Crestyl Group welcomes new CEO Simon Johnson, founder Omar Koleilat takes on strategic role

In a milestone shift for Czech developer Crestyl Group, Simon Johnson, the company’s long-serving Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been appointed as CEO, marking the first leadership transition in Crestyl’s nearly 30-year history. Omar Koleilat, the company’s founder and previous CEO, will step back from day-to-day management but remain closely involved as an owner and strategic advisor.

Koleilat, reflecting on the transition, noted, “I built Crestyl from the ground up so it could thrive without being dependent on me. This transition to professional management was essential as we grew and entered the Polish market three years ago. Today’s announcement solidifies the steps we’ve been working towards.” Koleilat also emphasized that, while he is stepping away from operational tasks, he will continue to support Crestyl’s strategic direction.

Simon Johnson, now Group CEO, brings over 35 years of real estate experience, including leadership on major developments in London, Prague, and Bratislava. Since joining Crestyl in 2011, he has driven operational growth across the group and managed Czech projects, establishing himself as a key figure in Crestyl’s expansion. Johnson remarked on the seamless transition, underscoring Crestyl’s strength as a collaborative team: “This isn’t just about me but about the entire leadership group. We’ve built a close-knit management team over many years, and there will be no change in the company’s direction or operations.”

Johnson, a UK native who has made Central Europe his professional home since the 1990s, has played integral roles in the development of Bratislava’s Eurovea Centre and Prague’s Palladium. Fluent in Czech and Slovak, he holds Czech citizenship and brings a commitment to the region’s growth. Outside of work, Johnson enjoys sports, cooking, and fine wine.

Koleilat founded Crestyl in 2005, guiding it through significant projects and expansions across Central Europe. With a background in architecture and real estate, he holds a UK RICS Postgraduate Diploma in Real Estate Investment. Known for his passion for sports, he played professional basketball before his career in real estate and now enjoys water skiing, a sport his children also compete in.

As Johnson takes the helm, Crestyl remains poised for continued success with a leadership team committed to sustaining the company’s reputation as a developer of high-quality, innovative properties across Central Europe.