Meet Chad

Milan Ondrej is a Slovak banking professional based in Bratislava. Born in 1966, he spent his formative years in the eastern part of Slovakia — an environment that helped shape his values, resilience, and perspective on life. He completed his secondary education at the Gymnasium in Stará Ľubovňa and later continued his studies at the University of Economics in Bratislava, where he graduated with a specialisation in International Trade. This academic background provided him with a strong foundation in economics, global commerce, and the broader dynamics of financial markets. Milan’s professional journey has been firmly rooted in the banking sector. Over the course of nearly four decades, he has held a variety of managerial positions across several banks in Slovakia, gaining extensive experience in leadership, financial services, client relationship management, and the long-term responsibilities that come with working in a highly regulated, trust-based industry. Banking has not only been his profession, but also a field in which he has built lasting expertise, discipline, and perspective. Beyond his professional life, Milan is deeply committed to sport and personal endurance. Having completed two marathons, he understands the value of perseverance, preparation, and mental strength — qualities he considers equally essential in business and in life. He also has a great affection for animals, sharing his life with three dogs and two cats, and finds balance and inspiration in nature, travel, and meaningful films. Like Chad, Milan is also a prostate cancer patient. This personal experience has given him a deeper appreciation of courage, vulnerability, and the importance of facing life’s challenges with dignity, honesty, and inner strength. His guiding motto is: “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Denis began his career at Johnson & Johnson in 1974 and has held various positions in sales and business management in Africa and the Middle East. Prior to his role as Director for African Affairs, he held the position of General Manager of the Medical Device Export business from 1997 to 2008.
After 40 years’ service he retired from Johnson & Johnson to pursue voluntary opportunities in the community and act as a consultant to International NGO’s addressing issues of women’s health and access to surgery in Africa.

He is an Honorary Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA).

Denis is an active Rotarian and a past President of his local club with an on-going interest in the work of their International Committee. His local interests are projects connected to the environment and youth leadership.
He is married to Marjorie with a son and daughter and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. His hobbies are cycling, wild swimming and hiking
He graduated in Business studies from the Scottish College of Textiles. His interests

Shona is a proud supporter of the Earth and Ocean project and is delighted to be part of the organising committee helping to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. A member of Rotary since 2010, she is passionate about community engagement, charity initiatives, and bringing people together for meaningful causes. With a strong global outlook, she is especially inspired by Earth and Ocean’s international reach and collaborative spirit, uniting a worldwide team behind a cause that affects families and communities across the globe.