Daniel Křetínský is a Czech entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board, CEO and majority shareholder of Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), one of the largest energy companies in Central and Eastern Europe. He graduated with a Doctoral degree from Masaryk University Faculty of Law and simultaneously received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University’s Faculty of Philosophy.
During the final years of his studies, Daniel began his professional career as a trainee lawyer in Gottweis & Partner law office. Afterwards, in 1999, Daniel began working as a corporate lawyer for J&T investment group, where he soon recognized the opportunity to turn the then mid-sized asset management group into a more private equity style house. In 2003, Daniel became passionate about energy and he dedicated the next 6 years of his career to laying the foundations of EPH as it stands today.
Through the impressive story of EPH, Mr. Křetínský became one of the few CEE based investors with experience and successful track-record in deploying Czech capital outside of the Czech Republic. Daniel is also active in the media and e-commerce business via Czech Media Invest (“CMI”) and EC investments, where he holds a 50% stake in each. Finally, Daniel also has one primarily emotional investment, as he is a majority shareholder and Chairman of the Board of the football club AC Sparta Prague, a regular participant in European UEFA cups.