Renáta Kellnerová & Family: A Legacy of Business Acumen and Philanthropy

Renáta Kellnerová, born Renáta Hacklová on July 4, 1967, is a prominent Czech billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist. She is best known as the widow of Petr Kellner, the founder of PPF Group, one of Europe’s largest investment groups. Following her husband’s untimely death in a helicopter crash in March 2021, Renáta inherited his substantial stake in PPF Group, becoming the richest person in the Czech Republic with an estimated net worth of $17.5 billion as of December 2024 .

Renáta’s involvement with PPF Group dates back to the early 1990s. From 1993 to 1997, she served on the board of directors of PPF moravskoslezský investiční fond a.s., a predecessor of PPF Group . After her husband’s passing, she took decisive steps to consolidate ownership of PPF Group. In 2023, she and her family acquired the remaining shares held by minority stakeholders, becoming 100% owners of the group .

Under Renáta’s leadership, PPF Group has undergone strategic shifts. Historically focused on Eastern European and Asian markets, the group has been pivoting towards Western markets in response to changing geopolitical landscapes . Renáta has emphasized the importance of preparing her children for potential future leadership roles within the company, stating, “I realized that PPF is personal for me and that my task is to prepare our children so that they will have the possibility of taking leadership of the group one day themselves”.

Beyond her business endeavors, Renáta is deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2002, she co-founded the Educa Foundation, aiming to provide scholarships to students at the Open Gate Grammar and Primary School in Babice. This initiative laid the groundwork for the establishment of The Kellner Family Foundation in 2009, which has since donated nearly CZK 2 billion (approximately $89 million) to various educational and social projects in the Czech Republic .

The foundation’s flagship projects include the Open Gate Grammar School, which offers need-based scholarships to academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In the 2020/2021 academic year alone, 96 students benefited from such scholarships . Another significant initiative is the “Helping Schools Succeed” project, which supports public primary schools by enhancing the professional development of teachers and improving student outcomes. In 2020, this project reached 116 schools, involving nearly 3,000 teachers and over 39,000 pupils .

Renáta’s personal life is closely intertwined with her philanthropic work. She and Petr Kellner raised four children together: Petr, Anna, Lara, and Marie. Their eldest daughter, Anna, is a professional showjumper who represented the Czech Republic in equestrian events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics . Renáta has been a steadfast supporter of her children’s pursuits, both personal and professional.

In her leisure time, Renáta enjoys engaging with the arts and spending time in nature. Her interests include cycling, skiing, and various other outdoor activities. She values the importance of social responsibility and has instilled these principles in her family’s endeavors

Renáta Kellnerová’s journey from a supportive partner in her husband’s business ventures to a leading figure in the Czech Republic’s corporate and philanthropic spheres is a testament to her resilience and vision. Her commitment to education, social responsibility, and family legacy continues to shape the landscape of Czech society