Josef Bláha

International Business Leader | Sales Director | General Manager | CEO | Interim Executive | Business Transformation | Commercial Strategy | Consumer & Technology | CEE | Former Samsung & Electrolux

Czechia

About

Seasoned international business leader with more than 20 years of experience in general management, commercial strategy and market development across Central and Eastern Europe. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for building and transforming businesses in dynamic and competitive markets, particularly in consumer electronics, appliances and technology-driven sectors. My background includes senior leadership roles in global organizations such as Samsung and Electrolux, where I led commercial operations, developed omnichannel strategies and managed large cross-functional teams. Since 2021, I have been focusing on strategic leadership, transformation and advisory assignments, supporting companies in business development, market expansion and operational optimization. My approach combines strategic thinking with a hands-on execution mindset and a strong focus on measurable business results. In previous leadership roles I held full P&L responsibility, leading cross-functional teams and driving commercial performance across multiple Central and Eastern European markets, including sales, marketing, supply chain and operational transformation. Skills: - Strong goal-orientation - Passion for extraordinary result - Strategic thinking with high degree of business acumen - Hands on mentality & never give up approach - Excellent in negotiation - Strong Interpersonal skills & leadership - Demonstrable track record of success in business growth - Business Strategy creation & execution - Strong leadership & experience in managing multiple intercultural teams - Continuous optimization of business processes and operations - Outstanding analytic, managerial and problem-solving skills - High-levels of commitment and sense of responsibility - Data driven business approach Key words: Executive Director, Country Director, Country Manager, Commercial Director, Sales Director, Sales Manager, General manager, Head of Sales, Head of Division, Managing Director, Director, Manager, CEO, Chief Executive Officer, Key Account Management, Sales, Marketing, Business Development, B2C, B2B, M2C, On-line, Leadership, Consumer Goods, Consumer Electronics, Negotiation, Leadership, Profit & Loss accountability, Cross Functional Leadership, Change Management, business process optimization, Channel strategy, Omnichannel Strategy, E-Commerce, strategic leadership, Sales Strategy, Change Management, Teamleadership & talent development, multicultural teams, management remote teams, business strategy creation & execution, business restart, business transformation. HVAC, Aircondition

Experience

  • Associated Partner at EMEA Associated Partners
    Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

    • International sales & marketing durable goods & technology for consumer & industrial sector • Supporting companies in market development & commercial expansion across the EMEA region • Strategic advisory for market entry & business growth initiatives - business activation & expansion

  • Business Manager International at Sony DADC
    Apr 2024 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 4 mos

    • Business transformation, diversification & development of new industry verticals • Commercial strategy and international partnerships • Logistic solution - assembly, completion, warehousing, logistics, distribution services • Business process outsourcing (BPO) - financial & customer care services, order to cash procesess

  • Commercial Director Central Europe at ZOK system s.r.o.
    Nov 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr

    • Business development & commercial strategy in the retail infrastructure sector across Central Europe • Shop equipment for retail food/non-food, DIY, indoor/outdoor & petrol stations • Complete services from design, visualisation, product documentation, production & final assembly • Market expansion in Central Europe

  • General Manager CZ & SK, McTree / Liebherr Distribution at Liebherr Appliances
    May 2019 - Aug 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    • Full responsibility for general management and P&L • Sales & marketing, after sales, finance, logistics & supply chain • Exclussive distribution LIEBHERR, NIVONA, LORD, VESTFROST, SCHULTHESS for CZ & SK markets • Expansion of B2B and B2C channels • Multiple product sectors – major appliances, floor care, small appliances and professional appliances • Omnichannel strategy - domestic appliances (retail/e-commerce & kitchen manufacturers for built-in) - professional appliances (HoReCa, healthcare & laboratory) - 2 x flagship brand stores & 3 x e-shops • Brand development and international export strategy execution for own brand (LORD)

  • Head of DA Division CZ & SK at Samsung Electronics
    Jan 2012 - Apr 2019 · 7 yrs 4 mos

    • Full responsibility for sales performance, market share development & commercial strategy CZ & SK • Sales & marketing household appliances (MDA / SDA) - B2B, B2C, D2C and e-commerce • Creating of new market segments, repositioning of the business, changing the consumer paradigm • Successful turnaround business towards a profitable premium segment • Development and implementation of an omnichannel strategy (retail & e-commerce)