Daniel Křetínský: The Quiet Power Behind Europe’s Energy and Media Empires

Daniel Křetínský is one of Europe’s most influential yet discreet billionaires, a man whose footprint spans the energy sector, media conglomerates, and the world of elite football. Born on July 9, 1975, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Křetínský’s rise to power has been characterized by strategic acquisitions, quiet ambition, and a knack for seeing value in industries others may overlook. With a fortune estimated in the billions, Křetínský represents a new breed of Central European tycoon who combines legal acumen with aggressive investment strategies.

Křetínský’s background played an essential role in shaping his future. He was born into an intellectually prominent family—his father, Mojmír Křetínský, is a professor of computer science, while his mother was a respected judge at the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic. This upbringing instilled in him a deep respect for law and analysis, a combination that would serve him well in both the legal and business worlds. He earned a law degree from Masaryk University in Brno and later pursued a master’s degree in political science. Křetínský started his career in the legal field, working for law firm JŠK, where he advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, especially in energy and finance. However, his ambitions soon grew beyond the legal world.

His career took a decisive turn when he joined the investment group J&T in 1999. Within a few short years, he became a partner, and in 2009, he helped establish Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), an energy holding company that would become the cornerstone of his empire. Under Křetínský’s leadership, EPH expanded rapidly through a series of acquisitions across Europe, purchasing assets from traditional utilities in Germany, Slovakia, the UK, and Italy. EPH specializes in energy infrastructure, coal, gas, and electricity generation, and owns significant stakes in several energy companies and assets such as pipelines, power plants, and logistics hubs. Křetínský’s strategy was often contrarian: he invested in coal and fossil fuels while others were divesting, believing there was still significant value to be found. His calculated risk-taking paid off as EPH became one of the largest energy groups in Central Europe.

But Křetínský’s ambitions were never limited to energy alone. He saw an opportunity in European media at a time when many traditional publishers were struggling to adapt to digitalization. In 2013, he acquired a stake in Czech News Center, which publishes one of the Czech Republic’s most influential tabloids, Blesk, among other titles. This marked his entrance into the media world. From there, his interests rapidly expanded beyond national borders. In France, he acquired stakes in prominent publications like Le Monde and Marianne, raising eyebrows and prompting debates over foreign ownership in French media. His involvement, however, has been marked by a relatively hands-off approach, emphasizing editorial independence while maintaining strategic oversight.

Daniel Křetínský also extended his investment prowess to the UK. He purchased a significant stake in Royal Mail through his company Vesa Equity Investment and increased his holdings in several major British companies. In 2022, he made headlines when he acquired a stake in West Ham United Football Club, eventually increasing it to a controlling interest. His involvement in sports is consistent with his broader strategy: entering high-profile sectors that offer both financial returns and a public presence.

Despite his wealth and influence, Křetínský remains a notably private individual. Rarely giving interviews, he avoids the limelight and maintains a low profile compared to other billionaires of his stature. He is known for being intensely focused, thoughtful, and calculating. His public appearances are limited, and he refrains from extravagant displays of wealth. His personal life is similarly discreet. He is in a relationship with Anna Kellnerová, the daughter of the late Czech billionaire Petr Kellner, and a successful show jumper. This connection further intertwines him with some of the most powerful financial networks in Central and Eastern Europe.

Philanthropy has not been a central focus of Křetínský’s public image, though he has contributed to various charitable initiatives, especially those linked to Czech cultural heritage and education. In recent years, there have been signs that he may expand his philanthropic footprint, in part to align with the growing global expectation for billionaires to give back. However, Křetínský’s primary focus remains on business growth and strategic investment.

Křetínský’s influence is significant not only because of his financial power but because of the sectors he targets. Energy, media, logistics, and sports are all industries that influence millions of lives and have a tangible impact on society. His ability to move seamlessly between them shows a depth of strategic thinking rarely seen in modern capitalism. Critics have occasionally questioned his motives—especially regarding media ownership—but there is no doubt that he is one of the most astute and disciplined investors operating in Europe today.

In many ways, Daniel Křetínský represents a new kind of European industrialist: analytical, reserved, and immensely powerful. His approach is methodical rather than flamboyant, but the results speak for themselves. Through EPH, he has built an energy empire that spans the continent. Through Vesa Equity, he has stakes in logistics and retail giants. And through his media acquisitions, he has a voice in the cultural and political discourse of several European nations. His path from a Czech legal advisor to a pan-European power broker is a testament to vision, patience, and an unerring belief in the value of long-term strategy. As Europe faces transitions in energy, politics, and digital media, Daniel Křetínský is well-positioned to be not just a participant, but a shaper of the continent’s future.