Billionaire Profile
Daniel Kretinsky
Global Rank
#302

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Daniel Kretinsky

CEO, Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH)
CZ
Real-Time Net Worth
$10.1B
As of December 2025
Age
50
Source
Energy, investments
Industry
energy
Citizenship
CZ

Biography

Daniel Kretinsky is a Czech billionaire businessman and lawyer, known for his significant investments in energy, media, and sports. As of late 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $10.1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the Czech Republic. His primary source of wealth stems from his energy investments. Kretinsky's career began in the financial sector, leading to co-founding and becoming the CEO of Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), a major energy group in Central and Eastern Europe. He has also made strategic investments in various sectors, including media and sports, and is known for his contrarian investment style, which often involves identifying and revitalizing undervalued assets.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Daniel Kretinsky was born on July 9, 1975, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). His father was a professor of computer science, and his mother was a former justice of the Constitutional Court. Growing up in an intellectual environment, he developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and discipline. Kretinsky pursued a Doctoral degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno, which equipped him with the legal and financial knowledge essential for his future business endeavors.

Rise to Success

Kretinsky's professional career began in 1999 as a lawyer at J&T Investment Group, where he quickly rose to become a partner by 2003. In 2009, he co-founded Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), an energy and industrial conglomerate, and became its chairman. Under his leadership, EPH expanded significantly across Europe through strategic acquisitions. Kretinsky's strategic investments expanded beyond the energy sector, with holdings in media, retail, and sports. Notable investments include stakes in French media, the Royal Mail, and West Ham United Football Club.

Key Business Strategies

Kretinsky's business philosophy is centered on identifying undervalued assets and making decisive investments for long-term value creation. His investments often involve acquiring stakes in established companies and revitalizing them. He has a reputation for investing in politically sensitive or financially distressed assets and building a network of businesses across Europe.

Philanthropy

While specific philanthropy amounts are difficult to ascertain, Kretinsky is involved in various initiatives, though the specifics are not readily available from a search.

Career Milestones

1999

Joined J&T Investment Group

Began his career as a lawyer at J&T Investment Group.

2003

Became Partner at J&T

Promoted to partner at J&T Investment Group.

2004

Chairman of Sparta Prague

Became the chairman of the AC Sparta Prague football club.

2009

Co-founded Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH)

Co-founded EPH, and became its chairman.

2016

Took 94% ownership of EPH

Increased his ownership stake in EPH to 94%.

2021

West Ham United Stake

Purchased a 27% stake in West Ham United.

2024

Royal Mail Takeover

EP Group's takeover of Royal Mail was approved.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

Not Specified

Undisclosed

Details of specific philanthropy are not available.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""We are implementing our strategy ambition to diversify and reduce our geographic exposure, which is currently concentrated in the EU and UK.""

Leadership Principles

Strategic Investments

Identifying and investing in undervalued assets and transforming them into profitable ventures.

Long-Term Vision

Making decisive investments for long-term value creation.

Diversification

Diversifying investments across various sectors, including energy, media, and sports.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Energy Transition Criticism

Criticism for investments in fossil fuels and delaying coal phase-outs.