Petr Kotal
About Petr Kotal
Petr Kotal is the Managing Director at ARKO consult and Founder and CEO of InnoCrystal - Prague Innovation Centre, with over 20 years of academic experience and 15 years in business.
Managing Director at Prague Innovation Center
Petr Kotal serves as the Managing Director at Prague Innovation Center. He has been in this position since 2010, steering the center as a founder and CEO. The center, also known as InnoCrystal, acts as a strategic hub situated between European Centers of Excellence like BIOCEV and ELI Beamlines, focusing on biotech and laser technology. Under his leadership, the center has become vital for technology development and transfer, particularly involving EU funding and bio-incubators.
Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Switzerland
Since 2022, Petr Kotal has held the position of Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Switzerland. Based in Lausanne, Vaud, he represents Czech interests and fosters bilateral relations between the two countries. His role involves engaging in diplomatic activities and offering consular services to Czech citizens in Switzerland.
Academic Experience and Research
Petr Kotal boasts over 20 years of academic experience in clinical research. He worked at Charles University, Medical Faculty in Prague, as a Principal Investigator from 1981 to 2001. His research focused primarily on liver diseases and clinical biochemistry. He obtained multiple advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, earning a PhD in liver diseases from KU Leuven and another PhD in Clinical Biochemistry & Nutrition from Charles University, along with a DSc. in Biochemistry from the same institution.
Business Leadership at ARKO consult
Petr Kotal currently holds the position of Managing Director at ARKO consult, a role he has occupied since 2007. Before that, he served as the Director of Bioscience Business Development from 2005 to 2007. In these roles, he has demonstrated his expertise in regulatory influencing, technology development, and transfer, especially within Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His efforts have contributed significantly to the company's growth and strategic positioning.
Expertise in Team Leadership and Development
Petr Kotal has a proven track record in recruiting, hiring, training, and leading multidisciplinary, multinational, and ethnically diverse teams. His leadership style has been instrumental in driving organizational success across various sectors, including academia and business. His extensive experience spans over two decades in clinical research and a 15-year business career, enriching his ability to manage and develop high-performing teams effectively.