The Euro50 Q&A: Dominik Libicki, Cyfrowy Polsat

With Dominik Libicki as president and CEO, Cyfrowy Polsat, Poland’s largest pay TV operator, has enjoyed another strong year. Highlights include the launch of LTE service to give a genuine ‘quad-play’

Age 47

Education Wroclaw University of Technology

Previous positions I have been involved in the media sector for over twenty years. Initially I was engaged in TV production, and for over ten years now, I have managed Cyfrowy Polsat, which today, with over 3.5 million subscribers, is the largest satellite platform in Poland and the fourth largest in Europe.

Last year’s highlights Apart from the efforts to maintain the leading position on the satellite platform market in Poland, we have been focused on two other developments, crucial for our future growth. Firstly, we managed to successfully complete the several-month process of acquiring Telewizja Polsat – the largest commercial TV broadcaster in Poland – thus becoming the number one media group on the Polish market. Secondly, we have been the first operator in Poland to offer ultra-fast and innovative LTE-based mobile Internet access, which was launched in August this year.

Most significant industry development Progressive consolidation in the pay TV market and ongoing convergence between media and telecommunications are becoming increasingly evident. The Polish market is now witnessing mergers of cable and satellite providers and partnerships between media and telecommunications companies. These processes are driven by technological development and the companies’ willingness to meet the future needs of their customers, who, thanks to new applications and services, will be given more freedom to choose when, where and what kind of content they want to use.

Goals for next year Our primary objective is sustainable business growth. Moreover, we will strive to maintain the leading position on the pay TV market, successfully offer our telecommunication services, increase the ratings of Telewizja Polsat’s 15 channels and, as a result, consolidate our presence on the TV advertising market.

Industry challenges and opportunities Attractive growth opportunities for media and telecommunications companies lie in state-of-the-art-technologies, which will enable development of new services. Growing consumer needs pose a significant challenge, but, if satisfied properly, they can offer excellent development prospects.

Alternative career choice I have always wanted to work in the media and entertainment industry, so I can hardly imagine any other scenario.

Life outside work I enjoy spending my leisure time with my family, for whom I don’t have enough time during the week. A good book is always a pleasure, too. Sport is also an important part of my life. I play tennis, ski and kitesurf.