10 Croatian CEOs Making Waves on LinkedIn in 2025

CEOs to follow
August 6, 2025

Using LinkedIn is one thing. Turning it into a magnet for ideas, talent, and opportunities? That’s another game entirely.

These Croatian CEOs get it. They show up with clarity, creativity, and a strong sense of who they are, not just as business leaders, but as people.

Some share behind-the-scenes lessons. Others post sharp takes on leadership, growth, and tech. All of them know how to keep things real while still moving the needle.

We’re highlighting them not just to celebrate good content, but to set a new standard. We believe in showing (not just telling) what great leadership content looks like.

If you’re posting already and wondering how to level up, these profiles are packed with ideas worth stealing. And if you're just getting started, Will’s free trial makes it ridiculously easy to go from idea to impact.

Saša Spasić – CEO, OptimaB2B And Innovation Authority

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Ever feel like your LinkedIn feed is stuck on autopilot?

Scroll for five minutes and it’s just charts, company wins, and recycled leadership quotes.

Then someone like Saša Spasić pops up and you stop scrolling.

Why?

Because Saša tells real stories.

Stories about building something from scratch. About the messy, creative process of helping businesses grow. About what it takes to connect people across the globe who all believe in one thing: innovation should move fast, but it should still feel human.

He runs not one, but two companies: OptimaB2B and Innovation Authority.

And somehow, he makes juggling both look effortless.

But if you look closely, it’s not magic. It’s strategy mixed with serious passion.

Who Should Follow Saša Spasić?

  • Founders and marketers who want to make B2B feel less boring and more bold
  • Creatives who care about design, innovation, and real impact
  • Anyone who wants a global view of what’s actually working in business today

About OptimaB2B

Let’s be honest: most B2B marketing feels like homework.

OptimaB2B flips that.

They help businesses craft campaigns that feel personal, not templated. The kind that make prospects say, “That’s exactly what I needed.”

They focus on lead generation, automation, and results you can actually measure.

No fluff. Just sharp, creative work that helps companies grow.

🔗 Visit OptimaB2B

About Innovation Authority

Innovation Authority is where global collaboration gets real.

It’s not about buzzwords. It’s about pulling people together from different industries, countries, and backgrounds, and helping them build the future.

Think events, workshops, and a community that actually does stuff, not just talks about it.

🔗 Visit Innovation Authority

How He Shows Up on LinkedIn

Saša’s posts aren’t polished press releases.

They’re personal snapshots.

He shares the wins, sure. But also the experiments, the unknowns, and the in-between moments that most people skip over.

One day he’s talking about launching a new platform. The next, he’s breaking down a challenge he’s trying to solve.

You feel like you’re building alongside him.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • He makes you feel like part of the journey
  • He shares projects that matter, not just for clout
  • He responds, comments, and actually joins conversations

What Makes Saša Different?

Instead of trying to impress you, Saša is trying to include you.

Whether he’s writing about a new project at OptimaB2B or a global event through Innovation Authority, his tone stays the same: curious, honest, and open.

That’s rare.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Share what you’re working on before it’s perfect
  • Let people in on your thought process
  • Comment like you mean it, not like it’s a checklist
  • Use your experience to teach, not to preach

Where He Could Level Up

Video could take things to the next level.

Imagine behind-the-scenes peeks of client wins or short takes on what’s inspiring him right now.

It’d make his content feel even more real and help more people feel like they’re in the room with him.

Krešimir Dobrilović – Founder & CEO, CARWIZ International

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to turn a homegrown business into a global franchise, just scroll through Krešimir Dobrilović’s feed.

You’ll see snapshots from 35+ countries, behind-the-scenes moments from franchise deals, and stories that feel less like corporate press releases and more like real life.

One day, he’s sharing big revenue wins. The next, he’s posting a photo of his new house and talking about balancing family with global growth.

That’s the magic. You don’t just see what he’s building. You feel it.

Who Should Follow Krešimir Dobrilović?

  • Entrepreneurs trying to scale without losing their voice
  • Franchise founders who want a peek behind the curtain
  • Anyone chasing big goals but still trying to stay human doing it

About CARWIZ International

CARWIZ started in Croatia with one simple idea: build a rent-a-car brand that could go global.

