He started his career in Munich with the Kempinski Hotels in various sales positions. He moved within the chain to China and had been working more than two years as a Conferences & Events Manager in Beijing and 1,5 years as Director of Sales in Kempinski Hotel Suzhuo.

After this successful period he progressed his career with Hilton and Conrad Hotels in Istanbul. Throughout his assignments he gained valuable experience in high volume city centre properties in MICE, Leisure, Corporate and International Sales of different markets.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
On the 15th of June 2013 - I thought why not?!

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
New York for 1 year 2 months, Istanbul for 2.5 years, Shanghai 1 year and 2 months, Beijing over 2 years – that was before the Olympics, it was a real joy to live there at that exciting time of great developments, burning money with every move, afterwards there was an economic ‘hang-over’ though.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I did know Hungary before coming this time as in early ‘90’s my father used to own a house at Lake Balaton. I love Budapest which preserves its charm - there is still great authenticity about the Grand Boulevard, it’s retained all it’s former grandeur.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Regarding Night-life – the Hungarian scene is still different from other countries, specifically the Ruin-pub scene, I really like their atmosphere of those. The Castle Hill area is great of course. Guests can enjoy excellent culinary experiences here, to name just one Bock bistro is a favourite. I would also take guests to visit the old classic Gundel –their palacsinta is a must, as most Austrians know about it. The wine culture here is really amazing, although not so many people are aware of the 23 different wine regions.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Gundel Palacsinta

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Right next to some tonic, a bottle of gin, because of the positive medical effects of tonic against malaria ;)

7.What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Egészségedre!

8. What do you miss most from home?
Leberkase semmel - It consists of corned beef, pork, bacon and onions and is made by grinding the ingredients very finely and then baking it as a loaf in a bread pan until it has a crunchy brown crust. It’s the first thing I eat whenever I travel back home to Austria.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
I would really like to work in the entertainment business, as a presenter, or host of an interview show, getting people to say things they wouldn’t normally tell.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Official government job, from 9 ‘till 5.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
I can’t remember actually the last long holiday. I prefer going on short breaks. Last time I went to Turkey as I have a house there. I’ve been renovating it, and now that’s done it’s a great place to relax.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
South Africa is on top of my list. I really like the idea of Cape Town, for its beach, mountains, wine, and life-style.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
Spending time with my wife.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I liked classic rock music. Film: Pulp Fiction. My Hobby was skiing.

15. Red wine or white?
White –preferably in the form of Champagne.

16. Book or movie?
Movie – they can also educate.

17. Morning person or night person?
Early morning.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Currently looking at Europe, a lack of ‘social openness’ to help others… The homeless situation in Hungary. And refugees drowning in the Mediterranean. It would be so good if everyone was open to giving something back, for the common good. Corporate responsibility is really coming of age, and more has to be done as well as looking at Governments to help, individuals can support society too.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
PPFE = Positive, Productive, Fresh, Enthusiastic. This is how I evaluate others, and myself.