His position prior to the current assignment was COO at Telenor, 100% owner of the Hungarian mobile communications firm formally known as Pannon GSM. Telenor is a company he has served for the last 14 years, including several years in its affiliate companies around the world.

Mr Fredheim grew up in Bodø, "up north in Norway", and is the son of a Norwegian army officer. Today he has a 20 year old daughter and a new born son of 5 months. In his leisure time he enjoys some serious mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. He tends to avoid the usual expat hang-outs preferring 'Manna' in the Castle District, and 'Adler' in Budaörs. If and when he was to leave Budapest he says they would miss the "favourable climate here compared to the one back in Scandinavia".

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
My work first brought me to live in Budapest from October 2003 onwards, although I had visited Hungary several times before that.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
In total I spent 4 years as an expat before coming to Hungary: Ukraine from 1999 until I moved to Malaysia to live between 2001 and 2002, then I went back to Ukraine for another year until 2003.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
My overall impression is positive, perhaps exceeding my expectations. Before arriving in Budapest I was warned that Hungarians might be difficult to communicate with but my experience is that the people I meet are open and friendly. Hungary is a beautiful country, especially Budapest has a culture and a history that I find exceptional. And I am particularly happy to have visited the National Gallery more than five times already.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
The castle district and the Danube promenade are definitely marvellous, and guests might spend some time jogging or biking on the Margit island.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
The Hungarian kitchen is a bit strong for my taste, but a good roasted duck-breast or a local fish-filet can be very good.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A wine-bottle opener :)

7.What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Being aware of the fact that I will never be able to speak the language fluently during my time in Hungary, I still try to be patient and take it step by step. My favourite words might well be 'Kérek szépen egy sört!"

8. What do you miss most from home?
Being a passionate sailor, the ocean would be one thing. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that Hungary has a splendid culture of sailing at the Balaton. I miss the mountains too.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
l am a cosmopolitan type of person in many ways, and travelling fits my character and the way I live, so I would do something similar I'm sure.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
To be a cashier for example: it is a hard job, while stick to one place for 8-10 hours a day, many routine movements with little room of freedom, while need to concentrate all day.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Skiing in the Austrian mountains with my family.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
By the sea, sailing.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
From Beatles to U2 , and Top Gun was a fun film for a boy of my age when it was released.

14. What can't you resist?
Depends who's asking.

15. Red wine or white?
Both!

16. Book or movie?
I'm definitely not a movie-goer, so if I have time I rather read a book or listen to a good CD while relaxing on my sofa.

17. Morning person or night person?
I am probably and early bird first of all, but wouldn't refuse some late night fun with good friends or my wife

18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Buda.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Life is too short not to make the best / most of it!