Xpat Interview: Peter de Groot
- 6 Jan 2009 11:00 AM
"Having grown up in several countries, and having never lived in my birthplace Holland, it was probably not a surprise that I continued this International theme throughout my life. The countries that I have spent most time in are Jamaica, Indonesia, the UK and Hungary (6 years). I 'read' Physics at Cambridge University but that only motivated me to find a job in business which I did: I became a metal trader for a French Company operating in London and then in Paris.
After my MBA in Insead, France, I got married and started a long career in the paint industry from 1988-2007 which took me from the UK to Indonesia to Russia and then on to Hungary. During this period I built several factories and commercial organisations, restructured a few businesses and as General Manager was involved in a number of greenfield and brownfield JV start ups. Last year I left my paint career to join a more dynamic one in the Healthcare industry.
I am also a swimmer, tennis player, future golfer and aviator!"
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in 2002 transferred from Moscow, Russia by my company.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes in 8 other countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and the Caribbean!
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
How normal and balanced the people are and yet how different they feel themselves to be!
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend--what must they absolutely see and do?
After their sightseeing tour, have an Eszterhazy torta and a coffee at Ruszwurms followed by a wine tasting visit to the Bor Museum!
5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
Probably Hortobágyi palacsinta
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Milk for the kids! Otherwise chocolate!
7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
Borzasztó!
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Where is home right now? Budapest. I miss nothing.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Teaching the sciences and swimming coaching (if it paid well!)
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
A government job.
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Slovenia
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
At the risk of sounding boring: Slovenia
13. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Queen
14. What can't you resist?
What?s in my fridge: Chocolate!
15. Red wine or white?
Red
16. Book or movie?
Movie
17. Morning person or night person?
Morning
18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Definitely Buda
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Work hard, play hard!