Martin Wichterle (CZE)

Entrepreneur

The bearer of the famous surname Martin Wichterle is a very successful Czech entrepreneur. He owns the engineering holding Wikov Industry, the Bomma glassworks, a manufacturer of designer lighting fixtures, and the Rückl glassworks. He is one of the founding signatories of the “Výzva k 2. ekonomické transformaci" initiative (an initiative with the aim to kick-start the second Czech economic transformation).

He studied geology at the Faculty of Science of Charles University. In 1990, he started his own business in the field of geology and analytical chemistry (KAP, Ecocem) and later in the ceramic industry (G. Benedikt KV porcelain factory, Porzellanfabrik Langenthal, Lilien Austria).
Currently, he is the owner of Wikov Industry, which is predominantly focused on the production of highly specialised industrial gearboxes. The company employs around 1,100 people and has sales in excess of CZK 3.5 billion.
Martin holds positions in the statutory bodies of the above-mentioned companies, is vice-chairman of the board of UMPRUM, a member of the board of Confederation of Industry and president of the Association of Czech Industrial Design.