Fast forward, and they’re now operating in over 35 countries, with 300+ locations.

In 2023, bookings tripled. Revenue soared. Profit margins exploded, up more than 300%.

Awards rolled in too: “Franchise of the Year” and biggest export breakthrough at the 2023 Franchise Brand Awards.

And all of it built from the ground up, brick by brick.

🔗 Visit CARWIZ

LinkedIn Content Strategy

Krešimir mixes personal wins with hard business data.

He’ll talk about doubling revenue and then share what that meant for his team or his family.

It’s transparent. It’s proud. It’s real.

You get the feeling he’s just as excited about growth as he is about showing people what’s possible when you bet on yourself and keep going.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Shares big milestones with personal context
  • Highlights growth with numbers, not fluff
  • Uses visuals from real life, offices, events, homes, travels

What Makes Krešimir Dobrilović Different?

Most CEOs polish their image. Krešimir brings you into the room.

You feel like you’re along for the ride, from his first franchise deal to building a dream house.

His openness turns a business story into something people root for.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Let your numbers talk, but tell the story behind them
  • Make your audience feel like part of the journey
  • Use visuals and milestones to build momentum

Where Krešimir Dobrilović Can Grow on LinkedIn

He’s nailed the Croatian and franchise crowd. But there’s room to branch into global startup and mobility spaces.

A few more behind-the-scenes breakdowns in English could bring in an even wider audience ready to learn from his path.

Nataša Kalauz – CEO, WWF Adria

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

You don’t need to post every day to make an impact. Nataša Kalauz proves that.

When she speaks, people pay attention. Her posts feel like deep breaths: calm, focused, and meaningful.

She’s not trying to dominate your feed. She’s there to remind you what matters.

After nearly a decade working in trade and investment for the UK government, Nataša stepped into environmental leadership with WWF Adria.

And now? She’s guiding conservation efforts across eight countries with a mix of strategy, heart, and quiet persistence.

Who Should Follow Nataša Kalauz?

  • Sustainability pros looking for smart, regional leadership
  • NGO leaders juggling impact and strategy
  • People who want more meaning in their LinkedIn feeds

About WWF Adria

WWF Adria works across the Western Balkans, from Slovenia to Albania, protecting rivers, forests, wildlife, and coastlines.

Under Nataša’s leadership, they’ve helped secure UNESCO status for Europe’s first five-country biosphere reserve.

They’ve led €20 million in EU-supported projects focused on river restoration and biodiversity.

These aren’t small wins. They’re generational moves.

🔗 Visit WWF Adria

LinkedIn Content Strategy

She doesn’t post often, but when she does, it counts.

Her content focuses on cross-border environmental work, partnerships, and the bigger picture.

It’s not about her. It’s about the planet and the people trying to protect it.

The tone is reflective, calm, and strategic. Think less “social media hype,” more “informed call to action.”

How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Highlights large-scale impact with global partners
  • Shares regional wins that matter across borders
  • Positions WWF Adria in the bigger climate conversation

What Makes Nataša Kalauz Different?

While many leaders compete for attention, Nataša draws people in by staying true to the mission.

No fluff. No over-personalization.

Just steady leadership, big-picture thinking, and real impact you can feel in the way she writes.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • You don’t have to post often to post well
  • Stay focused on the mission, not the attention
  • Let real impact be the story, not just your role in it

Where Nataša Kalauz Can Grow on LinkedIn

A few more personal reflections, moments from the field, challenges faced, or lessons learned could make her message land even harder.

People are already paying attention. Giving them more would only deepen the connection.

Ermin Smajlovic – Founder & CEO, SMAI

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

It’s one thing to launch an agency.

It’s another to turn it into a data-driven machine that grows international brands from the heart of Croatia.

That’s what Ermin Smajlovic is building with SMAI. He didn’t just set out to “do marketing.” He set out to reinvent how it’s done.

His posts show the full journey: client growth wins, behind-the-scenes experiments, and the unfiltered lessons along the way.

He’s bringing a new level of clarity to what modern performance marketing really looks like.

Who Should Follow Ermin Smajlovic?

