Czechoslovak Group Strengthens Leadership Amidst Unprecedented Global Expansion
In a clear signal of its continued dynamic growth and strategic vision, Czechoslovak Group (CSG), the industrial-technological powerhouse owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, has announced a significant reinforcement of its top leadership. Effective October 1st, the Board of Directors of the parent company, Czechoslovak Group a.s., expands to include two highly experienced female executives, Michaela Katolická and Alena Kozáková. Concurrently, the group welcomes Tomáš Kotera, a seasoned professional from Škoda Auto, as its new Director of Communications and Marketing. These strategic appointments underscore CSG's commitment to robust internal governance, human capital development, and enhanced global communication as it navigates an era of rapid international expansion.
Strategic Expansion of the Board of Directors: Bolstering Governance for Global Reach
The enlargement of the Czechoslovak Group a.s. Board of Directors signifies a pivotal moment, increasing its membership to seven. The board, chaired by owner and CEO Michal Strnad, with David Chour (Executive Director) and Ladislav Štorek (General Counsel) serving as Vice-Chairmen, and Petr Formánek (Acquisition Director) and Zdeněk Jurák (Financial Director) as members, now welcomes two pivotal figures.
Michal Strnad, owner and CEO of the Group, articulated the rationale behind this move: "The expansion of the Board of Directors to include Michaela Katolická and Alena Kozáková is a natural step. Both Michaela and Alena have significantly contributed to the group's development. They are recognized managers, and their direct involvement in CSG's highest body expresses the crucial importance of compliance and human resources management for the group's further development." His statement highlights a proactive approach to embedding core strategic functions at the highest level of corporate oversight.
Michaela Katolická: Championing Transparency and Responsible Management
Michaela Katolická's appointment reflects CSG's unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and robust governance. Since 2022, she has served as the General Manager of CSGM, the group's service company, and concurrently oversees the critical area of Compliance across the entire group. Having joined CSG in 2018, she has steadily climbed the ranks, holding positions in compliance and security. Her extensive academic background, encompassing law from the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň, EU law in Toulouse, and a doctorate from Charles University, underpins her expertise. Katolická has spearheaded successful projects in compliance, process management, and quality assurance.
Commenting on her new role, Katolická stated, "I am pleased to contribute to the further development of the CSG Group in this new capacity. I perceive this as a commitment to continue strengthening transparency and responsible management, which are crucial for the success of a modern industrial group." Her vision aligns perfectly with CSG's ambition to maintain integrity and trust as it expands its global footprint.
Alena Kozáková: Cultivating Talent for Competitive Advantage
Alena Kozáková’s elevation to the board underscores the strategic importance of human capital in CSG's growth trajectory. As the Group's Human Resources Director since 2021, Kozáková has been instrumental in modernizing HR processes, implementing talent development programs, and fostering educational initiatives. Her professional journey includes significant HR roles at Iveco Czech Republic and Vagónka Studénka, where she led multinational teams. A legal scholar with a degree and doctorate from Masaryk University in Brno, she has further honed her leadership skills through international management and HR programs at Brno University of Technology and Nottingham Trent University.
Kozáková expressed her perspective on the appointment: "Joining the Board of Directors confirms the significance of human resources for CSG's continued growth. I intend to focus on talent development and HR processes that will support the group's competitiveness both domestically and internationally." Her focus on nurturing a skilled and adaptable workforce will be vital for a company operating across diverse global markets.
Tomáš Kotera: Elevating Global Communication and Brand Image
In parallel with the board expansion, CSG is significantly enhancing its external communications with the appointment of Tomáš Kotera as the new Director of Communications and Marketing. Kotera brings an impressive quarter-century of experience from Škoda Auto, a move that signals CSG's ambition to solidify its brand image on a global scale.
Throughout his 25 years at Škoda Auto, Kotera spent over eight years as Head of Corporate and Internal Communications. His international experience includes more than four years as PR and Communications Director for Škoda China within the Volkswagen Group China, providing him with invaluable insights into managing a major brand in diverse cultural and business environments.
"Joining CSG is another challenge in my career. I was drawn to the fact that it is a Czech company with a strong international overlap, which now operates globally," says Tomáš Kotera. "I perceive CSG as a brand that is a testament to Czech industry, spreading its good name worldwide and strengthening the image of the Czech Republic. I am happy to become part of its story."
David Chour, Vice-Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of CSG, welcomed Kotera with enthusiasm: "I am convinced that Tomáš Kotera, thanks to his experience, will elevate the marketing and communication of our dynamically developing group to an even higher level, and I look forward to our intensive cooperation." Kotera replaces Kateřina Petko, who successfully consolidated and stabilized CSG's marketing team, established international collaborations, significantly developed online communication, and launched the CSG Foundation since March 2024. This transition underscores a continuous drive for excellence in communication strategies.
CSG's Ascendant Trajectory: A Global Industrial Force
These strategic leadership enhancements come at a time when CSG is experiencing unparalleled growth. The group is currently recognized as the fastest-growing defense company in Europe, delivering its products and solutions virtually worldwide. With manufacturing facilities spanning ten countries across three continents, and a strong foothold in the United States following the 2024 acquisition of The Kinetic Group, CSG has rapidly evolved into a global industrial-technological conglomerate.
The appointments of Michaela Katolická, Alena Kozáková, and Tomáš Kotera are not merely changes in personnel but strategic investments in the very foundations of CSG's future. By integrating deep expertise in compliance, human resources, and global communications into its top echelons, CSG is proactively equipping itself to manage the complexities and opportunities of its accelerating international expansion. Under the vision of Michal Strnad, Czechoslovak Group continues to build a robust, transparent, and globally competitive enterprise, proudly showcasing Czech industrial prowess on the world stage.
