The prestigious award recognizes the foreign CEO working and living in Hungary who has made the most significant contribution to the country’s economic development and international reputation in the past year.

As in previous years, the award was decided by a five-member professional jury shortly before the start of the gala.

This year’s jury included Írisz Lippai-Nagy, CEO of the Hungarian-American Chamber of Commerce; Rita Szép-Tüske, deputy CEO of Hipa; András Sávos, president of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce; and Balázs Román, CEO of BBJ.

The panel was completed by last year’s winner, Chresten Bruun, who played an active role in selecting his successor.

Following the opening of the gala, BBJ editor-in-chief Robin Marshall welcomed attendees, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and recognition. Hipa’s Rita Szép-Tüske addressed the audience, thanking the expat business community which continues to play a major role in shaping Hungary’s economic landscape.

“We are living in a time of relentless transformation”, she said, emphasizing the importance of adaptability as a key quality in business today. “In this environment, the ability to adapt is not just an advantage, it’s a must.”

She highlighted Hungary as the meeting point where West and East can cooperate, which is the cornerstone of the Hungarian economy’s adaptability.

Following Szép-Tüske’s speech, guests were treated to a captivating performance by the Csillagszemű Dance Ensemble. Renowned for their vibrant interpretations of Hungarian folk traditions, the award-winning group brought youthful energy and artistic precision to the stage.

Their dynamic choreography and colorful costumes offered a stirring tribute to Hungary’s rich cultural heritage, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience and adding a festive spirit to the evening’s celebrations.

Community Award Recognizes Corporate Responsibility

In addition to the Expat CEO of the Year Award, the Budapest Business Journal also presented the Community Award.

The Community Award recognizes a business leader who plays a strong community-building role, serves as a positive role model, and has a meaningful impact both socially and economically in Hungary.

Candidates must be successful in national and international markets, demonstrate outstanding commitment as representatives of their company in Hungary, and influence issues with broader social relevance

The jury for this category comprised last year’s winner, Spar Hungary president-CEO Gabriella Heiszler; BBJ publisher Tamás Botka; and Shell Hungary country chair-president and HBLF president Andrea Solti Istenes, who was the first recipient of the award.

The nominees this year were Zsófia Beck, managing director at Boston Consulting Group Hungary; Nikolett Blaskó, founder, co-owner and CEO at Advanced Communication Group; and Róbert Keszte, head of global operations at Continental.

This year’s Community Award, presented by last year’s winner Gabriella Heiszler, went to Róbert Keszte.

Keszte is an experienced general manager in the automotive industry well-known in both expat and CEO circles. He was also voted the Most Inspiring Leader of 2023 by the 297 CEOs responding to PwC’s 13th Hungarian CEO survey last year.

After accepting the award, he urged the expat CEO community in Hungary to engage with local communities wherever they are and noted that despite the fact that we are living in “crazy times”, there are still people who managed to keep their “good sense”.

Honoring a Decade of Business Leadership

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Expat CEO Award 2025. Over the past decade, this accolade has become one of the most prestigious awards on the Hungarian business scene, recognizing outstanding leadership and international collaboration.

The winners over the years have come from a diverse array of industries and backgrounds, reflecting the dynamic and international nature of the Hungarian business environment.

After guests enjoyed their main course, Robin Marshall introduced this year’s nominees: ExxonMobil Hungary lead country manager and lead controller Byung Kim, J&J Innovative Medicine Hungary country director Ana Maria Vargas, and E.ON Hungária CEO and chairman Guntram Würzberg. As anticipation mounted, last year’s winner, Chresten Bruun, stepped onto the stage with the sealed envelope.

Ana Maria Vargas Wins Expat CEO 2025 Title

The moment of the evening arrived as Bruun opened the envelope and announced Ana Maria Vargas as the winner of the Expat CEO Award 2025. Taking the stage, she expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“I work in the healthcare industry, and for the past 32 years, Johnson & Johnson Hungary has been fully dedicated to partnering with stakeholders in… achieving one clear purpose, which is to provide and change the further care of patients with chronic diseases,” she said.

“This recognition also goes to my team in Johnson & Johnson Hungary, a group of Hungarian individuals who put their hearts out every day,” she remarked.

“Let’s continue to work for a healthier Hungary together,” she concluded.

Originally from Columbia, Vargas is a global leader with almost two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical market in Europe, the United States, and Latin America, who has led the Budapest operation since October 2022.

She is a firm advocate for embracing digital advancements, believing in its potential to revolutionize business, uncover new opportunities, streamline processes, and deliver better value to customers, stakeholders, and the wider community.

The gala continued well into the night, with guests mingling in the Corinthia’s elegant foyer. Attendees enjoyed exquisite desserts, fine drinks, as well as live music by Aliz and Károly Nyári, making the evening a memorable celebration of business excellence and international cooperation.

Event Partners

The 2025 CEO Gala was supported by strategic partner Hipa alongside PwC, Citi, Heineken, Penny, TaylorWessing, Synergy, Phoenix Pharma, and BDO.

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 
Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here.