  • Founders trying to scale their brand with data, not guesses.
  • Marketing leads who care about conversion, not just clicks.
  • Agency folks hungry for inspiration and realness.

About SMAI

SMAI is an agency that runs on two fuels: data and bold ideas.

They use performance marketing, AI-powered workflows, and design thinking to drive real results. Clients don’t just get strategy—they get execution that converts.

From Fortune 500s to growing startups, the work speaks for itself.

🔗 Visit SMAI

His LinkedIn Game

Ermin's content is super visual. Screenshots of dashboards. Growth charts. Campaigns broken down into bite-sized takeaways.

But what really works? He explains the “why” behind the wins.

His posts often start with a pain point—then show how they solved it.

You’re not just reading a post. You’re learning something useful you can apply today.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Turns client success stories into teaching moments.
  • Shares thought experiments and frameworks.
  • Highlights the team and the process, not just outcomes.

What Makes Ermin Different?

He’s got the mind of a CMO and the energy of a founder.

He isn’t chasing attention. He’s building trust. And his content feels like it’s written by someone who’s in the thick of it every day.

No fluff. Just tested ideas that work.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Use visuals that show results.
  • Break down wins so others can learn.
  • Let your process speak as loud as your pitch.

Where Ermin Could Grow on LinkedIn

There’s room to spotlight more behind-the-scenes moments—how the team brainstorms, how feedback loops are built, and what it looks like when a campaign goes sideways.

Those real-world moments make the polished wins hit harder.

Ivan Livić – Co‑Founder & CEO, VendueTech

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Ivan Livić saw a broken system, and decided to rebuild it.

He’s turning the world of property auctions into something smarter, more transparent, and way more user-friendly.

That’s VendueTech.

If you’ve ever tried navigating legal property sales, you know it’s a mess of spreadsheets, portals, and manual paperwork. Ivan’s changing all of that with tech and data.

And he’s telling that story in real-time on LinkedIn.

Who Should Follow Ivan Livić?

  • Real estate pros looking to scale with smart tools
  • Tech entrepreneurs focused on old-school industries
  • Anyone interested in the future of digital auctions

About VendueTech

VendueTech is a platform that makes public real estate auctions faster, clearer, and more efficient.

It uses data to help users make better decisions, and lets them filter and monitor opportunities across Croatia.

They’ve digitized a system that’s been analog for far too long.

🔗 Visit VendueTech

His LinkedIn Game

Ivan’s posts zoom in on market gaps. He talks about inefficiencies, shares data points, and points out friction others ignore.

You get to see how VendueTech is solving real problems. One feature at a time.

His tone is calm, focused, and curious.

He’s not trying to impress. He’s trying to improve.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Shares company milestones and product updates
  • Breaks down market trends and what they mean
  • Posts with a mix of tech, real estate, and public sector insights

What Makes Ivan Different?

He’s not glamorizing startup life.

He’s solving something specific. Something messy. And something that matters to a niche group of people who’ve been stuck with bad tools for years.

It’s focused. And it’s working.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Go deep on your niche. It builds authority fast.
  • Use your product as proof, not just a pitch.
  • Share the messy stuff, not just the launch moments.

Where Ivan Could Grow on LinkedIn

There’s an opportunity to pull more people into the journey.

Stories about customers. Screenshots of wins. Little wins. Beta testers. That real-world texture builds connection, and makes a technical product feel human.

Ivan Burazin – Co-Founder & CEO, Daytona

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Before Daytona, Ivan Burazin helped shape Croatia’s tech scene.

He co-founded Shift, the largest developer conference in Southeast Europe. Then he joined Infobip as Chief Developer Experience Officer. That’s where the idea for Daytona started: A platform built by developers, for developers, to simplify local development environments.

You can feel his passion for product and community in every post.

Who Should Follow Ivan Burazin?

  • Startup founders who want to build something developers actually love
  • DevRel pros and engineering leaders
  • Anyone building in public

About Daytona

Daytona helps developers launch, share, and manage dev environments in seconds. The product is open-source and backed by the team behind some of Croatia’s biggest tech wins.

