New Boyden study reveals CEE executives prioritize safety, quality of life, and family integration over salary when relocating, with Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary leading.
Simona Mann is an executive search professional advising private equity and venture capital investors on C‑suite and board hires. She leads complex searches across Europe, the US, and Asia, aligning leadership with investment goals through strategic mapping, interviews, and full delivery to support transformation and growth.
Professional Focus
- Over 10 years’ experience in executive search and senior human capital advisory
- Extensive focus on private equity and venture capital–backed searches, including C-suite and board-level appointments
- International search experience across Europe, the US, and Asia
- Expertise in search strategy design, market mapping, senior-level assessment, and candidate evaluation
- Strong understanding of investor expectations, governance, and leadership in PE-backed environments
- Native Czech speaker; fluent English; working knowledge of German
Business Expertise
- Executive Director and Communications & Talent Lead within a privately owned, partner-backed investment and operating platform, focused on hospitality businesses and the cultural revitalisation of a heritage site, driving business transformation, destination building, and organisational development
- Senior Associate and Interim Head of Research at a global top-tier executive search and leadership advisory firm, working closely with partners on complex international mandates
- Executive Assistant to Group CFO in a private equity–backed industrial group, with responsibility for investor reporting and board-related communications
- Press & PR / Marketing Coordinator at Škoda Australia (Volkswagen Group subsidiary)
- Intern, Consulate General of the Czech Republic, Sydney
- Executive Assistant to the Program Director, Australian Institute of Management, Sydney
Additional Expertise
- Private Equity & Venture Capital–backed businesses
- Healthcare & Medical
- Telecommunications
- Technology (Hardware, Software, Semiconductors)
- Financial Services & Banking
- Consumer & Retail
- Automotive
- Hospitality
Education & Certifications
- Master’s degree in international management from Teesside University, Prague
- Bachelor’s degree in sociology, anthropology, and German from University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Diploma in international business from Bridge Business College, Sydney
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Perspectives from 30 senior executives on relocation decisions and leadership mobility across CEE
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