It’s Kentico’s 20th anniversary! To commemorate the start of our second decade, we’re spotlighting our dedicated colleagues to reflect on their time growing with Kentico.
In 2004, Petr Palas saved the original CMS code for Kentico on a floppy disk. Since then, Kentico has gone from being a bachelor thesis project to Xperience by Kentico and Kentico Xperience 13–digital experience platforms trusted globally.
Our team now has over 200 members; with headquarters in the Czech Republic and offices in the UK, US, Germany, and Australia. Over 90,000 websites and counting are powered by Kentico worldwide.
Petr Palas created the foundation for our success, but our team helped build Kentico into the digital experience platform it is today. Today, we’re looking back to where we started to reflect on our journey together.
A transformative journey
We released Kentico versions 1, 2, and 3 in 2008. Since then, Kentico has evolved from a simple platform for more efficient content management to a leading digital experience platform, with a history of 13 different versions released on the market. With each release, we’ve aimed to outpace the rapidly changing digital landscape to become future-proof.
As Kentico grows, so do we.
Members of our team have been on a transformative journey of their own. Many of us have tried on different hats to find the one that’s a perfect fit. Take for example Jana Safira Nováková, who started as a technical writer but later found her groove as an engineering manager.
“Kentico offered me diverse opportunities to eventually find the role that fits me best, allowing me to become the leader I aspire to be. Its culture of cooperation, autonomy, empathy, and excellence resonates deeply with me.”
Sparking innovation through evolution
Our team has remained dedicated to Kentico’s evolution – even in an ever-changing digital landscape. Marek Fešar, the Principal Technical Leader, emphasizes Kentico’s adaptability to technological advancements, stating “Kentico is where challenges meet growth. From early .NET Core versions to the latest .NET, we’ve innovated alongside the tech evolution. This commitment to excellence is why I remain and it’s what we promise to those who join us.” From fine-tuning Kentico Xperience 13 to the development of Xperience by Kentico, Kentico has always stayed ahead of the curve through innovation.
Kentico’s dedication to innovation has given our team opportunities for success – without needing to leave.
“I have grown with the company. The market has changed completely, but Kentico has helped me stay on top. We push each other forward, learn from each other, and dedicate 20% of our time to innovation and education.”
Staying true to our values and vision
Though it’s true that the market has completely changed since 2004, our mission has not wavered. Our commitment to Kentico’s vision guides what we do. Deborah Tuček, the Director of Product, explains: “Our Product Management team is passionate and proactive. The core values of Kentico are the essence of what we do—we own it, we do it, we follow the strategy and we always strive to make a positive impact.” These core values have continued to help us successfully bring Kentico’s vision to life for the past 20 years.
Kentico’s long standing core values and vision have inspired colleagues like Jaroslav Kordula, an Engineering Manager, to stay with us for over 18 years: “My long tenure at Kentico is due to the people, the stability, the endless opportunities to grow, and the trust placed in me—that makes Kentico an integral part of my identity.”
Doing it all with a great team
Exceptional teamwork and a supportive company culture have led Kentico down a path of continued success – and it’s why many members of our team have stayed committed for so long. Petr Švihlík, our VP of Engineering, shared what sets Kentico’s culture apart.
"At Kentico, the camaraderie and support amongst colleagues are unparalleled, extending far beyond the workplace. This genuine kindness hand in hand with growth opportunities is what makes this more than just a job."
Simona Humpolová, a DevOps Engineer, shares Petr’s sentiment: “I’m supported by a fantastic team and senior mentors who foster my rapid growth. This nurturing environment where I can ask questions boosts my confidence and work effectiveness.” These statements are evidence that positive teamwork goes hand-in-hand with creating lasting solutions.
Looking forward to the future of Kentico
The future of Kentico is looking bright, and our colleagues agree. With our shared vision of success, there’s exciting progress on the horizon for Kentico. Our team echoes the sentiment: Kentico’s future is filled with promise.
Check out the video interview with our colleagues, including our Lead Product Manager David Komárek and our CEO Dominik Pintér, who gathered to share their thoughts about the past twenty years of Kentico, and to envision the exciting future that lies ahead. Here’s to the next 20 years!
Kentico is 20 🎉
Join us as we commemorate two decades of innovation, growth, and digital transformation with Kentico!
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