Kiwi.com CEO recognized for the company’s innovation and global scope of business

Oliver Dlouhý, Co-founder and CEO of Kiwi.com, has been announced the winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 in the South Moravian region. An independent jury highlighted Oliver’s entrepreneurial determination, innovation, and the long-term sustainability of Kiwi.com’s operations.

A panel of experts who presented the award included the Governor of the South Moravian region in cooperation with EY, Y Soft, and the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC).

EY had previously acknowledged Dlouhý’s entrepreneurial success in 2017, when he won the EY Novice Entrepreneur of the Year prize, and participated in the national finals in Prague,  Czech Republic.

“Selecting the winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 for South Moravia was very difficult for the jury, as several exceptional entrepreneurial personalities entered the competition this year,” noted Magdalena Souček, EY’s Lead Partner in Central and South-Eastern Europe. “However, there could be only one winner. Oliver Dlouhý’s global scope of business, access to innovation, and his pursuit of sustainable transport development were key factors in the jury’s decision.”

“I believe that business is one of the most powerful tools we can use to change the world for the better,” said Petr Chládek, director of the JIC innovation agency, a significant contributor to business development in the region. “When people make their work meaningful, they are successful and satisfied at the same time. Oliver is proof of that. He deserves this award for his incredible efforts, patience and, above all, courage to do business. His story is the best possible inspiration and motivation for other budding entrepreneurs.”

“I am delighted to become the winner in the regional round of EY Entrepreneur of the Year. I would like to emphasize that the main task of all entrepreneurs is to create value. This should not be forgotten,” said Dlouhý.

This year Oliver Dlouhý became South Moravia’s fifteenth regional winner. The results of the national finals and the overall winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 will be announced on 3 March, 2020 at Prague’s Žofín Palace. Tradition dictates that the winner will then represent the Czech Republic at the world finals in Monte Carlo in June 2020.