Hi, I'm Martina Ptiček - a Tech Leader, Agile Coach, and AI Expert.
Zagreb, Croatia
With a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, I specialize in building high-performing engineering teams, driving agile transformations, and turning complex data into business value.
Let's ConnectTwo decades across the tech industry.
I have spent the last two decades navigating the full spectrum of the technology industry. From leading engineering teams in the automotive sector to delivering projects for IT agencies serving finance, construction, government, and media - I have seen firsthand what makes tech organizations succeed.
Currently, I am an Engineering Manager at Porsche Digital Croatia, where I lead over 30 engineers - Software Engineers, Data Engineers, Data Scientists, and Data Analysts - working across cross-functional Scrum teams. My passion lies at the intersection of people and technology - I love scaling teams, mentoring tech leads, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
When I'm not driving engineering culture or implementing the latest GenAI tools, you can usually find me hiking and trekking with my dogs or combining my love for tech and pets by designing my own pet health tracking app.
Three pillars of practice.
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Engineering & Organizational Leadership
Throughout my career, including my roles as COO, Head of Project Management, and Engineering Manager, I have built and scaled technical departments from the ground up. I focus on establishing clear progression frameworks, mentoring leaders, and creating environments where engineers can thrive.
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Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Having earned a PhD focused on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs), I bring academic rigor to practical business problems. In my previous leadership roles, I established an Analytics and Data Science department from the ground up, setting up robust MLOps and DataOps methodologies. Today, I actively drive the adoption of Generative AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Claude Code across engineering teams to boost productivity safely.
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Agile Coaching & Project Management
With certifications as a Professional Agile Leader (PAL I), Scrum Master (PSM I), and Product Owner (PSPO I), I have guided full-company agile transformations. I have managed multi-million dollar budgets and led cross-functional teams to deliver enterprise systems for major clients in telecommunications, finance, and sports tech.
Career highlights.
- Current
Porsche Digital Croatia
Engineering Manager
Leading Software Engineering, Data Engineering, Data Science, and Data Analysts teams in a SAFe environment, I drive the implementation of Gen AI tools, support the career development of around 30 engineers, and collaborate closely with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, management, and HR.
- Past
SofaScore
Head of Analytics & Data Science / Head of Project Management
Established both the Project Management and Data Science departments from scratch. I led the company's agile transformation, scaled Scrum teams, and implemented AI/ML models using deep learning and statistical methods.
- Earlier
Notch · Trikoder · Dream
Head of PMO / Head of PM / COO
Led enterprise-level project delivery and agile consulting for diverse industries, working with major clients across telecommunications, finance, and media.
- A1 Telekom
- Erste Card Club
- Strabag
- Njuškalo
- Tportal
Education & Certifications
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PhD in Information Science (AI & Machine Learning)
University of Zagreb
Thesis: Contemporary approaches to natural language processing — metaphor identification in Croatian language
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University Specialist of Business Informatics
University of Zagreb
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MA in Linguistics & MA in Information Science
University of Zagreb
Certifications
- PAL I — Professional Agile Leadership
- PSM I — Professional Scrum Master
- PSPO I — Professional Scrum Product Owner
Let's Connect
Whether you want to discuss AI implementation, agile frameworks, or just swap stories about raising dogs, I'm always open to connecting with fellow tech leaders and innovators.