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TA3 Investment Conference: Energy of the Future

Prague May 22, 2025
Martin Pacovský

At the “Energy of the Future” conference, hosted by Slovak television TA3 on 25 May 2025, leading energy experts gathered to discuss the outlook for energy prices, energy investment, and energy security across the EU.

Martin Pacovský, Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for the ENERGY TRANSITION strategy, was a guest speaker in the opening panel discussion. In his remarks, he focused on two key points:

  • Why he sees natural gas as a critical component of modern energy generation
  • Why investing in flexibility within the energy grid is essential

You can watch the full recording of the panel discussion here: Investiční konference TA3 Energie budoucnosti

The new ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION fund is built, among other things, on investments in flexible energy sources. The fund will primarily invest in flexible electricity and heat generation based on natural gas, with additional allocations to battery storage systems and renewable energy projects, especially across Central and Western European markets.

Over the next four years, the ARETE ENERGY TRANSITION fund plans to invest CZK 5 billion, targeting an annual return of 11–12%.

Robert Ides

Robert Ides, Co-Founder, is the Managing Partner of Arete Group. He was part of the founding team in 2014 and has over 25 years of advisory experience. He oversees company strategy, both real estate and energy infrastructure asset classes. Under his leadership, the company has successfully divested two real estate funds, delivering outstanding returns to its clients. Prior to founding the company, Robert held several leadership positions focusing on complex international mergers, acquisitions, and strategic projects. Among others, he served in executive roles at AIG and Zurich Insurance Group.

Robert is an experienced M&A professional and studied in Prague.

 

Martin Konecny

Serves as the company’s CFO, bringing a robust background in finance and economics, with extensive international experience. At ARETE, Martin is responsible for reporting and controlling on corporate and fund level for all entities in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia.

Martin has over 30 years of experience, and a proven track record in corporate finance, operations, M&A, and portfolio management. Before joining ARETE, Martin served as a Group Head of Risks and Operations at P3 Logistics Parks, a logistics real estate investment manager with more than 3 billion AuM. His career includes 4 years as Country CFO at Citi Czech Republic and 15 years at KPMG, overseeing audits and compliance investigations.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Economics, Finance and Trade from the Prague University of Economics and Business as well as an Executive MBA from the University of Bristol.

Martin Pacovsky

Is the Chief Investment Officer at ARETE for our energy transition strategy, with extensive experience in managing and developing energy assets, focused on advancing carbon-neutral strategies. With a strong track record in strategic planning and international market expansion, Martin has successfully led organizations through complex M&A processes, including guiding Pražská Plynárenská a.s. through the 2022 energy crisis as Chairman of the Board. His expertise encompasses risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Previously, Martin held senior roles at ČEZ Group, where he contributed significantly to renewable energy projects and international growth, such as overseeing the construction of Romania's largest onshore wind farm.

Martin holds an MSc from the University of Economics in Prague and an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

 

Lubor Svoboda

Lubor has 25 years of experience leading real estate and private equity companies as a CEO, managing successful business transactions and legal restructurings in financial and highly regulated environments. Over the past ten years, Lubor has focused on fund management and strategic planning. He holds a Master’s degree in Law from Masaryk University in Brno and an MBA from the Prague International Business School.