Branko Takač, born in 1971 in Koprivnica, has been working at Podravka for 33 years, progressing through various roles – from chef and promoter to director, and currently as a Gastro Specialist and Educator. He completed his culinary education, earned a specialist chef qualification, and holds a degree in restaurant management from the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija. He has taken part in numerous culinary events in Croatia and abroad, including the Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing, where he helped prepare meals at the Croatian House. For the past 13 years, he has focused on restaurant organization within Podravka and the mentorship of young chefs, guiding them through their professional development. Branko has a deep passion for continental cuisine, especially traditional dishes from the Podravina region, which he modernizes and presents in a new way. To him, cooking is about emotion, inspiration, and love for people – you can't be a great chef if you don't love people. Respect for ingredients is something one must continuously learn and strive for.