CEPOL welcomes its new Executive Director

Jan Pecháček begins his four-year term at the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training 

This week, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) welcomes its new Executive Director Jan Pecháček as he begins a four-year term as head of the agency. Pecháček was elected to the position by the Agency’s Management Board in March 2026, following a competitive public recruitment process launched in October 2025.

On taking up the position, Jan Pecháček said:

It is a great honour to assume this role at such a pivotal stage in CEPOL’s development. I look forward to shaping its strategic direction and strengthening law enforcement capacity in EU Member States and partner countries to anticipate and respond effectively to an evolving security landscape. I am proud to join such a dedicated team at a time when law enforcement preparedness and training is more critical than ever for the security and safety of the EU and its citizens.

On his first day in office, the new Executive Director met with the top management team to discuss recent developments and upcoming priorities and was briefed on ongoing projects and plans. He also toured the premises, including the webinar studios, cybercrime, drugs and document fraud laboratories, and other training facilities. During the tour, he met staff in their offices and was introduced to their roles and responsibilities within their teams.

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Later this week, Mr Pechacek will travel to Brussels, where on 7 May he will hold high-level meetings at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME). He will also present the findings of CEPOL’s EU Strategic Training Needs Assessment (EU-STNA) 2026-2029 at the Standing Committee on Operational Cooperation for Internal Security (COSI) on 8 May. 

Mr Pecháček brings over three decades of experience across law enforcement, international police cooperation, and strategic training development, including service in the Police of the Czech Republic and in bilateral, international and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in police education, operational leadership and international capacity-building in support of European and global security cooperation. He is an expert in EU law enforcement training policies and international police cooperation. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Mr Pecháček was a member of the  agency’s Management Board. His experience at both national and international contexts has given him a strong understanding of the evolving needs and expectations of its Member States.