Pechoucek graduated from University of Edinburgh and gained his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at CTU in Prague. He also co-founded a research-oriented study programme, Open Informatics, which offers a choice of different subjects, combines different areas of informatics and approaches and continues to be taught today. Pechoucek spent over twenty years as a professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague, during which time he led the Department of Computer Science and founded the Artificial Intelligence Center in 2001.

He is also responsible for the company’s scientific research in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Pechoucek leads the core technology and R&D teams supporting the work of the Avast Threat Labs, Big Data and innovation teams. Michal Pechoucek joined Avast as CTO in September 2019. Michal Pechoucek Chief Technology Officer He is a recognized industry speaker having delivered keynotes at a number of high-profile events including RSA, Web Summit, Black Hat and SXSW. Vlcek holds an MS in Mathematics from Czech Technical University in Prague. Vlcek was chief developer, heading the team that developed one of the first ever antivirus programs for Windows.

In this role, he led Avast’s transformation from a traditional PC antivirus vendor to the leading provider of a full portfolio of protection, privacy, and performance products for consumers. Previously, he held the combined position of Executive Vice-President & General Manager, Consumer, and Chief Technology Officer. Vlcek was also a key member of the executive team that took the company public on the London Stock Exchange in May 2018. Vlcek was previously President of Avast Consumer, the largest business within the Company, and directed the development of Avast’s artificial intelligence-based cloud security network. Together with his senior management team, he executes on Avast’s vision to deliver people-centric security and spearheads the Company's product innovation program for emerging consumer technology categories, including the Internet of Things and 5G security. Ondrej Vlcek serves as Chief Executive Officer for Avast.

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