He joined Malév as the Chief Commercial Officer in January 2009, he was given the clear brief of restructuring the Hungarian Airline to bring up revenues and reduce costs, and so increase efficiency. He has brought a well defined strategy to the business, as expressed in the new advertising campaign which communicates a high quality service combined with affordable fares.

Before working in Hungary he spent 8 years with Lufthansa, where he delt with planning, strategy and sales. Between 93-1997 he attended a special management trainee program in Frankfurt within Lufthansa. Karim was one of the founding members of GermanWings - which he helped make profitable in its 2nd year. Between 2007-2008 he was the chief commercial officer at SkyEurope. Earlier he also worked in the travel business as a Director with TUI.

This is his first placement in Budapest, although he has had business dealings here for years, via Lufthansa and SkyEurope. He is still single but is engaged to be married to his German fiancé, she is planning to join him in Hungary soon.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
In January 2009, I have been appointed as CCO for Malév Hungarian Airlines. The challenge of this job brought me here.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
I worked in Vienna and Bratislava for 2 years. Being from Germany I moved and lived in 4 different German cities which sometimes makes you feel like an Expat.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The amount of constructions which can be performed at the same time-especially road constructions.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend ? what most they absolutely see and do?
Try a typical Hungarian Restaurant, eg Kárpátia go out to fancy night life eg Mini Bars 2nd district and of course the tourists must see: Castle District, Parlament, Hero Square etc..

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
All different type of goose liver

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A good bottle of Rosé from Villány

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
I know only a few yet ? Köszönöm szépen

8. What do you miss most from home?
A good German beer of course

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Art Director or Wine Maker

10. What's job you would definetely never want?
Accountant

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Bali ( Indonesia) and Malaysia

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Do not know yet, might be in Mexico

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: Spandau Ballet , Film: James Bond: ,,Never say never again,, Hobby: Soccer

14, What can't you resist?
Pralines and good red wine

15. Red wine or white
Red , in the summer Rosé

16. Book or movie
Book especially if I have a few days off on holidays

17. Morning person or night person
For sure night

18. Dog person or cat person
Prefer dogs

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Not finished yet with all restaurants and bars on Pest side.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Carpe diem ( Horaz)