Mr. Kulczyk was the only Polish entrepreneur to operate globally in over thirty countries on four continents in the sectors of oil and gas, energy, mineral resources, infrastructure and real estate. Jan Kulczyk played an active role in the transformation of the Polish economy. He participated in some of the largest privatization deals and shareholding restructurings as well as successfully completed major PPP projects.
He was a co-founder of the Polish Business Roundtable and the Honorary Chairman of the German-Polish Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chairman of the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce. Since July 2006 he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Green Cross International and in October 2007 was appointed as Chairman of the Board.
In 2010, he founded CEED Institute, a think-tank to promote the achievements of the new EU member states. In 2014, Jan Kulczyk created the Council of Polish Investors in Africa. He was a member of the Atlantic Council International Advisory Board.
Philanthropist, patron of culture and sport. He was decorated with the Polonia Restituta Order and the Golden Medal of Saint Paul Fathers for special contributions to the Jasna Góra Monastery. He was also a holder of the prestigious Kisiel Award. In 2012, he was awarded the Patron of Culture title by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. As the first entrepreneur in the world, he was awarded the title of Friend of Nigeria by the Nigerian government. As the strategic sponsor of the Polish Olympic team, he supported initiatives that unite business, politics and sports societies to develop amateur and professional sport in Poland.
The Distinguished Museum Benefactor believed that the truth does not come out through shortcuts – without tolerance, respect and forgiveness. According to Mr. Kulczyk, the museum constitutes a path to the truth.
Jan Kulczyk died on 29 July 2015 in Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien in Vienna.