Poland’s business landscape is increasingly characterized by this synergy of local and international expertise. As Polish leaders continue to make their mark, their collaboration with foreign executives enriches the economy, making it more adaptable, innovative, and globally connected.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Polish economy, the impact of foreign business leaders remains significant. While the number of expatriate CEOs has declined since the 1990s, the ongoing influx of international executives continues to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and strengthening international business ties. This trend underscores the maturation of Poland’s business environment, where the integration of local and global expertise fuels innovation, development, and competitiveness.
A historical shift: The 1990s surge
The 1990s were a transformative decade for Poland, marked by a dramatic shift from communism to a market economy. During this period, the influx of foreign investment brought a wave of multinational companies that fundamentally reshaped the Polish business landscape. With these companies came foreign executives who played pivotal roles in modernizing industries, introducing global standards, and professionalizing corporate governance. Their influence was critical in integrating Poland into the global economy, setting the stage for the country’s remarkable economic resurgence in the decades that followed.
The dynamic role of international executives
Today, the role of foreign business leaders in Poland is defined by a dynamic and ongoing process. As global companies continue to establish and expand operations in Poland, a steady flow of international executives brings new insights, expertise, and global best practices. This exchange is not static; leaders come and go, leaving behind valuable contributions that shape sectors such as real estate, energy, logistics, e-commerce, new technologies, e-mobility, telecom, and fintech. This continuous influx of talent enhances the Polish economy by driving innovation, fostering knowledge transfer, and promoting collaboration between local and international players.
Real Estate: Elevating standards and redefining spaces
The impact of foreign executives is perhaps most visible in Poland’s real estate sector, which has seen a surge in high-quality, sustainable developments. Leaders with international experience have introduced cutting-edge architectural designs, green building practices, and smart city technologies, transforming urban landscapes across major Polish cities. From modern office spaces that cater to multinational corporations to sustainable residential projects, these contributions are redefining urban planning and making Poland a more attractive destination for investors and professionals alike.
Energy sector: Driving the shift towards sustainability
Poland’s energy sector is in the midst of a significant transformation as the country shifts away from its historical reliance on coal towards a more diversified and sustainable energy mix. Foreign business leaders are at the forefront of this transition, bringing expertise from advanced markets and spearheading investments in renewable energy, energy storage, and efficiency technologies. Their involvement goes beyond business operations; they advocate for regulatory reforms and foster partnerships that are crucial for Poland’s journey towards a greener future.
Technology and innovation: Bridging global competitiveness
Poland has rapidly emerged as a major tech hub in Europe, attracting substantial investments in fintech, telecom, e-mobility, and cybersecurity. International executives play a key role in this growth, leveraging their global networks to drive technological advancements and create a collaborative culture that supports local talent. By integrating international insights with local expertise, these leaders are helping to position Poland as a competitive force in the global tech landscape.
Logistics and e-commerce: Enhancing efficiency and connectivity
In the logistics and e-commerce sectors, foreign business leaders are instrumental in introducing advanced supply chain solutions and innovative business models that enhance operational efficiency. This global perspective helps Polish companies meet international standards and connect more effectively with markets worldwide, bolstering Poland’s role as a logistics hub in Central Europe.
Attracting and retaining global talent
Poland has become an attractive destination for international talent, with over 2.5 million foreign workers contributing to its vibrant economy. This diverse and growing pool of highly skilled professionals brings fresh perspectives and expertise that enrich the local workforce. The synergy between local and international talents fosters a dynamic business environment where innovation and creativity flourish, strengthening Poland’s position as a competitive and forward-looking player on the global stage.
Poland Weekly+ proudly showcases foreign business leaders who make an outstanding impact on Poland, driving innovation, growth, and positive change across the country.
Marcos Segador Arrebola
Country Manager
Gi Group Holding in Poland
Marcos Segador Arrebola is a turnaround and business transformation leader with expertise in multinational structures. As Country Manager, he oversees the strategy and business goals of Gi Group Holding companies in Poland, including Gi Group, Grafton Recruitment, and Wyser Executive Search. Since 2021, he has driven growth in HR consulting, employment optimization, and recruitment services. With over 20 years of international experience, Marcos joined Gi Group in 2018 after holding key roles in T Systems, BBDO, Starbucks, and more.
Hadley Dean
Founder
MDC2
Hadley has been successfully operating in Poland for over 20 years where he is recognised for growing businesses and consistently outperforming the market place. Before establishing MDC² he used to hold the role of the founding CEO of EPP – the largest owner of shopping centres in Poland (EUR 2.6bn of GAV). Prior to EPP he was a Managing Partner for Eastern Europe for Colliers International where he built the best logistics and industrial space agency business in Central and Eastern Europe.
Roger Hodgkiss
President
Generali Poland
Roger Hodgkiss has been President of Generali Poland’s insurance companies since November 2020. He joined Generali in November 2019 as a member of the management board responsible for sales. Prior to joining Poland, he served as commercial director of Intouch Insurance and CEO of AAS Balta, the largest insurer in Latvia. Between 2009 and 2015, Roger was CEO of Link4 and oversaw the company’s transformation from a direct insurer to a multi-channel insurer, making Link4 a credible player in the Polish market. In 2016, he joined the boards of PZU SA and PZU Życie.
