27/05/2025
After more than thirteen years, Ing. Martin Šturala is stepping down from his role at VOP CZ, s.p., having held a number of key positions at the state-owned enterprise, including that of director. In an interview, he reflects on his time there, assesses the company’s current state and explains the reasons for his departure. He highlights, above all, the stabilisation of the company, the successful entry into the CV90 project, good relations with the team, and the positive changes brought about by the new management. He is staying in the region and taking on a professional challenge in the management of Ostrava Airport.
Martin, after more than 13 years at VOP CZ, you have decided to make a change. What led you to this decision?
It was a very carefully considered decision. VOP CZ is close to my heart – I joined here straight after my studies and have spent my entire professional career here. But one must know when the time is right. Under the leadership of the current director, Navrátil, the company now has a stable foundation, new energy and a clear direction. And I feel that the time has come to put my experience to good use in the next stage of my career. I’m leaving with a clear head and a sense of gratitude. After all, I’ve worked ‘only’ at VOP since finishing my studies, so it’s time to take on a new challenge.
You speak of a new direction and energy. How do you view current developments within the company?
The company has really come to life in recent months – both in terms of staffing and the atmosphere. The management under the new director has brought a fresh impetus to VOP CZ. I sense greater motivation among the staff and a strengthening of the internal culture, and this is reflected in performance and results. This is an excellent foundation for further development. At the same time, however, VOP CZ must continue to actively defend its place in the market…
What do you mean?
I certainly don’t mean that in a negative way. But it is important to realise that the form of a state-owned enterprise established by the Ministry of Defence often leads to the assumption that we have automatic access to government contracts – but the reality is different. VOP CZ has to compete fiercely for practically every contract. The founding body helps in many ways, but I must say that VOP CZ’s potential is far greater than is sometimes perceived at the central level. In my view, a company with such a tradition and scope deserves stronger strategic support, despite the interests of, say, other private-sector firms. Being state-owned does not necessarily mean being slow or conservative – on the contrary, our experience shows that it can be an advantage, and the people who work here really know their trade.
What periods or projects do you consider to be key milestones during your time here?
There have been several important projects over the years – whether it was development work, modernisation or maintenance contracts for the Czech Army in the specialist sector; in our civilian sector, too, we have become a highly advanced and modern engineering company. This applies both in terms of machinery and the modernisation of buildings and the overall infrastructure. Recently, the CV90 project has clearly stood out – it is a landmark contract that will advance the company both technologically and in terms of partnerships. However, the overall stabilisation of the company was also important, leading to last year’s positive financial result – something we did not always achieve in previous years. And personally, I greatly value the fact that I have managed to maintain fair relations with employees throughout.
In what condition do you think VOP CZ is?
In good shape. We have a solid foundation, experienced staff and the prospect of long-term contracts. Not only in the role of lead integrator for the aforementioned CV90 project, but the company certainly deserves to manage the entire lifecycle of the equipment as well. Today, the company has a clear vision and stable leadership, and that is essential. It is important that it remains flexible and innovative whilst maintaining its focus on quality. If this is sustained, VOP CZ has a bright future ahead.
Can you give us an indication of where your next steps will lead?
I am staying in the region, just ‘a few kilometres’ away. I was successful in the selection process and subsequently accepted the offer to lead the regional joint-stock company Letiště Ostrava, which operates the second-largest airport in the Czech Republic. For me, it is both a professional challenge and an opportunity to be part of another important infrastructure entity.
And what would you wish for VOP?
That VOP maintains its internal integrity, the quality of its people and the courage to move forward. And I wish the entire management team every success in fulfilling the vision of a modern state-owned enterprise that has a firm place in Czech industry. I am convinced that it has the best prerequisites for this. And, of course, I would like to thank all my colleagues – for what we have achieved together. That is not something one forgets.