In a recent conversation with Property Forum at Expo Real, Karel Stránský, CTP’s newly appointed Group Business Development Director, shared his vision for advancing CTP’s growth in high-potential regions and expanding its solutions across markets. Joining CTP after a long career serving industrial tenants, Stránský discussed his immediate goals and what trends are set to reshape the logistics and warehousing industry by 2025.
You joined CTP in August. What are your initial goals in this new role?
Since my early days in the industry, I've known CTP as a strong competitor, and I’ve always been impressed by its approach. My first focus will be supporting sales in rapidly growing regions like Romania, Serbia, parts of Poland, and Germany, all of which show exceptional industrial manufacturing potential.
Another key goal is strengthening relationships with our core clients. Many tenants don’t realize the full scope of what CTP offers. We don’t just lease space, we provide tailored solutions that allow clients to focus on their business rather than real estate logistics. We assist clients with expansion and relocation, helping them navigate real estate opportunities across different regions, along with factors like labour markets, supply chains, and incentives, to pinpoint the optimal site for their needs.
Finally, I’ll be working on CTP’s expansion into new markets. In my previous role, I specialized in location consulting, so I’ll apply that expertise to help CTP explore strategic opportunities
Can you share any details about these new locations?
Our expansions are always tenant-led, that’s also how we have grown into our current markets. Our role is to guide them through the European market, where they often find the complexity of languages and regulations challenging.
What sets CTP apart in the warehouse market, and how are you leveraging these strengths?
CTP’s competitive edge is our deep understanding of client needs. We build solutions around each customer’s specific requirements. Unlike many developers who sell completed assets, we retain ownership and stay close to the operations, handling maintenance, implementing environmental solutions, and modifying spaces as clients’ needs evolve.
For instance, if a client needs to expand or upgrade, we’re proactive—this is something most investment funds would hesitate to do because it often doesn’t align with their profitability models. CTP prioritizes our clients' growth, even holding extra land in reserve so that we’re prepared for future expansion.
What key trends will shape the logistics market in 2025?
Logistics is evolving rapidly. Companies are revisiting distribution models, expanding e-commerce, and responding to shifts in consumer demand for FMCG goods. While some warehouses will become obsolete, others will emerge as part of a steady wave of new development.
Nearshoring is also transforming the market. European companies increasingly choose locations closer to Western Europe rather than Asia, with Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland as primary beneficiaries. The EU’s recent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports will push Chinese manufacturers to establish production in Europe, impacting local suppliers while creating opportunities for new partnerships.
Geopolitics will also play a role. The ongoing war in Ukraine creates uncertainty, but increased defence investments will likely fuel demand for logistics space dedicated to the defence sector—an area where CTP could play a key role, either developing facilities or partnering with defence suppliers.
