Daniel Kretinsky, the billionaire owner of the Royal Mail and a figure often described as the 'Czech Sphinx,' is facing increased scrutiny over his personal life and its intersection with his business dealings. Kretinsky, whose wealth is estimated at over £8 billion, recently featured his girlfriend, 28-year-old model Marie Jedlickova, in Royal Mail advertisements, a move that has drawn criticism amid ongoing concerns about his stewardship of the historic postal service.
Jedlickova, who has no prior acting experience, appeared in a Mother's Day commercial and another video promoting the Christmas postal service. Her casting has raised questions, particularly as Kretinsky, 51, is known for his relationships with significantly younger women. His previous girlfriend was the daughter of his late business partner. Jedlickova ended her engagement with her former fiancé, Max Talich, shortly before becoming romantically involved with Kretinsky.
Kretinsky's acquisition of the Royal Mail for £3.6 billion in 2024 has been a subject of controversy. The British government expressed national security concerns, leading to a 'call-in' of the takeover and the imposition of a 'golden share' to allow for government veto on key operational changes. Critics, including Labour's Liam Byrne, chairman of the Commons business and trade committee, have described the Royal Mail as a "national institution in meltdown" under Kretinsky's ownership.
Business Acumen and Personal Style
Kretinsky's business career began in the post-Communist economic landscape of the Czech Republic, where he developed a knack for investment. He co-founded EPH, a company with diverse interests spanning energy, retail, media, and football. He is set to take control of West Ham United and already owns Sparta Prague. His portfolio includes fossil-fuel power plants across Britain and Europe, drawing criticism from environmental campaigners.
Questions have also arisen regarding his dealings with Russia. Kretinsky holds a 49% stake in Eustream, a Slovak company that is a primary conduit for Russian gas into Europe. While Kretinsky maintains he has not met Vladimir Putin, reports indicate he attended a Moscow summit in 2016 for discussions with a close ally of the Russian president and head of Gazprom.
A Personal Life in the Spotlight
Jedlickova, who met Kretinsky after reaching the final of the Miss Czech Republic contest in 2023, was previously engaged to Max Talich. Talich, who has a master's degree from Exeter University, described the revelation of Jedlickova's relationship with Kretinsky as "surreal." He claims their engagement ended abruptly, and he only learned of her relationship with the billionaire weeks before it became public.
Talich's mother, Amelia, who had known Jedlickova for seven years and considered her a daughter-in-law, expressed surprise at the pairing. "I find the relationship surprising because he is very intelligent and her focus is really social media and fashion," she stated, adding, "Let's say I find it an unlikely pairing."
Kretinsky's opulent lifestyle, detailed by Amelia Talich, includes lavish gifts for Jedlickova, such as a French chateau and a rare diamond necklace, alongside a collection of Impressionist art, a superyacht, and multiple mansions in Europe.
Despite the criticisms and the scrutiny over his personal life, Kretinsky has maintained his composure, acknowledging the challenges of managing the Royal Mail. He has promised a £500 million investment over the next five years and expressed his deep regret for the service's performance issues, stating, "This is a hard job... a job that nobody else in Europe is doing."