KeyNote Speakers

Ing. Ivan Štefanec, MBA, PhD.

Member of the European Parliament (Slovak Republic, EPP, IMCO)
President of EP Beer Club
President of SME Europe of the EPP

Ivan Štefanec joined the European Parliament in 2014 where, to this day, he is an active member of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). He is also a substitute member of the Committee for the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and Delegation to the EU-Ukraine PAC. As the President of the EP Beer Club and of SME Europe, he focuses on SMEs, beer industry, employment, entrepreneurship and (digital) single market.

Prior to joining the European Parliament, he was member of Slovak parliament (National Council of the Slovak Republic 2006 – 2014). As the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, he supported the pro-European orientation of Slovakia and its greater inclusion into European affairs and EU decision-making process.

In 2004, when Slovakia joined the EU, he was appointed Government plenipotentiary for the introduction of the euro currency in Slovakia and he held the post for two years. 

Before entering politics, Mr Štefanec worked in Coca-Cola Beverages Slovakia, first as a Financial Director and then as Managing Director. Later on, he became Director for European Integration for Coca-Cola HBC in Vienna. He was the first Slovak person to be awarded a Dale Carnegie Leadership Award, regarded as the most significant management award.

MEP Štefanec holds a degree in English language from the Comenius University, Bratislava and a degree in IT and Management from University of Economics, Bratislava. He has a MBA for managers from CE Europe from Rochester Institute of Technology, NY and a PhD in Economics from the University of Economics, Bratislava. 

Ivan Štefanec is a sport enthusiast. He enjoys running and cycling and has been involved in several competitions, including the New York Marathon. After joining the EP, he cycled 1,200 km to his new work place from Bratislava to Brussels for 9 days.