Speakers

Wojciech Balczun is a high profile manager and strategist with extensive experience in corporate leadership. His key competencies include business restructuring and enterprise transformation, operational and strategic management, negotiations with investors and business partners, and international economic cooperation.

As CEO of PKP Cargo (2008–2013), the second-largest rail freight operator in Europe, he successfully restructured the company, defined its growth strategy, and led its stock exchange debut.

He also headed one of Europe’s largest railway companies - Ukrainian Railways (2016–2017) - where he served as CEO. During his tenure, he implemented modernisation projects, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced the company’s efficiency.

In the private sector, he has proven himself as an effective entrepreneur and investor. His business expertise in railways, banking (PKO Bank Polski, Inteligo Financial Services), and advisory roles has been appreciated across multiple supervisory boards in both the private and public sectors. He has served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PLL LOT S.A. and PKP S.A., as well as Vice President of the Polish Employers’ Federation (Pracodawcy RP) and the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises Providing Public Services (CEEP).

A recipient of numerous accolades, he was named Manager of the Year in the Przyjaciel Kolei (Friend of the Railway) awards for his restructuring of PKP Cargo. He was also listed among the Top 20 managers in Bloomberg Businessweek Polska as one of the best crisis-management leaders.

Wojciech Balczun holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Silesia in Katowice and has completed a prestigious MBA programme validated by the Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University.

Currently, as CEO of IDA JSC, he oversees the company’s strategic development, focusing on key initiatives, optimising the Capital Group’s operations, and strengthening its market position.

Participates in the sessions: