Marko Barišić: Discover how Croatia’s ex-president Kolinda Grabar Kitarović has built a lucrative consultancy, KGK Advising & Professional Services, while co-chairing the WHO’s Global Preparedness Monitoring Board. We explore her journey from politics to entrepreneurship and global health advocacy.
Personal loss and public presence
She recently turned 57 but did not celebrate her birthday, as her mother passed away shortly before. This was a difficult time for Kolinda, as most call her, and she shared that her mother died of kidney cancer. “Life never spoiled her; she worked hard her entire life, doing tough physical jobs,” she wrote in a tribute, adding, “Angels watched over you.”
International engagements and voluntary work
After leaving Pantovčak in 2020, Kolinda became a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). She travelled globally to promote the organisation in special circumstances, though this was voluntary. She also led the commission deciding future Olympic hosts.
Speculations and missed opportunities
During this period, foreign media—particularly American outlets—often listed Kolinda among potential candidates for NATO’s next Secretary-General. Ultimately, Dutchman Mark Rutte secured the role.
Solidarity with Ukraine
Last year, she celebrated Easter in Ukraine, posting photos from Lviv in front of a church with a basket of decorated eggs. This reinforced her clear stance on the conflict, which Kolinda had expressed previously. She also regularly attends matches of Croatia’s national teams, primarily football but other sports too.
Entrepreneurial ventures and business growth
In November 2022, she founded KGK Advising & Professional Services, offering consulting, market research, speech communication training, and organising seminars, events, and promotions. The company is based in Kolinda’s Zagreb apartment.
Financial success and salary insights
According to the Court Register, her firm—where Kolinda is owner, director, and sole employee—generated €28,433 in turnover during its first two months in 2022, with a profit of €24,739. The following year, 2023, saw total revenue rise to €219,421 and post-tax earnings reach €146,982.
Financially, 2024 has been even stronger: turnover grew by 58% to €346,171, while post-tax profit surged 71% to €251,325, as reported by Tportal. Notably, the former president declares a monthly salary of just €839—a figure strikingly low compared to her firm’s high profitability.
Leadership in global health preparedness
Alongside her business, international organisations have not forgotten Kolinda. In June 2023, she became co-chair of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB), appointed by the heads of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Bank (WB).
Accolades and ongoing popularity
The WHO highlighted her “exceptional experience in foreign policy and complex multilateral processes, as well as her expertise in political negotiations and regulatory development for global change.” Upon accepting the role, Kolinda stated, “I look forward to leading the Board in achieving our shared goal of making the world safer from pandemics and health emergencies.”
Though some critics remain, she retains significant popularity among Croatians, with Kolinda continuing to be a well-recognised figure. For more info on her achievements and journey follow he on Facebook: Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović