Igor Šimunić

Igor Šimunić’s professional journey began over a decade ago when he started as a trainee at Podravka, delving into the complex world of the FMCG industry. After completing his studies, he spent two years in the United States before returning to Croatia, ready for new challenges – though unaware at the time of how profoundly those experiences would shape him.

“I was incredibly fortunate to work with mentors who generously shared their knowledge and experience. That privilege has become my modus operandi – I aim to pass on as much knowledge as possible to the people I work with.”

Igor’s early career was marked by his work on Vegeta, Podravka’s leading brand. He contributed to its rebranding, modernized its communication, and introduced new product categories. It was during this time that he gained a broader understanding of business, from market analysis and portfolio categorization to pricing strategies and technological and production processes. “That period opened my eyes. I learned to view the entire business, not just one segment.”

Leadership Through Responsibility and Brand Focus

After his success in Croatia, Igor took on the role of Marketing Director for Podravka Germany and later for Western Europe, overseeing markets such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Sweden, Italy, and the UK. It was during this time that he developed a desire for a new challenge: working in a more agile organization where key decisions are made faster and where he could fully leverage his professional expertise.

“In a large system, you learn processes. In a smaller one, you learn speed and take direct responsibility for many decisions that have an immediate impact on the business.”

Joining Pipi Beverages was a bold but well-thought-out move. In just two and a half years, Igor and his team transformed the company. They redefined the visual identity, introduced the Pipi 3.0 communication platform, changed bottlers and distributors in key markets, implemented new pricing and market strategies, and opened markets like South Korea. “What would take about five years in a large system, we accomplished in two. That’s the power of a smaller, goal-focused team.”

The MBA as a Transformative Milestone

Although Igor’s career change wasn’t directly tied to his MBA, the program had a significant impact on his understanding of business and his professional growth.

“The MBA gave me what I was missing, a financial foundation that allowed me to see the entire system.” He particularly recalls Professor Evans and his message: “If you don’t apply what you’ve learned, the MBA is just three letters after your name.” This principle continues to guide Igor in his work.

The COTRUGLI EMBA program also simplified finance and analytics, presenting them in a practical and accessible way. This became a crucial part of Igor’s confidence in later managerial roles.

Beyond knowledge, the MBA provided something equally valuable: a network of people with whom he remains in contact. “Knowledge is important, but the people you meet, the connections you make, that’s a lifelong value.”

Challenges That Shape a Leader

At Pipi Beverages, Igor faces challenges that go beyond marketing. Price volatility of raw materials, climate change affecting citrus crops, inflation altering consumer habits, and strict EU regulations are just some of the complexities the brand must navigate to survive and grow.

For Igor, the key to every solution is the team. “Open communication, joint decision-making, and thorough risk assessment are the foundation of every project. If the risk assessment is well-prepared, you reduce risks by 50%. The rest is handled by a team that trusts each other.”

Igor believes that a leader is not just someone at the top of the hierarchy but someone who enables others to grow. “When someone on the team is ready for a bigger step, you need to make it possible for them. A leader doesn’t hold people back; a leader prepares them to fly further.”

Conflicts within the team, he says, are not a sign of dysfunction but an indication that people care. The most important thing is to have open discussions and hear different perspectives, as that’s where the best solutions emerge.

The MBA in His Continued Development

While the MBA didn’t directly initiate his career change, it gave him a strong boost at Podravka. The company recognized his work and additional knowledge, accelerating his promotions and opening doors to managing large, demanding markets.

Today, as Marketing Director at Pipi Beverages, Igor has the opportunity to do what he has always wanted: apply everything he has learned over a decade of work and education to the development of a brand with strong emotional potential.

“Every decision I make is deliberate. And I believe this was the right one because I have the chance to create, grow, and see results in real time.”

A Message to Future MBA Participants

“If you’re entering the program, go all in. Learn, listen, challenge yourself. The value of an MBA isn’t just in the knowledge; it’s in learning to see the system, make better decisions, and build relationships that last.”