Introducing the Colliers Chairman for Operations in Central & Eastern Europe.
Otto Jelinek was appointed Chairman of Operations in Central & Eastern Europe in early 2007. His deep experience and knowledge, variety of business contacts and his strategic way of thinking help Colliers deliver the best performance to their clients every day. Let’s have a closer look at his amazing story.
Mr. Jelinek was born in Prague, Czech Republic. In 1948, at the age of 8, his family decided to leave the country because of the upcoming Communist era and Cold War. They moved to Canada, where they found strong support from other Czech expatriates, especially from famous entrepreneur Tomas Bata. “Mr. Bata has always been almost like my dad,” says Mr. Jelinek.
Otto’s self-discipline, will and ambition were revealed when in 1962, together with his sister Maria, they won a gold medal for Canada at the World Figure skating championship in Prague. Although the pair had been warned not to return to their communist fatherland, they did so anyway. Three years later, they won the World championship again – but this time in the professional class.
After monumental achievements in both sports and business, Otto was persuaded to run as a candidate for the Federal Conservative Party in Canada. He was first elected as a member of the Federal Parliament in 1972, followed by 5 more successive and successful elections. His political career included being appointed Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport; then Minister of Supply and Services; Minister of Public Works; and finally the Minister of National Revenue – always in the government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He was also a key component in the preparation, financing and staging of the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. Otto retired from politics in the fall of 1993. He is a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.
His desired return to the Czech Republic came true in 1994. Jelinek, as a respected and experienced manager, became chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Partner of Deloitte & Touché Czech Republic, where he progressed to becoming also the chairman of D&T Central Europe. He held the position for 9 years.
Mr. Jelinek makes a huge effort not only in corporate businesses; he wants to contribute to the good reputation of his native country as well. That’s why he accepted the offer to become the coordinator of the Czech government for economic relations. Since 2006, he has coordinated the efforts of the state agencies CzechInvest, CzechTrade, Czech Centers and CzechTourism in order to better promote the country abroad. He is also a chairman of the Olympic Civic Society, which is seeking to have the 2020 Summer Olympics in Prague. Moreover, Otto was also instrumental in helping to bring the start of the 2008/2009 NHL season to Prague.
Otto Jelinek assumed the role of Chairman of Colliers International (CEE) in 2007.
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