Robert Hörberg
CEO
Allianz Poland
Robert Hörberg, CEO of Allianz Poland Asset Management since 2015, joined Allianz Global Investors in 2011 as an advisor to the CEO. He later served as Chief Investment Manager at Allianz Investment Management – Fast Growing Entities, overseeing investments across CEE, Africa, and the Middle East. Prior to Allianz, he held roles at Hypo Real Estate, Kepler Capital Markets, and Amber Capital. Robert holds an MBA from London Business School and is a CFA® charterholder.
Alma Jenkins
Partner, European Consulting Hub Leader, Warsaw Site Leader
Mercer
Alma Jenkins is a Partner at Mercer, leading the European Consulting Hub and serving as the Warsaw Site Leader. With over 19 years of experience, she specializes in Rewards, Workforce Analytics, and Transformation across Europe and the UK. Before joining Mercer in 2012, Alma held roles at HP, Accenture, and Huawei, gaining expertise in outsourcing, client services, and project management. A continuous learner and advocate for D&I, she mentors colleagues and champions innovative, strategic solutions. Alma holds a Bachelor of Law from Universidad Santa Maria La Antigua and an LL.M in International Business from Erasmus University Rotterdam. Fluent in English, Spanish, Polish, and conversant in Portuguese.
Amit Lath
Owner
Sharda Europe
Amit Lath has been a prominent Indian businessman in Poland for over 25 years. He has transformed Sharda Group into a leading player in the Central and Eastern European textile market, supplying products to over 60 countries. Amit is also the Vice President of the Indian-Polish Chamber of Commerce, Director of the India-British Chamber of Commerce for Poland, and serves on the board of the Europe-India Chamber of Commerce in Brussels. Actively promoting Poland on the global stage, he is dedicated to contributing to its economic growth. “I believe that what Poland has achieved in recent years would be impossible in any other European country,” he says.
Nicklas Lindberg
CEO
Echo Investment
Nicklas was appointed CEO in 2016. He is responsible for creating and implementing the strategy for the profitable growth of the Echo Investment Group. Under his leadership, the company has significantly expanded its scale of operations and the number of projects, becoming the only Polish developer with such extensive experience in key real estate market sectors. Currently, the company’s priorities are large-scale investments such as Warsaw Breweries, Fuzja in Łódź, and the new urban quarter on Towarowa Street in Warsaw, developed in partnership with AFI Europe – all inspired by the concept of multifunctional destination projects.
Andreas Maierhofer
President of the Management Board
T-Mobile Polska S.A.
Andreas Maierhofer, President of the Management Board of T-Mobile Polska S.A. since April 1, 2017, is a senior telecom executive with extensive experience in wireless and fixed technology. Previously, he served as CEO of Makedonski Telekom in Macedonia (2014-2017), leading the merger with T-Mobile Macedonia. From 2007 to 2013, he was CEO of Mobiltel in Bulgaria, overseeing the integration of fixed-line operators and the rebranding of the company. Maierhofer has over 20 years of management experience and has earned multiple awards, including Manager of the Year in Bulgaria (2010) and Best Foreign Manager in Slovenia (2005, 2006).
Martin Mellor
Country Manager
Ericsson Poland
Martin Mellor, Head of Ericsson for Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, oversees business operations and manages customer and partner relationships in these regions. With over 18 years at Ericsson, including eight years in Poland, he actively promotes new technology solutions, collaborating with customers, institutions, and academia. In 2022, he received the Golden Cyborg award for his contributions to the Polish telecom industry, its 5G modernization, and his commitment to innovation and talent development. He also champions diversity, supporting young women in ICT through Ericsson’s partnership with IT for SHE.
Roy Perticucci
CEO
Allegro
Roy, CEO of Allegro, brings nearly two decades of retail and e-commerce experience, aligning closely with Allegro’s 25-year journey as Europe’s largest e-commerce player of its kind. Joining in 2022, Roy steered Poland’s leading online shopping platform through significant changes, expanding its reach across six Central and Eastern European countries by acquiring established e-commerce brands. Before Allegro, Roy led European and North American Operations at Amazon (2013-2020) and held senior roles at Ahold, Dixon’s, and Tesco, where he helped develop Tesco.com’s Grocery Homeshopping business and launched its first “dark store.”
Alexandre Amine Soufiani
Managing Director
FM Logistic Central Europe
Alexandre Amine Soufiani was appointed Managing Director of FM Logistic Central Europe in September 2023, where he oversees operations in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Prior to this role, he worked with several global corporations, including Renault and Veolia. A graduate of Harvard Business School in Boston, USA, he joined FM Logistic in 2012 as Group Financial Controller. In 2016, Alexandre Amine relocated to India, where he played a key role in expanding FM Logistic India, elevating the company to one of the top two contract logistics providers in the country.
Attila Szabó
President and Managing Director
Ford Polska
Attila Szabó has been the President and Managing Director of Ford Polska since June 2022. With over 20 years at Ford, he previously led operations in Hungary and the Czech Republic, achieving market leadership in light commercial vehicles and launching key models like the Ford Kuga and Mustang Mach-E. Attila’s extensive experience includes roles in sales, marketing, and leadership across multiple European markets. Attila’s leadership style is marked by his ability to navigate complex market conditions and drive business success even in challenging environments. He is passionate about leveraging his extensive experience to advance Ford’s position in Poland, one of the fastest-growing markets in the region and a leader in promoting electric mobility.
