Xpat Interview: Marianne Langsteiner
- 15 Feb 2011 11:00 AM

She started her career in the foreign trade industry working for Transelectro Foreign Trade Company, in the fields of economy and import. Shortly after the establishment of the national telecommunications, she started working for the Westel Radio Telephone LTD as a service and cellphone manager in 1991. From 1993 to 1997 she worked as marketing and sales director for the same company. Later, she became director of information service at Matáv company where she was the leader of information service modernization project. In 1998, she joined Westel 900 Corporation where she, as business development manager, worked on projects such as the introduction of MMS in the Hungarian cellphone industry for sales purposes. She was strategic director from 2003, in 2005, she worked for T-Mobil as marketing manager, since the establishment of the Public Unit of the Hungarian Telecom in 2008 until 2010 she was marketing manager of T-mobil and T-home companies.
Her highest achievements are the Westel-T-mobil, and T-home brand switch, the increasing T-mobil commercial share, as well as the sudden and extreme popularity of T-Home TV. On 20 December 2010 she joined Malév Hungarian Airlines as marketing manager, directing the branches of marketing, E-business, information service, and product development. She is member of the Hungarian Marketing Board.
1. Where did you grow up?
In Budapest, in a green environment. I am and I feel absolutely Hungarian.
2. What Hungarian traditions bring back fond memories of your childhood?
Remember back to when I was little and my family had guests around, I am proud of Hungarian hospitability and friendliness. I can also remember a story from my early years: I was very little when my Grandfather had a black Puli dog. I wanted to play with him and I pulled his hair, and he just gently held my wrist. So that's a unique symbol of Hungary that reminds me of my childhood.
3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?
My friends, general orientation, and the city view of the Danube in the evening.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Drive along the Danube bank, back and forth, or go sightseeing on tram 2.
They could also admire the view from the castle, enjoy the environment there, along with a cup of coffee and cake in Russzwurm.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
May I say I'm not a Hungarian food fan, but I so like Somlói Galuska. My preference is seafood.
6. What is never missing from your kitchen?
Olive oil, extra virgin of course, is a must.
7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?
I have couple of them, first Budapest, the other is not such well-known place in Hungary called Lake Tisza. The later is only 100 km away from Budapest, it's clean, and it is perfect for bikers. Plus you can go on a guided tour there to see the beavers and otters. It is really beautiful.
8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I am absolutely happy with the one I have. But if it wasn't this, I would love to be an astronomer.
9. What's a job you would definitely never want?
A 'super star'.
10. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Norwegian fjords on a cruise last July. I loved the white night around the Polar Circle, it was really beautiful - but very cold - needed two pullovers, one polar top and a wind jacket.
11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Since I am a summer person and enjoy warmth, turquoise see with white sand, I'd like to go somewhere with all of those.
12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: Beatles -Yesterday - a huge favourite My hobby was reading, I read everything I could find around me when I was younger. I am still a keen reader in fact and like too many authors just to mention one or two.
13. What can't you resist?
Good dark chocolate (Godiva), and very good champagne (Veuve Clicquot ).
14. Red wine or white?
Dry white
15. Kolbász or sushi?
Sushi
16. Book or movie?
Book - see above
17. Morning person or night person?
Night.
18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Helping ill or disabled children, especially the ones with cancer.
19. Buda or Pest side?
Buda
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
"Strong people just start where the others gave up." Konrad Adenauer








