation. Few embody these values more completely than Austrian entrepreneur and humanitarian Mario Hintermayer, who was recently honoured with one of Monaco’s most prestigious distinctions.
During the Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards – 6th Edition, held in the magnificent Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Mario Hintermayer received the Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Entrepreneurial & Humanitarian Excellence Award, personally presented by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.
For any recipient, receiving an award directly from the Sovereign Prince is a remarkable distinction. For Mario Hintermayer, however, the recognition represented something even deeper: acknowledgement of more than twenty-five years dedicated not only to entrepreneurship, but to improving lives through humanitarian action around the world.
Organised by Ioanna Efthimiou, President and Founder of the Maria Callas Monaco Gala & Awards, together with Theodora Michaloliakou, Vice-President and Honorary Ambassador, the gala welcomed approximately 150 distinguished guests from the worlds of diplomacy, business, philanthropy, culture and international affairs.
Among those attending were Stéphane Valeri, CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, HRH Princess AlJoharah bint Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Princess Olimpia Colonna di Paliano, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
The evening celebrated individuals whose professional accomplishments are matched by a genuine commitment to humanity–a philosophy that perfectly reflects Mario Hintermayer’s lifelong mission.
More Than Business
Although widely recognised as a successful entrepreneur and international businessman, Mario Hintermayer has never viewed commercial success as an end in itself.
For more than two decades, together with trusted partners, companies and an international network of friends, he has initiated and supported more than 200 humanitarian and social projects across the globe. His work has reached schools, children’s programmes, educational initiatives, healthcare institutions and sustainable development projects, always focusing on creating long-term opportunities rather than short-term relief.
His philosophy is simple: sustainable impact is created when communities are empowered to shape their own future.
This long-term perspective has become one of the defining characteristics of his humanitarian work and one of the reasons why he enjoys enormous respect within Monaco’s philanthropic community.
Mario Hintermayer’s work has increasingly become international in both vision and execution.
As explored in his recent Living in Monaco interview in the Spring 2026 edition, he believes the future belongs to global communities connected not simply by wealth, but by shared values, responsible leadership and meaningful collaboration.
Through his initiatives spanning Monaco, Dubai and Bali, he has helped create what he describes as a new “Triangle of Purpose”, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists and innovators committed to generating positive social impact while building successful businesses.
Rather than treating philanthropy as an activity separate from entrepreneurship, Mario advocates integrating purpose directly into business itself. In his view, commercial success creates the opportunity –and indeed the responsibility– to contribute to society.
That philosophy resonates particularly well within Monaco, a Principality that has long encouraged responsible entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and humanitarian engagement under the leadership of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.
A Symbol Beyond the Award
One of the most memorable attractions during the gala evening stood just outside the Salle Empire.
Mario Hintermayer’s legendary Wiesmann Roadster “Special Olympics Monaco” Edition once again attracted admiration from guests throughout the evening.
Far more than a rare collector’s sports car, the Wiesmann has become a symbol of Mario’s charitable journey over many years. It has appeared at numerous fundraising initiatives and international events alongside personalities including H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Formula One legend Bernie Ecclestone and Dame Shirley Bassey.
Its presence at the Maria Callas Gala carried particular symbolism, as Dame Shirley Bassey herself had been honoured during a previous edition of the awards.
Like its owner, the Wiesmann represents a unique combination of elegance, individuality and generosity–demonstrating how personal passions can also become powerful ambassadors for charitable causes.
Monaco's Spirit of Giving
For many of Mario Hintermayer’s long-time friends and supporters, the evening represented far more than a prestigious award ceremony.
It was an opportunity to celebrate a lifetime of dedication to helping others while surrounded by individuals who share similar values of excellence, responsibility and international cooperation.
The elegant setting of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo provided the perfect backdrop for conversations that extended well beyond business, focusing instead on how entrepreneurship can become a catalyst for positive change.
The standing ovation following the presentation of the Grand Prix reflected not only admiration for Mario Hintermayer’s professional accomplishments, but also appreciation for the countless lives positively influenced through his humanitarian initiatives over the past twenty-five years.
“During the elegant gala in honour of Maria Callas in Monaco, my wife, Carmen, and I experienced a truly unforgettable evening. Together with Her Royal Highness Princess AlJoharah bint Talal Al Saud and Kostas Dendrinos, we captured this beautiful photograph; one that represents far more than a cherished memory.
The evening was filled with elegance, inspiration and genuine warmth. What touched us most was the sincerity of the conversations and the effortless sense of connection.
These are the moments that stay with you long after the evening has ended—the encounters that remind us that the true magic of such occasions lies not only in their splendour, but in the remarkable people we meet along the way,“ remembered back Mario Hintermayer.
As Monaco continues to strengthen its reputation as a global centre for responsible leadership, philanthropy and international dialogue, individuals such as Mario Hintermayer demonstrate that true success is measured not solely by financial achievement, but by the positive legacy left behind.
Receiving the Grand Prix Maria Callas Monaco Entrepreneurial & Humanitarian Excellence Award from H.S.H. Prince Albert II serves as recognition of a remarkable journey; one that has combined entrepreneurial vision with compassion, international cooperation with local impact, and business success with a lifelong commitment to serving others.
In a world increasingly searching for leaders capable of creating both economic and social value, Mario Hintermayer stands as a compelling example that entrepreneurship and humanitarianism are not opposing paths, but complementary forces capable of shaping a better future. His story is not only one of success; it is one of purpose.
EXCLUSIVE:
Purchase a photo-illustrated, downloadable PDF of this exclusive Living in Monaco magazine article featuring Mario Hintermayer, or get the complete digital edition of the Autumn 2026 issue of Living in Monaco magazine.