Our People – Leadership Team

PCU is full of people who are passionate about what they do. Students, lecturers, administrators, our senior managers and founders are proud of the institution that has been built since 2004 through careful attention to quality of teaching and learning, and dedication to working hard to achieve excellent results. The long-term strategy and development of PCU is guided by the President and University Board and delivered in cooperation with the leadership team and academic community of the university. The Academic Council Executive, the Rector's Office and the Executive Team together lead the university towards its goals of providing an excellent education for our students, creating a rewarding work and study environment, and making a meaningful contribution to the world around us.

Douglas Hajek, MBA

Douglas is the President of Prague City University. He is co-founder and responsible for leading the University to fulfil its long-term mission and vision. He serves as Executive Chairman of the University Board and also chairs the Academic Council Executive.

Peter T. Howe, MA

As Executive Director, member of the Academic Council Executive and Rector's Office and Chair of the Executive Team, Peter oversees the management and operations of the university in support of our strategic vision. A key goal is to support student agency and engagement and to continue to cultivate the university as a student-centered institution which empowers learners through trust and authentic responsibility.

George Allen, MFA

George is the Dean of the School of Art and Design and leads the development and implementation of all programmes in the School. He is a member of the Academic Council Executive.

Hon. Prof. Stefano Cavagnetto, Ph.D.

Stefano is the Pro-Rector of PCU and Director of CRIS - the PCU Centre for Research and Interdisciplinary Study. He leads the development and implementation of all programmes in the School and he is Programme Leader for MSc International Management. Stefano is a member of the Academic Council Executive.

Dave Gannon, DBA

Dave is the Acting Dean of the School of Business and responsible for the BA (Hons) International Management programme. His Doctoral focus was on the employment of marginalized groups in the Czech Republic. Dave lectures in Human Resources, Cross Cultural Management and Research Methods at undergraduate and post-graduate level.

Doc. Zdeněk Starý, CSc. Ph.D.

Zdeněk’s role at Prague City University is Rector of the Czech University Accreditation and Programmes and he also serves as the Dean of the School of Education and is a member of the Academic Council Executive.

Peter T. Howe, MA

Magdalena Hradecká

Magdalena joined Prague City University at its very beginning. She works as Head of Operations and Purchasing Manager, ensuring that our purchasing processes run well and relationships with our suppliers are kept in good order.

Nelli Pontes, MA

Nelli Pontes is Director of Student Services at Prague City University. She has an MSc International Management degree from PCU, so has first-hand experience of life as a student moving to Prague for studies. Nelli also has an MA in International Journalism from her home country of Belarus.

Doc. Zdeněk Starý, CSc. Ph.D.

Zdeněk’s role at Prague City University is Rector of the Czech University Accreditation and Programmes and he also serves as the Dean of the School of Education.

Hon. Prof. Stefano Cavagnetto, Ph.D.

Peter T. Howe, MA

PhDr. Mgr. Marek Merhaut, Ph.D. MBA

Marek is responsible for the Rector's office and for the past 12 years has worked in academia. He has published on socio-cultural issues of management, ethics, diplomatic protocol, gender issues and issues of ethnic groups. He previously he worked for more than 30-years in management positions in the Hospitality industry. Marek has a PhD. in sociocultural anthropology, a Ph.Dr. in cultural studies, a Master's degree in sociocultural anthropology, a Bachelor's degree in sociology at Charles University.

Ing. Lucie Sojková

Lucie is a Programme Administrator for the School of Education. She is also responsible for incoming student integration, credit transfer and reintegration after mobility. She, along with the Dean of the School are also responsible for the development and implementation of staff mobility projects, and joint research activity.

Mgr. Khatia Zakaraia

Khatia is an assistant to the Pro-Rector and the School of Media & IT. In her role she supports students, lecturers, programme leaders, as well as the Pro-Rector. She also works closely with PCU's strategic partner, Teesside University. Originally from Georgia, Khatia holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics & Business Administration from Tblisi State University and a Master's degree in Economics & Finance from Charles University.

Douglas Hajek, MBA

Mgr. Nataša Babić

Natasa is a co-founder of Prague City University and participated in setting up the administrative and academic systems, while lecturing in the School of Business at the outset and later in the School of Media and IT. Natasa has a long career as a broadcast and print journalist and writer and supports PCU activities in these areas. Natasa holds a Master’s degree in Politics and Economics from Charles University in Prague, a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science from City, University of London, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Iceland.

Mark Huntington

For almost two decades Mark has brought his wide experience in international education, and particularly his work advancing student choice of university destinations across Europe, to underpin his board member role offering advice and support to PCU. He is currently spearheading our initiative with the Council of Independent Schools to help promote global cooperation among secondary schools and universities.

Our People – Leadership Team

Academic Council Executive

Executive Team

Office of the Rector

University Board