We're pleased to announce that Pavel Tihelka, an experienced expert in project management, marketing, and talent development, is joining the Kogi team. His career to date is proof of both a broad range of experience and an ability to successfully handle complex challenges across different industries and markets.
Education and early experience
Pavel studied management and economics at the Brno University of Technology (VUT), and gained his first work experience through the organization AIESEC. While still a student, he worked at companies Vitar and Limova, focusing on marketing, and spent a year in New Zealand at the University of Otago, where he taught management.
After returning to the Czech Republic, he joined a consulting firm, where he worked on company audits and restructuring. He also gained significant experience as director of the company Svit, where his job was to optimize costs and stabilize the company's finances. He then moved into developing marketing and product management at large telecommunications companies. At Vodafone and Telefónica O2, he led teams responsible for mobile products, roaming, and segment marketing. He was also behind innovative solutions for international customers — for example, a portable Wi-Fi project that made it easier to access data services without needing to swap SIM cards.
He gained further management experience at UPC, where he served as Product Director for Central Europe, focusing on developing the product portfolio. After UPC's merger with Vodafone, he took a short career break before joining humancraft, where he spent the last five years working as a trainer and consultant. There, he focused mainly on talent development, project leadership, and training in demanding specialist fields.
Pavel excels at analysis and synthesizing information
Pavel is defined by a strong focus on data analysis, finding workable solutions, and an ability to synthesize complex information into practical, sustainable outcomes. As he puts it: “I like to understand how things actually work — in every field, because everything is connected and works within a bigger context.” That approach captures both how he works and his drive to bring together expertise and functional results in every project.
In his free time, he pursues a wide range of activities — he's a certified divemaster, coaches a youth rugby team, enjoys motorcycle travel, and is a hands-on DIYer at home. “We're looking forward to working with Pavel, and we believe his analytical thinking, experience with complex projects, and ability to find workable compromises will genuinely enrich our team,” adds Filip Hurda, CEO of Kogi.
We believe Pavel Tihelka will be a great addition to our team, and that his approach, experience, and energy will help drive the continued growth of our projects and the company as a whole.