🔗 Visit Daytona

His LinkedIn Content Strategy

Ivan posts like a builder.

You’ll find product updates, behind-the-scenes stories from building Daytona, and lessons from his earlier startups. He keeps it light, focused, and valuable, especially for tech folks.

He’s sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what’s coming next.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Positions Daytona as a dev-first company
  • Showcases Croatian tech talent on the world stage
  • Builds trust by showing up consistently

What Makes Ivan Different?

He doesn’t hide the messy middle.

Ivan shares real snapshots of startup life. From rebuilding the product to refining messaging. He knows when to zoom in and when to zoom out. That balance makes you want to keep following.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Build in public, even when things feel raw
  • Talk to your niche, not the whole internet
  • Share your why, not just your what

Where Ivan Can Grow

More bite-sized videos could take his content to another level. A short weekly update, even lo-fi, would build connection fast.

Nikola Kapraljevic – CEO, Infinum

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Back in 2007, Nikola joined Infinum as an intern.

Fast forward to today, and he’s leading the whole company as CEO.

This wasn’t some overnight leap. He grew with the company, taking on role after role, helping shape it from a small dev shop into one of the top software agencies in Europe.

Instead of being about quick wins, his story is about sticking around and doing the work.

The kind of leader who understands every layer of the business because he’s lived through it.

Who Should Follow Nikola Kapraljevic?

  • Founders building product agencies or dev shops
  • Aspiring CTOs or tech leads thinking of stepping into leadership
  • Tech professionals who want to see behind the scenes of real company growth

About Infinum

Infinum builds software for clients like Porsche, Philips, and KPMG, while also launching its own digital products.

With 400+ people across several countries, they’re no longer the “startup” people once knew.

In 2023, Infinum promoted Nikola to CEO, allowing the founder to step back and focus on broader strategy.

This kind of leadership handover is rare in the region, and Nikola’s move shows what strong succession planning can look like.

🔗 Visit Infinum

Nikola’s LinkedIn Content Strategy

Nikola’s posts offer a window into how real tech companies operate.

You’ll find candid takes on leadership challenges, hiring, product development, and team dynamics.

He writes in plain language and doesn’t try to oversell. He just shares what’s working and what’s not.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Highlights Infinum’s people and wins
  • Shares leadership learnings from scaling a tech company
  • Comments on the state of the software industry

What Makes Nikola Different?

He’s built credibility not by talking big but by showing up consistently over years.

There’s no ego in his content.

It’s practical. Clear. Real.

And that makes it easy to trust.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Speak from lived experience, not theory
  • Make your company’s wins about your people
  • Share leadership transitions. They’re valuable stories

Where Nikola Can Grow (on LinkedIn)

Nikola could experiment more with storytelling, bringing us deeper into moments of tension, uncertainty, or failure.

His voice is strong.

With more narrative, it could be unforgettable.

Marko Strizic – Founder & CEO, DECODE

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Marko Strizic co-founded DECODE in 2012 with two fellow engineers from university.

Since then, he’s grown the agency to over 80 engineers working with global brand clients.

His journey is one from hands-on engineer to CEO of one of Croatia’s fastest-growing bespoke software shops.

He’s built DECODE quietly by prioritizing deep engineering culture and client-facing trust.

Who Should Follow Marko Strizic?

  • Engineers dreaming of starting an agency
  • Clients and leaders curious about custom software delivery
  • Anyone interested in scaling technical services globally

About DECODE

DECODE is a full-service digital agency with more than 80 team members working on web, mobile, QA, and AI applications.

Their clients range from emerging startups to globally recognized brands.

The team maintains master’s-level technical and consulting expertise across projects.

🔗 Visit DECODE

Marko’s LinkedIn Content Strategy

Marko uses LinkedIn as a platform to share hard lessons from building global custom software.

His posts dive into outsourcing challenges, team growth strategies, and structuring long-term client engagements.

Instead of flashy reveals, he opts for thoughtful analysis of what works and what breaks in project delivery.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Positions DECODE’s culture as a strength in attracting technical clients
  • Shares expert-led articles on development best practices
  • Reinforces team credibility by featuring project learnings and frameworks

What Makes Marko Different?

He blends engineer roots with real leadership.

