Panel Discussion: "Emerging from the Crisis: Transformation of Companies in Europe"

The global economic crisis has shifted the socio-economic realities of our world. Europe and North America have been shaken by economic dysfunctions and the balance of economic power vis-à-vis Asia and Latin America is continuously being re-defined. Western corporations are pressured to transform in order to survive and remain competitive. What are the most threatening challenges that have hindered businesses in Europe since the onset of the crisis? How have companies responded? What are some emerging measures and business models that companies have adopted to take on a strong position for the future? What can corporate leaders in Europe do to promote sustainable prosperity in the post-crisis world?

The University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business, is pleased to invite you to an exclusive business discussion that will address the topic of

"Emerging from the Crisis: Transformation of Companies in Europe"

A Panel Discussion with

Jane Gilson, COO and CMO, Microsoft Germany
Hannu Kasi, Country Manager Czech Republic and Cluster Leader for SK, HU & UA, ABB
Josef Kotrba, Office managing Partner CZ and SK, Deloitte

All panelists are members of the Board of Advisors of the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business – Europe.

Facilitated by

Cristina Muntean, Communication Advisor, Media Trainer and Coach, Media Education CEE

Tuesday March 12, 2013
Hotel Boscolo Carlo IV, Senovazne namesti 13, Praha 1
09:30 – 10:00 on-site registration
10:00 – 11:30 panel discussion, Q&A (Lobby)
11:30 – 12:30 informal networking (Innox Bar)

Registration:

The event is complimentary and by invitation only. Capacity is limited. If you would like to register, please contact Alice Kralova at akralova@katz.pitt.edu and indicate that you have learn about the event through AmCham/Czech Marketplace.

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The Panelists:

Jane Gilson
Jane Gilson became the COO of Microsoft Germany in 2010. Prior to that, she was Microsoft’s CEO in the Czech Republic, where she showed her sense of innovations, competitive advantage and professional leadership – during the three and a half years the subsidiary became respected as one of country’s best employers and top 10 companies. Before joining Microsoft in the US in 2002, she worked in various marketing positions in companies such as KPMG. She holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin and the Northwestern University.

Hannu Kasi
Hannu Kasi is ABB’s Country Manager for the Czech Republic since 2010. He is also head of the cluster which includes Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. Hannu Kasi has international experience within the power and automation industry. He has been with ABB for over 27 years and has held a number of management roles in business and finance in Switzerland, Germany and the United States. Hannu Kasi comes from Finland where he achieved a degree in Marketing and International Trade and holds an MSc and a PhD in economics. In his students years, Mr. Kasi worked in Prague with Tesla Electronics factory. Hannu Kasi considers himself as visionary, but pragmatic at the same time when it comes to implementation of his vision.

Josef Kotrba
Josef is Office Managing Partner for the Czech Republic since 2010, one of the leading professional service firm with around 700 employees in the country. Besides his management tasks, he actively leads projects in Central and Eastern Europe, assists in global scale transactions. He has extensive experience in the area of acquisitions, privatization and restructuring of companies in financial distress. He has been working for the Financial Advisory with Deloitte Czech Republic since 1999.
Prior to joining Deloitte, Josef Kotrba served as Deputy director of the Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education (CERGE) and the Institute of Economics. Later, he served as a Board Member and Deputy managing director at Ceska Sporitelna. Josef Kotrba holds a Doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s degree from the Prague School of Economics.

Facilitator:

Cristina Muntean
Cristina Muntean is a communications advisor, media trainer and coach with more than twelve years of experience in the Czech, Romanian and international media. She is the founder of Media Education CEE, a Prague-based premium PR advisory and training agency. Cristina’s vision is to use her energy and enthusiasm to support people to open up to the infinite possibilities of authentic communication, and thus to run freely at full potential for the greater benefits of themselves, their families, businesses and communities.