The merger of two insurance companies was imminent. Now the board of directors of the third largest insurance company has dismissed its chief.

David Šmehlík, the director of the Czech Industrial Health Insurance Company, was unexpectedly dismissed by the supervisory board after seven months in office. He had plans for expansion and a merger with a struggling health insurance provider, but these initiatives were abruptly halted. Šmehlík expressed surprise at his removal, stating he had no prior indication of such a decision. His successor, Stanislav Myška, will temporarily lead the company. Despite the dismissal, Šmehlík intends to continue working in public health insurance, having a long career in the sector, including previous roles in the General Health Insurance Company and as an advisor to the Minister of Health.