Petr Kellner was a Czech billionaire who recently passed away after a helicopter crash in Alaska. Kellner’s estimated worth of $17.5 billion made him the richest person in the Czech Republic. Petr started selling office supplies after the opening of the Czech Republic in the late 1980s.
Together with partners, he formed an investment company known as PPF to participate in the privatization of state-owned companies. PPF bought a stake in the country’s largest insurance company before expanding into finance, manufacturing and telecommunications. Due to the activities of the PPF in foreign territories, Petr had become a key figure in the international relations of the Czech Republic.
Despite being the richest person in the Czech Republic, Petr kept his family life hidden from the public.
Petr Kellner’s first marriage to Iva Kellnerova ended in divorce. He later married Renata Kellnerova, with whom he shared four children. One of the couple’s children, Anna Kellnerova, is a champion equestrian.
Kellner strove to keep his family life away from the public. According to a statement issued by PPF, Petr will leave the world as he lived it, surrounded by his family. The company stated that the funeral will be a family affair:
“Petr Kellner was 56 years old. His professional life was known for his incredible work ethic and creativity, but his private life belonged to his family. His funeral will be held only with close relatives. We ask that the media respect the privacy of the Kellner family during this difficult time.”
Petr and his wife launched The Kellner Family Foundation to help educate children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Petr and Renata formed the Educa foundation in 2002. Renata served as president of the Foundation, which awarded scholarships to elementary school students. In 2009, the couple launched the Kellner Family Foundation and, two years later, merged it with the Educa Foundation.
The Kellner Family Foundation sponsors socially disadvantaged students through elementary school and college. It also funds teachers and principals to improve their qualifications and, in turn, improve the quality of education offered in public schools. The Foundation also funds selected research projects in the Czech Republic. Part of the Foundation’s mission statement reads:
“The scholarships were intended for luminaries acclaimed by international scientific circles, as well as talent just beginning their research careers, including recent graduates in medicine and life sciences who want to gain experience at prestigious institutions. All our projects have a common goal: to motivate those who have the necessary talent to reach greater heights”.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn