Petr Střelec

Your professional career has taken you from studying physics to becoming the CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific Brno, a global company. How would you describe this journey, and what were its key moments?

My professional journey was not a leap, but a gradual progression. I started out doing very practical work in production, dealing with quality and everyday operational issues. It was there that I learned to understand processes, technologies and people in depth. Gradually, I took on responsibility for larger units, led teams and became involved in international projects. Each step brought new challenges, but I found that the key was to face them without fear, to be open to learning and to accept opportunities that would move me towards leading the entire company.

What is your view on leadership and working with people within a large, international company?

I see leadership as primarily finding a balance between people, their abilities, and the specific situation. Trust and personal responsibility are essential, as is having the right team in place. Every team needs people who can generate new ideas and innovations, as well as individuals who can see things through and turn ideas into reality. Achieving this balance and ensuring that people feel their work is meaningful creates an environment where both individuals and the entire organisation can grow in the long term.

What role do you think corporate culture plays in a company's success?

Corporate culture is absolutely key. When employees feel respected and understand the purpose and value of their work, they are more likely to collaborate, take responsibility and exceed normal expectations. Culture determines whether good ideas actually translate into concrete results or remain on paper only. In a global company, culture is also an important link between different teams, countries and professional approaches.

Which professional challenge has been the most demanding for you so far, and why?

One of the most challenging tasks was standardising processes and data within a global organisation employing thousands of people. Each plant had its own systems, standards and established ways of working. The challenge wasn't just about technical interconnection, but also about changing people's mindsets. Without standardising data and processes from development through to production and service, and without uniform design rules, the company would not be scalable or competitive in the long term. This change was essential for the company's future development.

How do you cope with pressure and extremely demanding projects?

During critical periods, it is necessary to dedicate maximum energy and time to a project, sometimes at the expense of personal comfort. However, if there is a clear vision and a strong team, seemingly impossible obstacles can be overcome. I vividly remember the launch of a key system just before Christmas, for example, when we worked for weeks with almost no sleep. Thanks to the tremendous dedication of the entire team, however, the project was completed successfully, and this experience had a significant impact on my professional development.

What motivates you most in your work, and how do you recharge outside of work?

I get the most joy from seeing that something I started as an idea really works, whether it's new teams, technologies or processes. Outside of work, I primarily draw energy from physical activity and spending time in nature, whether that's gardening or hiking in the mountains. These activities teach me perseverance, courage and patience, especially when I can share them with my family.

What advice would you give to current physics students, and which values do you think are essential for long-term success?

I would advise students not to be afraid of hard work and to feel free to start from the basics. It's important to strike a balance between what's enjoyable and what's necessary, embrace change, take risks and be open to new opportunities. At the same time, it is important to try to find meaning and joy, even in work that may not seem appealing at first. I consider responsibility, trust in people and results, perseverance, discipline, the ability to learn and adapt, and the joy of building – in both your professional and personal life – to be essential for long-term success.

Petr Střelec has been the director of the Brno branch of Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in the development and manufacture of electron microscopes and spectrometers, for a long time.

Education and professional background

• Petr studied solid-state physics at the Faculty of Science of Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, now the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University.
• During his studies, he focused on the physical principles that would later form the basis of his career in advanced scientific instrumentation.

Career and professional path

Petr has been involved in the development of electron microscopy in Brno for over thirty years. After graduating in 1989, he joined the company Tesla Brno as a physicist and worked on developing electron lithographs.

In 1993, he was recruited to the newly established company DELMI (the predecessor of today's Thermo Fisher Scientific Brno) by the renowned expert Jiří Očadlík. There, he participated in developing the first products and gradually established key technological and manufacturing processes.

Throughout his career, he has held various management roles, including production management, operations engineering, global process consolidation, and transmission electron microscopy development management.

In 2017, he took responsibility for the entire research and development department, and subsequently for the entire Brno branch of Thermo Fisher Scientific. Under his leadership, the city of Brno has become one of the world's technological centres for electron microscopy, where cutting-edge scientific instruments are developed and manufactured.

Awards and recognition

• In 2023 and 2025, Forbes magazine ranked him among the top 30 CEOs in the Czech Republic, highlighting his influence in technological and business circles. He also won the Managerial Visionary category in the Manager of the Year competition in 2025.

Interesting features of his life and work

Petr is head of a branch that manufactures cutting-edge analytical instruments, such as electron microscopes and spectrometers, which are used in medicine, materials research, battery development, and the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries.

His professional journey exemplifies the transition from physicist to strategic leader; however, he retains a strong scientific foundation in his work and has a personal interest in technical innovations.

Under his leadership, the company is strengthening its ties with universities, research institutions and young talent, thereby contributing to the growth of the technological ecosystem in the Czech Republic and Europe.