Managers of the Year Conference 2026 Programme
9:30–10:00 Registration
10:00–10:10 Official opening of the conference
10:10–11:15 Session 1: How AI Is Changing Business and the Role of Managers
Moderator: Jiří Koleňák
Speakers:
- Markéta Lörinczy – CEO, Phonexia
- Ivo Vedra – CEO, ZELENKA Czech Republic
- Marek Fiala – Director of Product and Process Management, ČSOB Stavební spořitelna
Topics:
- Leadership in a technology company and collaboration between people and AI
- How AI is transforming services and business models
- Innovation, digitalisation and customer-focused processes
11:15–11:30 Coffee break
11:30–12:35 Session 2: How Family Businesses Grow
Moderator: Olga Girstlová
Speakers:
- Peter Bittó – CEO, Renocar
- Simona Zdražilová – COO, NERA DISPLAYS
- Jiří Rösner – Managing Director, Jungheinrich Chomutov
Topics:
- The transition from owner-led management to professional management structures
- Professionalising operations, driving growth and preserving family values
- Leading an industrial company in uncertain times, business performance and employee motivation
12:35–13:20 Networking lunch
13:20–14:25 Session 3: Future Skills and Leadership
Moderator: Lucie Landová
Speakers:
- Jan Cidlinský – Managing Director, WILO CS
- Renata Millerová – Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Yvona Tošnerová
Topics:
- Building a team that embraces change, developing skills and turning strategy into everyday practice
- Introducing AI into business processes and leading change in an international environment
- Leadership, people development and the skills future managers will need
The session will also include a discussion with students about the skills managers will need, how to learn from difficult decisions and how to prepare for leading people.
14:25–14:30 Official closing of the conference
14:30–15:30 Networking
An opportunity to meet in person, exchange experiences and build new professional connections.
