Nicolas Jelasity, Export Manager, Grand Tokaj Winery Hungary

  • 1 Nov 2024 9:31 AM
Nicolas Jelasity, Export Manager, Grand Tokaj Winery Hungary
With over seven years of top-tier international FMCG sales experience and fluency in five languages, Nicolas recently returned to his birth place Hungary to join Grand Tokaj Winery as Export Manager, with a mission to elevate this key Tokaj winery on the global stage.

A graduate of IESEG School of Management in Paris, he has lived across five countries over the past 13 years, successfully managing iconic brands such as Budweiser, Corona, Pampers, and Gillette.

Click here to visit Grand Tokaj’s website
 

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I returned to Hungary in 2022 after spending 13 years abroad.  Personally, the vibrant city of Budapest, where I grew up, and my family, who settled here 30 years ago, drew me back.  Professionally, I was inspired by the dynamic growth opportunities in Hungary and the region, as well as the chance to apply my skills and experience to support this exciting development.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

Yes, for work in Belgium and the Netherlands. Also, I studied abroad in Switzerland and China.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

What continues to pleasantly surprise me is the rapid growth and transformation of Hungary, especially Budapest. 
The city is becoming increasingly popular, attracting a vibrant mix of international tourists and expats.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

Walk near the Danube & Parliament in the evening to enjoy views of Buda Castle and the bridges, then grab a drink at Pontoon.
Relax at Rudas Thermal Bath, especially after a night out at iconic ruin bars like Szimpla Kert.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Bajai halászlé / Paprika Fish soup from Baja.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Beer, wine and Hungarian salami. 

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

“Egészségedre” as it always followed by a clinking of glasses.

8. What do you miss most from home? 

My second home is France: simply the French food and Paris Cafés’ vibes.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Being a movie producer in Hollywood, that was my dream since childhood.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

Whatever involves being stuck in front of a screen all day.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Verona, Italy

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Montana, USA

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Traveling 

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Film: Gladiator 

15. Red or white?

Both! Depends on the moment and the food.

16. Books or films?

Definitely films.

17. Morning person or night person?

Night person, which is challenging as most of Winery staff starts to work at 7am.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Recently: what is happening in Gaza…

19. Buda or Pest?

Tough question! Born and raised in Buda Hill and now living an amazing city life in Pest. Let me answer in 10 years 😉.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

'La vida es una tómbola, de noche y de día.' This line from Manu Chao's song reminds me that life is full of surprises. 
To me, it means that while we can't predict what tomorrow holds, we should remind ourselves to live fully in the present, regardless of the 'cards' we've been dealt from the start.

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