Zdravko Počivalšek

Zdravko Počivalšek is a seasoned economic expert, manager and former minister with many years of experience in corporate management, business system restructuring, tourism development and the formulation of measures to foster a competitive and stable economic environment.

He graduated from the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana in 1981 and began his professional career in the agri-food sector, where he quickly took on leadership responsibilities in business development and corporate restructuring. He led the Šmarje pri Jelšah Agricultural Cooperative and the Mlekarna Celeia company.

In 1999, he became Director of Atomske Toplice, d.d., which under his leadership developed into the well-known and successful Terme Olimia brand.

In December 2014, Počivalšek was first appointed Minister of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia. He held this position in three governments and also served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia between 2020 and 2022.

During his tenure as minister, he focused on strengthening the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy, supporting entrepreneurship, internationalisation, investment, technological development and tourism. He paid particular attention to measures aimed at ensuring a stable business environment and supporting companies during periods of crisis.

In his work, he combines experience from business, tourism and public policy and advocates practical, development-oriented solutions for long-term growth and greater economic resilience.

He received the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia Award for outstanding achievements in business and entrepreneurship, and in 2010 he was named Manager of the Year in recognition of exceptional accomplishments of lasting significance to the economy.