Interview 4: Martin Coulam, Operations Director, Tesco Hungary
- 20 Mar 2023 3:39 PM
1. What’s been happening at work and at home since your most recent Xpat Interview?
Click here to read his most recent interview
I am fully focused on Tesco Hungary now in a new role. We decentralized our operations and I was appointed to run all the Hungarian operations in March 2021.This means I have responsibility for our 200 stores, 5 distribution center’s, and the central teams looking after supply chain , security and central operational teams. Its 8000 colleagues , and it’s a dream job for me.
I don’t miss the international travel which was a dominating part of my life for the previous decade and its nice to see more of Hungary.
2. How are your local language skills these days / what’s your favourite Hungarian phrase?
I spent most of my day working in Hungarian, it is usual for me now ,and those that work with me are also getting used to my unique version of the language.
I have fun translating Hungarian town names when touring stores, you can have a lot of fun with it, try Szarvas or Hódmezővásárhely…
3. After a good few years here, what is your favourite thing about living in Budapest?
You cant get bored of the view of the Danube and the surroundings when crossing Erszebet hid…but what I really like its recently is the increase in quality but simple restuarants and coffee shops ,my current favourite is Babka Deli , or Csicseri .
4. Which superpower would you choose?
Stress removal , end famine and war.
5. What is the best thing that has happened to you in the last 12 months?
Spending time with my family.
6. If your next expat assignment was on a desert island, and you could only take three things with you, what would you bring?
My wife, a laptop ( with a power generator and worldwide wifi ) and and endless supply of food and water.
7. What would you have done differently here if you knew then what you know now?
Bought property in the 90s.
8. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you in Hungary?
My brother falling in the Danube while attempting to take a photo of the chain bridge.
9. Which question would you ask if you interviewed yourself?
What will you be remembered for?
10. What will you be remembered for?
I would hope my positive impact on others…helping them realise their potential.