Top manager in discussion | The Budapest Times

“Our new concept makes sense because it’s based on three pillars that reinforce one another. If our office space has a high occupancy rate, then the retailers and food outlets are happy, just as they are when our parking facilities are full. The concept of many synergies is not just a possibility that sounds good in theory; it’s already working well in practice and going down well with our customers.” – Lurdy Ház Managing Director Stephan Szakal

Functioning synergies

Stephan Szakal, Managing Director of Lurdy Ház

13. July 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Top manager in discussion

After the change of regime Lurdy Ház was among the city’s most modern shopping centres. The German-owned mall is managed today by Stephan Szakal, a German, who is also in[…]

“We are continuing to expand in Budapest, especially because certain skills are only available in the capital. Despite high personnel costs, in many areas there is no alternative in Hungary to Budapest. However, Budapest is not our main focus. We want to expand outside Budapest in particular. “

The more sites, the greater the reliability

Jürgen Grunert, Chief Financial Officer of IT Services Hungary

6. July 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Top manager in discussion

IT Services Hungary Kft.’s two major sites in Budapest and Debrecen were joined in June by the expansion in Pécs. The Budapest Times spoke to Jürgen Grunert, Chief Financial Officer[…]

“If Budapest continues to be advertised with the creaking cliché of chess-playing pensioners in the baths, there should be no surprise that demand is not at the highest. Indeed, such pictures can even put off potential guests who are younger and more active. Budapest has so much to offer. Just think of the many young designers, the unique bar scene or the fantastic architecture. With all due respect to tradition, we need more than just thermal baths and goulash.” – General Manager Emile Bootsma

Looking on the sunny side

Interview with Emile Bootsma, General Manager of the 20-year-old Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

30. June 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Top manager in discussion

Erzsébet tér in the heart of Budapest became a massive building site shortly after the change of regime in 1989. By 1992 the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest had already opened[…]

Hungary Manz’s best friend

Precision with sophistication

29. June 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Top manager in discussion

Interview with Sven Lehnert, CEO of Manz Hungary Kft. The company Manz’s impressive size and international presence belie its relative youth. This month the firm, which is still predominantly owned[…]

Audi Hungaria’s outstanding contribution to education is recognised: Thomas Faustmann (left) and Hungarian Academy of Sciences president József Pálinkás.

Progress through technology (and also well-trained employees)

Interview with Thomas Faustmann, CEO of Audi Hungaria Motor Kft.

9. June 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Top manager in discussion

In addition to the topping-out ceremony of the halls of Audi’s new automobile factory in Hungary, there was another reason for Thomas Faustmann, CEO of Audi Hungaria Motor Kft., to[…]

Manufacturing will begin in Gyõr (northwest Hungary) next year at Audi’s most-modern factory to date, with a planned production of 500 vehicles daily. The first off the line will be the new A3 Saloon series.

Ground-breaking modern production

Top Manager in Discussion: Ulrich Minke, automobile production director of Audi Hungaria

26. May 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Business · Top manager in discussion

Ulrich Minke is currently responsible for Hungary’s largest factory construction site, but in just a few months he will take charge of the most modern automobile factory of the Audi[…]

Beneficiaries of bureaucracy

From storage to destruction, via order and security

19. May 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Business · Top manager in discussion

Top Manager in Discussion: János Krégl, CEO of document management company Rhenus Office Systems Hungary Kft. The hall leased by Rhenus Office Systems Hungary Kft. in the ProLogis Park Budapest-Sziget[…]

Airlines budget ‘in name only’

Top Manager in Discussion: Ágnes Perlaky, owner and director of Morea Travel

2. April 2012 - by rkinga in Business · Top manager in discussion

“The prices offered by the budget airlines may seem cheaper at first glance than those of Malév were, but once you have added in all the fees, the airport tax[…]

“My existing and targeted Hungarian language skills played a not inconsiderable role in my appointment. Bosch likes to communicate in the local languages both internally and externally. Top managers are no exception. Apart from practical aspects of communication with my colleagues, speaking the local language at a certain acceptable level is also a question of respect in my opinion. It makes everyday life simpler in one’s guest country and opens up new cultural perspectives. I would recommend that all expats learn Hungarian. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Anyone who has made it to the position of top manager can also learn Hungarian. Don’t make excuses, simply start to learn.” – Javier González Pareja, representative of the Bosch Group in Hungary and CEO of Robert Bosch Kft.

Hungarian the way to the top

Top Manager in Discussion: Javier González Pareja, representative of the Bosch Group in Hungary and CEO of Robert Bosch Kft.

19. March 2012 - by Jan Mainka in Business · Top manager in discussion

Spain’s Javier González Pareja succeeded Thomas E. Beyer as CEO of Robert Bosch Kft. last December. He is also responsible for representing the Bosch Group in Hungary and the Adriatic[…]

It’s a struggle

Top Manager inDiscussion: Árpád Vásárhelyi, CEO of Schenker, on maintaining profitability

20. December 2011 - by Jan Mainka in Top manager in discussion

Schenker is one of the few logistics companies in Hungary that are still turning a profit. CEO Árpád Vásárhely explained to The Budapest Times how they do it. Despite a great number of imponderables, he is confident his firm will record a profit in 2012 too.Â