After graduating as a Hospitality and Hotel Economist from the Budapest University of Economics and Business, he launched his career at the Hilton Budapest in 2000, eventually serving as Director of Sales until 2014.

Following successful tenures as Cluster Director and Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the Ensana Group, he stepped into his current role in 2023, serving as the Cluster General Manager for the Radisson Blu Béke and Danubius Hotel Helia.

Here, the English and French-speaking executive shares a closer look at his life on and off the clock.

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Algeria, where my parents volunteered as doctors. I was brought back to Hungary as a baby to stay with my grandparents for a few months until my parents finally returned. I have always lived on the Pest side - my family is there – though lately moved to Buda, my wife is from there, and I know it by heart. I actually get lost on the Buda side.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

I have a few places in mind. I’m quite attracted to Paris, as I spent time there as an exchange student and also during my sports career. However, I would ultimately choose Italy because I love the climate, the food, Italian people and the fact that I could be close to the sea. Ideally, it would be somewhere in the southern part of the country, in a beautiful but uncrowded city.

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

Living in a country where everyone thinks in the same language. I travelled a lot when I worked at the Hilton Budapest, but I always found it challenging to have to think in a different language and adapt to a different mindset.

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

They should definitely see the city's most beautiful landmarks, like the Buda Castle, and spend a few hours relaxing in City Park. I would also show them the Budapest nightlife. There are a few very popular places where you can mix with the locals, and visiting the ruin pubs is an absolute must to feel the lively atmosphere of the city.

5. What is your favourite food?

As I mentioned, I love Italian food, but honestly, I enjoy all types of cuisine. I eat everything, even when my family members have their own specific dislikes. I especially love seafood and salmon steak, and I am always ready to try any unique signature dishes a restaurant has invented.

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

When I was young, I played football and basketball with friends, and I also did fencing for 14 years. Did you know that Hungary has the most Olympic gold medals in fencing? I competed professionally and attended international competitions. Because fencing isn't something you can easily do just once a week, I switched to tennis when I started working. I really love the competitive side of sports. These days, I go jogging in Zugló.

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

Pécs. I spent a few summer holidays there with my grandparents, and I really love the old town with its pedestrian zones.

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

I am actually doing my dream job. When I was a child, I wanted to do something related to sports because I watched different games on TV 24/7. I even studied sports journalism for a year before moving on to hospitality school.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

There are a few, but it always comes down to how boring or monotonous the work is. In a hotel, every single hour is different, which gives you a very interesting life full of surprises.

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

I had a quick getaway in Hévíz. The hotels there belong to our group, a few years ago I used to so I actually travel there every week. The four-star, all-inclusive Ensana Thermal Hotel Aqua, had just finished its renovation, so I went down to check it out. Both of our properties there are great, but the all inclusive is a big plus for my children. 

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

I already know, but I cannot say it out loud because it is a surprise for the kids, who are now 13 and 16 years old. We are going somewhere very nice. If we are talking about a dream destination, that would be Scandinavia. I am actually heading there on business this June. We have already seen some great seaside locations in the East, but I would love to take the children to Tokyo, Seoul, or the United States. There are just so many beautiful places left to see.

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

Music-wise, I was a huge Queen fan, though my friends and I also listened to anything from Modern Talking to Metallica. My hobby was always sports.
Film-wise, I loved the original Star Wars trilogy and the films that followed - an enthusiasm my sons have since inherited. I was also a big fan of Bud Spencer movies. Nowadays, we don't watch traditional TV, but we love watching movies together as a family.

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

Desserts and sweets.

14. Red wine or white?

Beer. I particularly like strong IPAs with fruity flavors. I am also a big coffee lover—there are just so many wonderful varieties to explore.

15. Book or movie?

I prefer watching a movie. I used to enjoy reading books, but these days I simply don't have the time or the energy for it. The last movie I watched with my wife was The Devil Wears Prada 2 - and as far as sequels or re-runs go, it certainly wasn't the worst choice!

16. Morning person or night person?

Originally, I was a night person, and if it were up to me, I would always stay up late. However, I have two dogs that need to be walked before I leave for work, and the kids have to get to school, so I have had to adjust my routine.

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

Poverty. It breaks my heart to see people searching through bins for recyclable bottles, and it is incredibly difficult to see them in that situation.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Pest, especially the 14th district (Zugló).

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

My life really has two main chapters. First is my family, with an amazing wife and my two "huge" boys. We have a wonderfully loving home, and I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. Then there is my work. I started out at the Hilton Budapest in the Castle District, and later moved to our hotels on the Margaret Island. You are just happy to be able to work in places like that. I truly love my job, I come into work with a big smile on my face every day, and I genuinely love my colleagues and my teams.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

I like to follow what Bobby McFerrin suggested: don’t worry, be happy! Keep a friendly atmosphere within the team and be a democratic leader. That is how you enable people to give their absolute maximum.