Ante Banovac, Executive Board Member and COO at GrECo Group is responsible for the Czech Republic. In this interview he discusses the company’s commitment to employ the very best talents, their recent people investments in GrECo CZ, and the benefits of working with them.
The interview was originally published in oPojištění.cz.
GrECo is a family business. Can you tell us more?
Banovac: GrECo, founded in 1925, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of family-owned enterprises.
Our journey into Eastern Europe commenced in 1989, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of our international expansion in alignment with the needs of our clients. This strategic decision propelled us forward, allowing us to establish a formidable presence across the region.
Today, GrECo stands as the premier corporate and specialty insurance broker and risk advisor in Central and Eastern Europe with 1,300 dedicated employees and a presence in 18 countries boasting 65 offices. Our extensive network, coupled with our innovative approach to serving the evolving needs of our clients, has earned us a reputation for excellence and reliability. This pole position is a source of immense pride for us as a family business deeply rooted in European heritage..
What benefits is a family-owned company bringing to your clients?
Banovac: We offer our clients a unique set of benefits derived from our unwavering commitment to independence and long-term vision. Unlike publicly listed companies, GrECo is not bound by the pressures of stock analysts or short-term financial gains. This freedom allows us to prioritise strategic thinking and decision-making that aligns seamlessly with our clients’ long-term objectives.
Moreover, our independence ensures we remain steadfastly focused on the needs of our clients and our people. Unlike companies backed by private equity, where investors‘ interests may sometimes overshadow client priorities, we maintain a singular dedication to delivering exceptional service and solutions tailored to our clients’ individual needs. This commitment to client-centricity is the true privilege of our independence, and it is palpable in every interaction with GrECo. What is more, our teams value this spirit of independence and the culture of empowerment it fosters. It imbues true meaning into our day-to-day work, empowering us to make a tangible difference for our clients with every action we take.
We believe that GrECo provides the premier platform for like-minded individuals who share our passion for client satisfaction and our desire to make a meaningful impact each day.
What services are you offering in the Czech Republic and what makes you different to others?
Banovac: In the Czech Republic, GrECo is proud to offer sophisticated, bespoke, and tailor-made risk advisory and specialty insurance broking solutions to corporate clients and public offices. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to risk management and our unwavering commitment to understanding the unique needs and challenges of each client. We recognise that risks are multifaceted and interconnected. Therefore, we invest significant time in listening to our clients, understanding their businesses, strategies, and specific needs before conducting thorough analyses. This meticulous approach enables us to develop comprehensive risk mitigation strategies that align seamlessly with our clients’ objectives.
Our team in the Czech Republic comprises some of the most highly trained professionals in the industry, boasting extensive experience and an intimate understanding of the local risk landscape. Furthermore, they are adept at thinking globally, continually monitoring international trends and developments to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities. Ultimately, what sets us apart is the depth of our solutions. We are forward-thinking risk specialists, committed to providing our clients with proactive, future-proof strategies that not only protect their interests but also drive their success in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Why is GrECo Holding investing in GrECo Czech Republic?
Banovac: As a core country in Central Europe, the Czech Republic holds significant strategic value due to its central location and robust economy. It is a pivotal market where GrECo Group operates; investing in its growth is essential to our overarching strategy.
Central and Eastern Europe is our home territory, and our success in this region is intrinsically linked to our people. We firmly believe that our talented teams are the driving force behind our achievements, and investing in their development and growth is paramount to maintaining our leading position. By providing a platform for intrapreneurial-minded individuals to thrive and by leveraging the capabilities of a leading European broker, we aim to strengthen our presence in the Czech Republic and uphold our commitment to excellence. We are confident that GrECo Czech Republic will continue to play a pivotal role in our broader mission to redefine risk management and advisory services across the region.
What changes have there been to the GrECo CZ management board?
Banovac: Our investment in the management board in the Czech Republic reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of risk management and insurance broking.
First and foremost, we are delighted to have Radovan Škultéty as our new General Manager. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he is poised to lead the future operations of GrECo in the Czech Republic.
Vladimír John has been appointed as the Head of Strategic Partnerships & Insurance Technique. His appointment underscores our commitment to developing and implementing customer-oriented solutions that drive value for our clients and partners.
We have also bolstered our team with the addition of Adam Jaroš, who joins us as Central Sales Manager. He brings extensive experience as a professional broker and will lead his team in developing our business model across various regions in the Czech Republic.
Together, Radovan, Vladimír, and Adam bring over 54 years of combined experience in risk management to our operations. Their expertise, vision, and commitment to excellence make them invaluable to GrECo CZ, and we are proud to have them at the helm as we continue to innovate and lead in our industry.
About Ante Banovac
Ante Banovac holds an MBA in General Management and is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK). His career journey began in 1995 at Nuernberger Allgemeine Versicherung in Munich, Germany. In 2000, he ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Apollo Insurance Solutions, where he served as a Managing Partner. In 2010, Ante transitioned into a different sector, serving as Managing Director of a retail company in Italy, where he honed his expertise in operational management and business development. In 2014, driven by his passion for the insurance industry, he joined GrECo as Market Coordinator for Southeastern Europe (SEE). In 2018, Ante assumed the role of Head of Group Sales & Market Coordination, where he played a pivotal role in driving sales strategies and expanding market reach across the GrECo Group. Ante was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the GrECo Group in 2022.
Ante Banovac
Executive Board Member/COO
T +43 5 04 04 372
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