From the athletics to multi-million transactions

Jakub Junek is proof that the combination of hard work, determination and support by a great team can lead to rapid career growth. As a senior consultant in the M&A and Strategy team, he is involved in projects focused on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic consulting. His passion for athletics helps him maintain discipline and overcome professional challenges.

What is your role at PwC and what are you currently working on?
I work as a senior consultant in the M&A and Strategy team. We help clients with the sale, acquisition or merger of companies. We also offer strategic consulting focused on the future direction of companies, market analysis and in-depth reviews, such as commercial due diligence. My current job is to analyse the fintech market in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

That’s quite a specific field. What brought you to M&A?
I studied business and law at the Prague University of Economics and Business, with a minor in business valuation. I became interested in M&A after taking two elective courses focused on mergers and acquisitions, which were taught by visiting professors from Nantes. Thanks to a recommendation from a classmate, I came across PwC, where I had the possibility to combine my studies with practical experience and do what I enjoy.

What projects have you worked on? 
Since joining PwC, I have mainly focused on strategic projects. Those I would like to mention include:

• A study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on supply chains in key sectors with Japanese capital in selected countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

• An analysis of the supply chain in the agricultural and food sector, with an emphasis on items that are key to the food and economic security of a particular country.

• Commercial due diligence in the field of thermoforming plastics processing in the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Bulgaria.

In terms of transactions, I have completed one successful acquisition, where I advised on the purchase of a Czech manufacturer of sports nutrition for the fitness and bodybuilding area, the EXTRIFIT brand.

We are glad to hear that you are doing well. What are you most proud of in your career?

Entering the dynamic world of M&A was a challenge, but also a great opportunity to quickly find my bearings in the industry, make valuable contacts and gain experience that is helping me grow. Although I started in the industry with no experience, I was promoted to a senior position after less than two years, which I consider a reward for my hard work. I cannot forget my previous involvement in co-founding the ASK Dipoli athletics club, which is now the second largest in the Central Bohemian Region, and my role as coach and vice-chairman. I am very proud of that. 

You started without any previous experience. What has helped you most in your career growth? 
Many factors played a role, but the key ones were my team and the people around me. Since I entered the business without any previous experience, I greatly appreciated their support. They helped me quickly find my way around, learn new things and develop not only technical but also social skills. All this in a friendly and supportive environment, which allowed me to grow much faster than I had originally imagined.

What do you enjoy about working at PwC? 
The work itself is varied and interesting, which gives me the opportunity to constantly learn and improve my skills. I also enjoy various after-work and leisure activities, such as away days and ski weekends, which allow us not only to get to know each other better, but also to strengthen the team spirit in an informal setting.

How do you like spending your free time? 
In my free time, I do sports, especially the javelin and high jump. I also enjoy playing tennis. Besides doing sports, I like cooking and experimenting with mixing different cocktails, whether at home or at all sorts of parties and events. The combination of good food and great drinks is the perfect way for me to relax.