Xpat Interview: Doron Grossman
- 2 Feb 2006 11:00 AM
Doron Grossman, General Manager Central Europe of QBE International Insurance Ltd., is a very busy man. Not only is he one of the top executives of Australia’s largest international insurance group, constantly travelling around the regional offices, but he is also a family man and an avid runner. Actually, he is one of those fanatics you can see on Margitsziget at 6 in the morning rain or shine running a few laps just for fun. He has run four marathons already and his personal best is an impressive 3 hours and 25 minutes.
Doron has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years, but his Central European assignment based in Budapest is actually his first expatriate experience. QBE International Insurance entered the Hungarian market by acquiring Atlasz Insurance in 1998 and has since maintained and strengthened its leading position in the travel insurance segment. Doron’s work has been instrumental in other Central European markets as well and today QBE has a well established network of expertise in 8 countries.
Doron, his wife Lynne and their children Mia and Jonathan have been living in Budapest since 2000 and perhaps apart from the cold winters not known in Sydney Australia, they truly enjoy being Xpats in Hungary.
Xpat Interview
When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary in August 2000. I was sent by Australian employers to manage our Hungarian operation. I originally had a 3 year contract which still hasn’t expired!
Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No.
What surprised you most about Hungary?
The difference between Sydney & Budapest was enormous. The lack of variety in stores, the lack of English newspapers, the lack of variety of restaurants. After a short while I realised you can not compare cities and I appreciated Budapest for what it had.
Friends are in Budapest for a weekend -what must they absolutely see and do?
The Castle District, Heroes’ Square, a Hungarian restaurant, the Chain Bridge.
What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Goose liver (grilled).
What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Gatorade or Powerade, I run a lot and sports drinks are very satisfying after a run.
What is your favourite Hungarian word?
“Hát” & “szia” (they are so common and easy to use).
What do you miss the most from home?
The Saturday and Sunday newspapers, fish & chips, meat pies, red wine.
What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I have always been interested in sports, so I think coaching or sports administration would be a dreamy job.
What’s a job you would definitely never want?
I think I would be prepared to try any job, if I had to.
What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I lived for rugby in my teens watching playing, training. I loved anything to do with rugby. Some things never change as I still enjoy rugby, albeit, watching only these days.
What can’t you resist?
I think I am able to resist most things, I am very disciplined.
Red wine or white?
Red wine – is there another colour?
Book or movie?
I like both, my favourite book – Angels & Demons, favourite movie – Forrest Gump/ Rudi
Morning person or night person?
More of a middle of the day person!
Dog person or cat person?
I am neither a cat or dog person.
Buda side or Pest side? Buda for living, Pest for working and entertainment.
What would you say is your personal motto?
“There are no guarantees in life”
Doron, his wife Lynne and their children Mia and Jonathan have been living in Budapest since 2000 and perhaps apart from the cold winters not known in Sydney Australia, they truly enjoy being Xpats in Hungary.
Xpat Interview
When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary in August 2000. I was sent by Australian employers to manage our Hungarian operation. I originally had a 3 year contract which still hasn’t expired!
Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No.
What surprised you most about Hungary?
The difference between Sydney & Budapest was enormous. The lack of variety in stores, the lack of English newspapers, the lack of variety of restaurants. After a short while I realised you can not compare cities and I appreciated Budapest for what it had.
Friends are in Budapest for a weekend -what must they absolutely see and do?
The Castle District, Heroes’ Square, a Hungarian restaurant, the Chain Bridge.
What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Goose liver (grilled).
What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Gatorade or Powerade, I run a lot and sports drinks are very satisfying after a run.
What is your favourite Hungarian word?
“Hát” & “szia” (they are so common and easy to use).
What do you miss the most from home?
The Saturday and Sunday newspapers, fish & chips, meat pies, red wine.
What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I have always been interested in sports, so I think coaching or sports administration would be a dreamy job.
What’s a job you would definitely never want?
I think I would be prepared to try any job, if I had to.
What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I lived for rugby in my teens watching playing, training. I loved anything to do with rugby. Some things never change as I still enjoy rugby, albeit, watching only these days.
What can’t you resist?
I think I am able to resist most things, I am very disciplined.
Red wine or white?
Red wine – is there another colour?
Book or movie?
I like both, my favourite book – Angels & Demons, favourite movie – Forrest Gump/ Rudi
Morning person or night person?
More of a middle of the day person!
Dog person or cat person?
I am neither a cat or dog person.
Buda side or Pest side? Buda for living, Pest for working and entertainment.
What would you say is your personal motto?
“There are no guarantees in life”