FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF DR JAN KULCZYKS DEATH

On 29th of July comes first anniversary of dr Jan Kulczyks death. His sudden fate was an immense surprise for all of us. The biggest Polish entrepreneur, who used to act globally, passed. He was a part of crucial sectors of Polish and World economy development. The owner and creator of Kulczyk Holding and Kulczyk Investments, international investment house that leads its project in 30 countries on 4 continents.

Dr Jan Kulczyk performed a significant role in Polish economy transformation. He took part in the biggest transactions and proprietary transitions in Poland, initiated and realized great projects from a range of public-private partnership.

Because of his vision, personal engagement and tenacity, from years lot of drivers can use first concessive motorway, linking Poland with Europe. In the day of opening the motorway till the border with Germany, he said that due to this project he was able to connect Stryków and Lizbona.

Wielkopolska owes him not only the motorway. Kompania Piwowarska Inc (formerly Lech Wielkopolska Brewery, who was its shareholder) is today in the cutting edge of Polish beer producers and encouraged by him to invest in Poland Volkswagen is about to open in Września another after Poznań car production.

Together with his wife, Grażyna, he managed to form Stary Browar,a centre of Commerce, Arts and Business, which extraordinary architecture was appreciated with many prestigious awards on the whole world. As an art lover, dr Kulczyk brought as a present for his wife a unique work – sculpture “Moonlight” made by Igor Mitoraj. Poznań culture owes dr Jan Kluczyk a lot. He was supporting and financing theatre projects, like MALTA Festival or Transatlantyk, he invited Placido Domingo to have a concert in Pozań, he sponsored opera performances and exterior shows, which were one of a kind.

Since the years he successfully supported young, outstanding students and graduates from Poznań Universities. His daughter, Dominika, is continuing his creation. Thanks to generosity of Kulczyk family, the University of Adam Mickiewicz in Poznań can run the scholarship program named by Jn Kulczyk, which is a great example of cooperation between high academy and business. Until now the program was used by near 150 students and graduates.

In 2010 he initiated rising of CEED Institute, think tank that is promoting achievements of new member states of European Union. In 2014 he instituted Council of Investors in Africa. He was a member of elite international Advisory Board of Atlantic Council think tank.

Philanthropist, Maecenas of culture and sport. He was decorated by the president of Poland with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Poland. Laureate of prestige Kisiel award (1992), Gold Medal of Paulites Fathers for special merits for Jasna Góra. Laureate of „Culture Maecenas 2012” award granted by Minister of Culture and National Heritage. He was the biggest sponsor of Polish sport and strategic sponsor of Olympic representation.

All his merits for culture, art, sport and business are impossible to mention. He was a wordly person, but always coming back to Poland with a great sentiment. He was living as if every next day can be the last. His calendar used to be full. He was taking fast actions. He couldn’t stand the stillness. He loved people. He loved life. He was a great man blessed with sensitivity and sense of humour. Visionary, very strict but appreciating people. It’s hard to believe that it is already a year since he’s not with us… Such people never die, they are unbreakable, never elapse.

Dr Jan Kulczyk created the biggest global working Polish empire of XX century. His work is successfully continued by successors ready for XXI century challenges – daughter Dominika and son, Sebastian.