Orlen is set to take over as the main sponsor of the National Stadium, replacing PGE. This announcement has garnered unexpected approval from former CEO Daniel Obajtek, who is known for his ongoing criticism of his successors.
Daniel Obajtek, who served as the CEO of Orlen for six years, has become one of the firm’s biggest critics since stepping down. His reactions to company decisions and financial reports are often immediate and sharp, but this time he expressed praise regarding the sponsorship deal.
The change, which will see the venue renamed to Orlen Narodowy, is expected to take effect by 2026. Reports indicate that Orlen will pay significantly more than 10 million PLN annually for the naming rights.
In a notable departure from their usual sharp comments directed at Obajtek, Orlen’s press office briefly addressed his post about the sponsorship.
Obajtek’s tenure from 2018 to 2024 greatly transformed Poland’s energy sector, marked by high levels of political involvement and turmoil in the management of state-owned enterprises. His strategy aimed to create a powerful fuel and energy conglomerate, which he pursued through prominent mergers and acquisitions, including those of Grupa Lotos, PGNiG, and Energa. Additionally, Orlen ventured beyond traditional operations, including the controversial purchase of the Polska Press publishing group, viewed by critics as an attempt to gain control over regional media in favor of the ruling party at the time.
While supporters of Obajtek highlight the rapid development of infrastructure and business diversification, his leadership has sparked unprecedented controversy, leading to formal accusations and multiple investigations following changes in the Polish government.
