Andrej Kiska, Slovak entrepreneur and philanthropist, President of Slovakia

Andrej Kiska (Slovak pronunciation: [ˈandrej ˈkiska]; born on February 2, 1963) is a prominent Slovak figure, widely recognized as a politician, successful entrepreneur, insightful writer, and dedicated philanthropist. He made history by serving as the fourth President of Slovakia from 2014 to 2019, marking a significant period in the nation's political landscape.

Before entering the political arena, Andrej Kiska established a formidable reputation in the business world. He was the co-founder of two major non-bank consumer lending companies in Slovakia: Triangel and Quatro. These enterprises revolutionized the consumer finance market in the country, providing accessible credit for a wide range of goods and services, and showcasing Kiska's entrepreneurial acumen and strategic vision in establishing leading financial services firms.

Kiska's philanthropic endeavors are equally notable and deeply impactful. He is the founder of the charity system Dobrý Anjel (Good Angel), which translates to "Good Angel." This highly respected organization provides crucial financial assistance directly to families with children suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer, cerebral palsy, or cystic fibrosis. The Dobrý Anjel system operates on a unique and transparent model, ensuring that donations directly reach those in need, profoundly changing the lives of thousands of families across Slovakia and demonstrating his profound commitment to social welfare and compassionate support.

His political career culminated in the 2014 presidential election, where he ran as an independent candidate, distinguishing himself from traditional political parties. In a historic outcome, Andrej Kiska was elected as President in the second round of voting, defeating the then-incumbent Prime Minister Robert Fico, a well-established political figure. This victory was particularly significant as he became the first independent candidate to be elected President of Slovakia, highlighting a public desire for a non-partisan figurehead focused on unifying the nation. During his five-year tenure, from June 15, 2014, to June 15, 2019, Kiska focused on upholding moral values, promoting civic society, and acting as an independent voice in Slovak politics, often emphasizing the rule of law, transparency, and the fight against corruption. He chose not to seek re-election for a second term, concluding his presidency in 2019.

Beyond his business and political achievements, Andrej Kiska is also a published author. He has penned two influential books, both of which delve into themes of personal growth, success, and his life journey. These inspirational works, titled "Cesta manažéra z pekla" (The Manager's Journey from Hell) and "Vezmi život do svojich rúk" (Take Your Life into Your Own Hands), offer readers insights into his philosophical outlook on life, his experiences transitioning from entrepreneurship to philanthropy and public service, and his pathway to both professional accomplishment and personal fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Andrej Kiska

When was Andrej Kiska born?

Andrej Kiska was born on February 2, 1963.

What was Andrej Kiska's professional background before becoming President?

Before his presidency, Andrej Kiska was a highly successful entrepreneur, notably co-founding the major non-bank consumer lending companies Triangel and Quatro in Slovakia. He also founded the Dobrý Anjel (Good Angel) charity system.

What is Dobrý Anjel and what does it do?

Dobrý Anjel (Good Angel) is a charity system founded by Andrej Kiska that provides direct financial aid to families in Slovakia with seriously ill children, helping them cover essential expenses related to their medical conditions and treatment.

How was Andrej Kiska elected President of Slovakia?

Andrej Kiska ran as an independent candidate in the 2014 presidential election and was elected President in the second round of voting, making him the first independent head of state in Slovakia's history.

What books has Andrej Kiska written?

Andrej Kiska has authored two books: "Cesta manažéra z pekla" (The Manager's Journey from Hell) and "Vezmi život do svojich rúk" (Take Your Life into Your Own Hands), which offer insights into his experiences and perspectives on happiness and success.