Prof. KU Franjo Mlinarič
Department of Finance
Assistant Professor
ESG Manager, Kozminski University | CEO, Kozminski Business Hub | Corporate Governance Expert | Deep Tech, AI & Sustainability Strategist Working at the intersection of finance, sustainability, governance, and emerging technology, Franjo Mlinarič combines the rigor of a finance practitioner with the perspective of a board advisor, bringing deep expertise in corporate valuation, M&A, restructuring, and sustainable transition strategy.
As CEO of the Kozminski Business Hub, he leads deep-tech commercialization, international scaling, and AI-driven venture development across the Kozminski University ecosystem. As ESG Manager, he oversees the integration of ESG principles into strategy, governance, education, and external partnerships. He is also co-founder of the RES – Centre for Reimagining Sustainability in Management & Finance.
His research centers on sustainable value creation, ESG transition models, AI in finance and governance, and the economic impact of public and private investment. Franjo has mentored globally awarded student teams — including the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge champions — and builds innovation bridges with triple-crown business schools and Silicon Valley partners.
He is committed to advancing responsible entrepreneurship, scaling impactful business models, and developing cross-disciplinary talent for the AI-enabled economy.
As an economic advisor, he has carried out dozens of projects in Slovenia, including a model for the privatization of a telecommunications operator, a financial services merger policy for the national OCC, an economic analysis of the largest foreign direct investments (Magna, Maribor Airport), a model for the valuation of public services, an economic analysis and financial impact assessment of the Law on the Bar and the Law on Pharmacies.