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Kata Pavlović, CEO of Zepter Croatia, embodies the vision of a modern leader at the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious multinational companies. With years of experience, she has gained a deep and comprehensive understanding of every facet of the business.
Zepter’s mission goes beyond offering luxury—it focuses on providing tools for a better life. Every aspect of the business reflects their dedication to innovation, uncompromising quality, and sustainability, from Therapy Air iOn purifiers and Bioptron Hyperlight Therapy System to Hyperlight Eyewear, all designed to enhance the everyday wellbeing of their users.
Alongside technological innovation, Zepter’s business philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Through ongoing research, development, and innovation, Zepter continues to set new standards. As CEO Kata Pavlović puts it, everyone deserves to live a better, healthier, and longer life.
This interview offers a glimpse into the business excellence, vision, and dedication of a leader who passionately embodies Zepter’s philosophy in every aspect of her life and work.
How would you describe your vision as CEO of Zepter Croatia, and what inspired you to join a global corporation with such a compelling mission?
My vision is to continually promote a healthy, high-quality lifestyle through innovative products that truly transform everyday life. As I’ve often said, Zepter is more than just a brand—it’s a philosophy centred on enhancing quality of life, with a strong focus on health, beauty, and technology. The greatest motivation comes from knowing that we can make a long-term impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
Our products not only provide solutions to everyday challenges but also help people address the often-overlooked issues, such as air and water quality, nutrition, and self-care.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as CEO of Zepter Croatia in navigating the Croatian market?
One of the biggest challenges in Croatia has been raising awareness about the importance of preventive health care. In our society, people tend to be reactive, addressing health issues only after they arise rather than investing in prevention. Our mission is to educate the market on the value of prevention and how everyday choices can have a long-term impact on overall health.
We provide solutions that directly empower people to safeguard their health naturally and effectively, which is why Zepter’s role is vital in this context. While raising awareness about the long-term value and benefits of our products can be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we make on people’s lives.
Which Zepter’s products are you most proud of, and why?
Every one of our products holds unique value. I take immense pride in Therapy Air iOn, our air purifier. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, it became clear how essential air quality is for our health, and our air purifier has been instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of people across Croatia.
Our lineup includes the Zepter Edelwasser water filtration system and Hyperlight Eyewear glasses, offering cutting-edge hyperlight therapy and protection against harmful blue light. I could talk your ear off talking about our offerings. Each of these products has been designed to boost health and well-being in a straightforward yet remarkably effective way.
How would you describe Zepter’s brand philosophy?
Zepter’s philosophy—Live better, live longer—is at the core of everything we do. It is our guiding principle in everyday decisions, influencing everything from product design to interactions with our product users and the development of our sales network. This philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to health, addressing every aspect of life—from nutrition and air quality to skincare and mental wellbeing.
As CEO, my goal is to put this philosophy into practice on a daily basis by promoting products that are not only useful and beneficial but also vital for the long-term health and wellbeing of our customers.
Zepter is a global company with a long tradition. What trends do you anticipate will be important in the future?
My role is to make sure that the company’s mission and values are consistently communicated in the local market. At Zepter, the focus is on innovation, and trends, such as growing health awareness, sustainability, and technology, are crucial in our business. More people are embracing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and prevention. That’s why at Zepter, we’re committed to developing innovative technologies that will further accelerate this shift.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for staying at the forefront of innovation?
Innovation drives everything we do. At Zepter, we focus on more than just creating products; we’re always striving to enhance technology to improve people’s lives in healthier and more convenient ways. Innovation thrives on the synergy between technology and nature. We develop solutions that are cutting-edge while being mindful of health and the environment.
For example, our air filtering systems simulate natural air purification processes, while our household appliances allow for the preparation of meals without the addition of fats, thus preserving the nutritional value of food. Looking ahead, we plan to continue developing products that are environmentally sustainable, energy efficient, and easy to use.
What advice would you give to women who want to manage and lead large firms like Zepter?
Here’s my advice: trust yourself and don’t shy away from challenges. Running a big company takes grit, passion, and a constant appetite for learning. But above all, you’ve got to have faith in your abilities. As I often say, “Don’t wait around for someone to give you a push—give yourself a little kick in the heels and get moving.”
Women have a remarkable knack for juggling different aspects of life, and honestly, that’s the secret sauce to being a great manager. In my experience, it’s all about persistence and having a real passion for what you do—that’s the winning formula.
How do you balance your personal life and career?
Balancing these two is definitely a challenge, but I’ve found the trick lies in setting priorities and staying organized. My husband’s support means I can stay on top of work and still carve out some “me time.” I make it a point to spend every spare moment with the people I love and who keep me inspired. Balance isn’t impossible—just draw clear lines between your professional and personal life—and make sure nobody’s crossing them, not even you!
What message would you give to Zepter product users in Croatia, and how would you encourage them to choose Zepter as the go-to solution for their needs?
My message to them is simple: Zepter isn’t just about selecting products—it’s about choosing a lifestyle of health and longevity. Our products don’t just make life easier; they transform it for the better. Choosing Zepter means investing in your health and wellbeing—a decision that pays dividends in the long run. I invite everyone to discover how our products can enhance everyday life. Trust in Zepter’s top-notch quality and values, and witness changes that are real, tangible, and enduring.
Your impressive track record over the years shows that the combination of patience, persistence, and a clear vision can create remarkable things. Despite your many achievements, you often humbly acknowledge that your strength comes from the mentorship and support of Philip Zepter, the company’s founder.
That’s it. No more, no less.
Your tremendous zeal for promoting a healthy lifestyle and high-quality products is well known; it goes beyond mere marketing. What you advocate for is a lifestyle you genuinely embody.
I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of a healthy life and the critical role high-quality products play in enriching our everyday lives. Zepter’s products have significantly enhanced my health, made my life easier, and brought more beauty into it. That’s precisely why I’m so passionate about promoting them, she says, her smile reflecting the genuine satisfaction of knowing her influence positively impacts others.
Translation by: Tea Alfirov Kožul