You sense authenticity in how he explains complex topics in plain language.

His approach shows that deep tech doesn’t need to be inaccessible.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Publish long-form reflections based on real projects
  • Show how your team structure supports outcomes
  • Use LinkedIn to educate, not just promote

Where Marko Can Grow (on LinkedIn)

Telling more client-focused narratives, like project before and after, could add a human touch to the technical stories.

Case studies with visuals or outcomes could engage potential clients deeply.

Krešimir Šimac – CEO & Owner, Mirakul d.o.o.

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Krešimir Šimac founded Mirakul d.o.o. in 2002 and remains the driving force behind this Osijek-based IT consultancy.

Over two decades later, his boutique firm handles tech services with a deeply personal touch.

He grew it to a tight team of six people, even as it generates nearly €700K in revenue each year.

His path is one of steady evolution and local commitment.

Who Should Follow Krešimir Šimac?

  • Small business owners looking to scale a boutique IT agency
  • Clients seeking service from a deeply human-centric tech firm
  • Entrepreneurs curious about leading long-haul micro companies

About Mirakul d.o.o.

Mirakul offers IT and computer-related services from Osijek.

With a team of six people, the company recorded revenues of €695,300 and net profit of €154,400 in 2023.

The firm holds an AAA business rating, highlighting its financial reliability.

🔗 Visit Mirakul d.o.o.

Krešimir’s LinkedIn Content Strategy

On LinkedIn, Krešimir shares reflections from running a small company in a competitive industry.

Posts include client success stories, profitability lessons, and how a tight team stays agile.

He writes in a grounded, relatable way that honors the reality of leading a boutique tech firm.

How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Highlights local client partnerships and outcomes
  • Shares behind-the-scenes of running a profitable micro-business
  • Emphasizes trust and longevity in his firm’s ethos

What Makes Krešimir Different?

He runs a company that values sustainability over growth.

Mirakul isn’t about hiring fast or taking big rounds.

It’s about consistently serving clients well while staying lean, and staying profitable.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Share meaningful small-team wins
  • Highlight the profitability behind service businesses
  • Speak to both clients and fellow entrepreneurs

Where Krešimir Can Grow (on LinkedIn)

Showcasing client case studies or team day-in-the-life posts could add texture to his strategy.

That human layer would help expand reach while reinforcing the firm’s values of trust and quality.

Dina Serdarušić – Co-CEO & COO, Eurovilla

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Dina Serdarušić has been with Eurovilla since its early days.

She started in 2002 when the company was a small family-run business.

Today, she co-leads Eurovilla, one of Croatia’s top luxury real estate agencies.

Her journey reflects a blend of passion for real estate and dedication to client service.

Who Should Follow Dina Serdarušić?

  • Real estate professionals aiming to elevate client relations
  • Entrepreneurs interested in scaling a family business
  • Individuals curious about the intersection of luxury real estate and diplomacy

About Eurovilla

Eurovilla specializes in high-end residential and commercial properties in Croatia.

The agency is renowned for its personalized service and expertise in luxury real estate.

They have a strong presence in Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast, catering to both local and international clients.

🔗 Visit Eurovilla

Dina’s LinkedIn Content Strategy

Dina shares insights on the luxury real estate market, emphasizing the importance of personalized service.

She discusses trends in property investments and the evolving needs of high-net-worth clients.

Her posts often highlight Eurovilla's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool

  • Showcases Eurovilla's expertise in luxury real estate
  • Shares success stories and client testimonials
  • Discusses industry trends and insights

What Makes Dina Different?

Dina's approach combines deep industry knowledge with a genuine passion for client service.

She believes in building long-term relationships and providing tailored solutions to clients.

Her leadership style fosters a culture of excellence and integrity within Eurovilla.

Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy

  • Share industry insights and trends to position yourself as a thought leader
  • Highlight client success stories to build credibility
  • Maintain a consistent and authentic presence to foster trust

Where Dina Can Grow (on LinkedIn)

Expanding her content to include more behind-the-scenes glimpses of Eurovilla's operations could further humanize the brand.

Engaging in discussions on broader real estate topics could also broaden her audience reach.

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