Digital: An Interview with Marek Hradilek, Amrop Slovakia
"It's like having brilliant friends all over the world, working on the same thing at the same time."
Marek Hradilek is Partner at Amrop Slovakia and a member of Amrop’s Global Digital Practice. Marek has extensive experience with financial institutions, focusing on technology, retail, corporate banking, and risk management. He also advises family-owned and private equity-backed companies as well as executives at private equity funds.
We talked to Marek about his background in financial services, leadership in tech and digital companies, and the traits needed for successful tech leaders today.
Q: Tell us a little about your professional experience prior to joining the firm?
A: Before I joined Amrop about 15 years ago, I spent four years at KPMG as a tax advisor. My role was to work closely with CFOs and CEOs, helping them solve their tax issues. I developed a good understanding of how they think and operate, which allowed me to identify the right strategies and avoid the wrong ones that could hinder progress - I really delved deep into the financial operations of companies.
Q: How did the move to search come about?
A: Igor Šulík, who is still my colleague, the Managing Partner at Amrop Slovakia, approached me about a senior tax advisor position at one of the largest retail companies in Slovakia. I told him I didn’t want to deal with taxes anymore, except during tax season. However, we had a really good discussion about the companies, finances, and I had a wide network in accounting and finance. About two weeks ago, after our first meeting, he approached me again and asked if I wanted to lead the financial sector at Amrop Slovakia. I said, why not? And that’s how we decided to join forces.
Q: Since then you’ve focused on the financial sector and technology?
A: That’s right. During my time at KPMG, many clients were large, traditional companies trying to figure out how to innovate and stay competitive in today’s digital world. Now many of our clients are tech companies - small startups, scale-ups, and large tech players - that are driving this precise change, from startups to global tech giants.
Q: What’s changing for them and for you over the last years in terms of leadership and roles which support the changes? What’s required of a tech leader nowadays?
A: Trying to step into the shoes of a CEO in a small, fast-growing tech company, I believe the most important trait is being a learner. Why? Because the technology you master today might be outdated within 18 months. The best leaders in such roles are curious; they don’t say, “I’m afraid” or “I don’t know”. Instead, they say, "I’ll find out," and they’re eager to learn and adapt. Second, I believe leaders need to be builders. It’s not just about managing what’s currently there; it’s about creating the future - the product, the team, and the company culture. Third, and no less important, is the business sense. The real magic happens when technology is in harmony with genuine customer needs, which allows for the creation of a truly solid business model.
Q: Do the tech leaders always need to have previous experience in the sector or can that be learned on the job and perhaps there are more important factors?
A: I don't believe it’s a must - we have examples of fantastic leaders from other industries and they can really be game changers if they have the right mindset. If they have a builder mentality, they can bring fresh ideas and new energy into the company.
Q: So, being from “outside” can even be an advantage.
A: Definitely.
Q: You’ve recently rejoined Amrop's Global Digital Practice. What do you as the main benefits of being part of the team?
A: For me the Digital Practice is like having brilliant friends all over the world, working on the same thing at the same time. If you need expertise, knowledge, or support in areas like cybersecurity or financial services in Japan, Spain, or Belgium, you can get instant answers. It’s better than AI because this experience cannot be easily substituted. And, just as importantly, it also translate into benefits for our clients: when you mention having someone with experience working with clients like Spotify or other globally known tech companies in the CEE regio,n it enables you to collaborate with someone who has that kind of experience. That can be a real benefit for the client. So, I think having instant access to such valuable, high-level experience is very advantageous.
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To find out more, reach out to Marek Hradilek or the Global Digital Practice members in your country.