Forbes: Renáta Kellnerová remains the most influential woman in the Czech Republic

Forbes magazine has once again ranked Renáta Kellnerová, owner of PPF Group, as the most influential woman in the Czech Republic. Lenka Bradáčová, recently appointed Supreme Public Prosecutor, retains second place, while PPF’s Chief Financial Officer Kateřina Jirásková has moved into third position.

Forbes published its annual ranking online today, highlighting Kellnerová’s growing involvement in PPF’s activities. Editor-in-chief Zdravko Krstanov noted that Kellnerová continues to direct the group towards more conservative and stable investments, including acquisitions of major Prague hotels such as Hilton and Four Seasons. Beyond business, Kellnerová is active in philanthropic initiatives, particularly through The Kellner Family Foundation, which supports educational scholarships for students.

Bradáčová, who had served as Prague’s Chief Prosecutor until April this year, continues her longstanding presence at the top of the list.

Kateřina Jirásková, who has been with PPF for 25 years, recently assumed the role of co-CEO alongside Didier Stoessel. Together, they oversee the group’s operations following Jiří Šmejc’s departure at the end of his term. Jirásková now shares responsibility for managing one of the largest private financial groups in the region.

Other notable figures in the top ten include Michaela Chaloupková, Director of the ČEZ Administration Division and Board Member at ČEZ; Katarína Kohlmayer, CFO and Board Member at KKCG; Minister of Defence Jana Černochová (ODS); Petra Kutnarová, co-owner of DEK Building Materials; entrepreneur Ivana Tykač; and Simona Kijonková, co-owner of JSK Investments.

Former European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová, who transitioned to a role as Vice-Rector at Charles University, dropped from third place last year to 78th position. Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09) also declined in the ranking, falling from seventh to 31st, after announcing she will not seek re-election due to health reasons.

The list also includes Dana Drábová, Chairwoman of the State Office for Nuclear Safety, who ranks 15th, and Eva Pavlová, the President’s wife, at 16th.

Forbes has been publishing the ranking of the 200 most influential women in the Czech Republic for 14 years. The list covers representatives from politics, business, and the non-profit sector, with rankings based on a set of defined evaluation criteria.