The industrial and technology group CSG, owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, is strengthening its top management. As of October 1, the Board of Directors of the parent company Czechoslovak Group a.s. is expanding with two experienced managers – Michaela Katolická and Alena Kozáková. At the same time, CSG welcomes a new Director of Communications and Marketing, Tomáš Kotera.
Expansion of the Board of Directors
The Chairman of the Board of CSG is the owner and CEO of the group, Michal Strnad. Its Vice-Chairmen are CEO David Chour and General Counsel Ladislav Štorek, while the other members are Head of Acquisitions Petr Formánek and CFO Zdeněk Jurák. With the addition of the two new members, the Board of Directors of Czechoslovak Group a.s. will now consist of seven members.
Michal Strnad, owner and CEO of the group, commented:
"The expansion of the Board with Michaela Katolická and Alena Kozáková is a natural step. Both Michaela and Alena have made significant contributions to building the group. They are recognized managers, and their direct involvement in the highest governing body of CSG reflects the key importance of compliance and human resources management for the group’s further development."
Michaela Katolická has been serving as CEO of CSGM, the group’s service company, since 2022. Within the group, she is also responsible for Compliance. She joined CSG in 2018 and has gradually held positions in compliance and security. She studied law at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, EU law in Toulouse, and earned her PhD at Charles University. She has successfully led projects in compliance, process, and quality management. On her appointment to the Board, she said:
"I am pleased to contribute to the further development of CSG in this new role. I see it as a commitment to continue strengthening transparency and responsible governance, which are essential for the success of a modern industrial group."
Alena Kozáková has been the Group’s HR Director since 2021. Previously, she worked in HR at Iveco Czech Republic and Vagónka Studénka, where she managed international teams. She studied law at Masaryk University in Brno, where she also earned her PhD. She completed international management and HR programs at Brno University of Technology and Nottingham Trent University. At CSG, she has been behind the introduction of modern HR processes, talent, and training programs. She commented:
"Joining the Board confirms the importance of human resources for CSG’s further growth. I want to focus on talent development and HR processes that will support the group’s competitiveness both at home and abroad."
New Director of Communications and Marketing
Tomáš Kotera has tied his professional career to Škoda Auto. After 25 years, he has now decided to take on a new challenge and has become Director of Communications at the global industrial and technology group Czechoslovak Group (CSG), owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad. He assumed the position on October 1.
Tomáš Kotera worked at Škoda Auto for 25 years, more than eight of which he spent as Head of Corporate and Internal Communications. He also gained international experience, spending over four years as Head of PR and Communications at Škoda China within Volkswagen Group China.
"Joining CSG is another exciting challenge in my career. I was drawn by the fact that this is a Czech company with a strong international presence, already operating on a global scale. I see CSG as a brand that showcases Czech industry, spreads its good reputation worldwide, and strengthens the image of the Czech Republic. I am glad to become part of its story," said Tomáš Kotera.
Currently, CSG is the fastest-growing defense company in Europe. It delivers its products and solutions practically worldwide and operates production companies in ten countries across three continents. Thanks to the acquisition of The Kinetic Group, completed in 2024, it has also established a strong presence in the United States.
"I am convinced that thanks to his experience, Tomáš Kotera will elevate the marketing and communications of our dynamically developing group to an even higher level, and I look forward to our close cooperation," said David Chour, Vice-Chairman of the Board and CEO of CSG, about the appointment.
Tomáš Kotera succeeds Kateřina Petko, who had led CSG’s communications since March 2024. During her tenure, she consolidated and stabilized the marketing team and established cooperation with the group’s international companies. She also played a key role in developing online communication and in founding and launching the CSG Foundation.
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