Ing. Kateřina Kupková, CEO and Chairwoman of the Board at Lenzing Biocel Paskov, has been with the company for 23 years, progressing through various managerial positions. In this interview, she discusses the key moments of her career, the challenges of sustainable production, and how she inspires young women aiming to succeed in the industrial sector.
What were the key moments during your 23-year career at Lenzing Biocel Paskov that influenced your leadership and your approach to managing the company?
I started at what was then Biocel as a controlling manager, and I believe that was the pivotal moment in my career. I worked hard to thoroughly understand the company’s processes and resource flows, participated in almost all important projects, and we also implemented a new ERP system. All of this helped me grasp the company’s operations from different angles, gain experience, and most importantly, be a part of teams making crucial decisions about the company’s growth and future direction. Equally important to me were my colleagues. I was always able to turn to most of them for consultation, and I’ve been very fortunate with my colleagues and bosses.
What values and principles do you consider crucial for successfully leading a company, especially in a highly competitive environment?
A company must constantly evolve, improve, and adopt new technologies. In our case, this also means using BAT’s—Best Available Techniques. Today’s business environment is very dynamic and fast-paced, and management must be able to respond quickly. Properly set decision-making processes, clear responsibilities, and flexibility in making important decisions are critical. I believe the key to leading a company is having the courage to take responsibility for your work, creating a strong, reliable team, and having the ability to motivate colleagues to perform at their best and appreciate their work.
„A company must constantly evolve, improve, and adopt new technologies.“
In running a company focused on sustainability and technological innovation, what challenges have you faced, especially in the context of the evolving industrial landscape and initiatives like the Green Deal? How do you successfully integrate sustainable practices with production, and which sustainability projects inspire and motivate you the most?
There have been quite a few challenges. Over ten years ago, we completely changed our final product. Instead of pulp for paper production, we started producing viscose pulp, which is used for sustainable viscose fiber in textile applications and nonwoven fabrics. In a short period, we invested more than €150 million. This allowed us to not only change the technology but also significantly improve production efficiency. We implemented more effective equipment and expanded our energy production. Today, we are completely independent in heat and electricity production, and we sell nearly 20% of the electricity we generate back to the grid. We manufacture products from renewable resources, continuously increase production capacity, are entirely energy self-sufficient, and produce very little waste. In more than 40 years of the company’s existence, we’ve made significant strides in reducing our environmental impact on surrounding communities. Over 98% of our electricity comes from non-fossil renewable sources. We constantly seek new solutions, and our technology meets global standards. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us. We care about the state of the planet that we leave for future generations.
In addition to being the CEO of Lenzing Biocel Paskov, you also serve as Vice President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic. As one of the few women in a leadership role in the industrial sector, how do you perceive the position of women in the industry? Have you encountered any prejudice along the way?
Working at the Confederation of Industry and Trade is incredibly fulfilling for me. I have the opportunity to collaborate with very experienced experts and inspiring people. At the Confederation, I am responsible for sustainability and the circular economy, which is a long-term, highly relevant but currently complex and much-discussed topic. It is true that the share of women in industry is very low, not just in leadership roles but across all levels. This is why fewer women make it to leadership positions—there simply aren’t enough to promote. In my opinion, that’s a shame.
„This allowed us to not only change the technology but also significantly improve production efficiency.“
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in technology and industry but are hesitant to enter a traditionally male-dominated field?
There’s no reason to be afraid. Industry and the implementation of advanced new technologies are our future. If we want to move our world forward, we need to focus on modern technologies. There’s plenty of room for both men and women in this field. It just takes courage, passion, enthusiasm, and hard work. I sense that the younger generation wants work that has meaning and fulfills them. So why not try it in the industry?
Kateřina, thank you for the interview.
Ing. Kateřina Kupková is the CEO and Chairwoman of the Board at Lenzing Biocel Paskov, where she has worked since 2001. She started as a controlling manager, then moved on to the role of CFO, and since 2020, she has been leading the company, known for its eco-friendly production of viscose pulp. She is also a Chairwoman of the board of the Association of Forestry and Wood Processing Enterprises and the Czech Pulp and Paper Industry Association. Since 2023, she has served as Vice President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic. She holds a degree from the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Faculty of Economics.
You can find the full interview in the POSITIV Business & Style WOMAN magazine.
