Petr Šmída

Now a private investor, Petr recently returned to Prague after seven years abroad in leadership roles in banking and financial services. After acquiring the financial services business he co-founded, GE appointed him CEO of GE Money bank Czech Republic, then he became Global Senior Vice President of Consumer Finance with responsibility for 36 countries. Petr was then recruited to become CEO and Chairman of Alfa Bank, which he grew five-fold and led it to what the banking industry press recognized as “The Best Bank in Russia” in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The recipient of numerous leadership and management awards, his personal success and impact as a leader have been recognized internationally in publications such as Euromoney Magazine and Global Finance Magazine. Petr is a graduate of the Prague School of Economics. He is a founding member of the Czech Institute of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees of the International School of Prague and a former member of the Board of Trustees of CMC, one of the Czech Republic’s leading business schools. Petr’s positive attitude is best summed up in what he describes as his favorite quote: “Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh