The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award has been recognizing outstanding leaders in Hungary for two decades—those who address economic challenges and, in addition to business achievements, actively engage in social responsibility with their innovative solutions.
“The program recognizes business leaders who work not only for their own success but also shape the future of the economy and society. Their example guarantees that with risk-taking, perseverance, and continuous innovation, anything is achievable,” said Tamás Vékási, CEO of EY Hungary.
The independent judging panel selected three winners this year, among whom Éva Hegedüs, co-founder and CEO of Gránit Bank, will represent Hungary at the World Entrepreneur of the Year global final. Since the establishment of the financial institution in 2010, she has led the company, which has become one of Hungary’s fastest-growing credit institutions.
“I am proud that, as a shareholder of Gránit Bank, I have been able to lead a dynamically growing, innovative, and forward-looking bank for nearly 15 years, one that continuously seeks new paths in digitalization, AI application, and sustainability. I am grateful to all my colleagues, the team at Gránit Bank, with whom I have had the opportunity to work throughout my career. I thank the shareholders for their support, and our clients for their trust—they are also part of this award,” said Éva Hegedüs upon receiving the award.
Ádám Balogh, a second-generation leader of Baki Agrocentrum Ltd., has achieved significant international success in the export of Hungarian grains and oilseeds. The company sells about 200,000 tons annually to neighboring and Western European countries while cultivating crops on thousands of hectares.
Miklós Szabó, who founded the Tranzit Group, has built one of the leading companies in the poultry industry in Hungary over the past three decades. Today, the company processes millions of geese, ducks, and chickens annually, and their premium products are sold worldwide.
“Today, we face significant geopolitical uncertainties and economic challenges. In such circumstances, the role of entrepreneurial spirit and its support is a shared, fundamental interest. This is why it is important that this year we can showcase inspiring entrepreneurs in several fields, who have proven capable of advancing the resolution of critical social and economic issues. I wholeheartedly congratulate all the awardees,” said Vékási.
The Female Entrepreneurial Excellence Special Prize was awarded to Andrea Prohászka, CEO of Tutti. Under her leadership, creativity and innovation have become central to the company’s operations. As a result, alongside traditional powdered food products, the company has successfully entered the market for functional foods and dietary supplements.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, established in memory of Sándor Demján, was presented to Gábor Fülöp and Gáborné Fülöp, founders of Agrosprint. Founded in 1991, the company has become one of Central Europe’s leading frozen vegetable and fruit manufacturers and suppliers thanks to the business courage and entrepreneurial skills of its two leaders.
The Sustainability Award went to Károly Kovács, founder and CEO of Pureco. He has been active in the field of water management for more than three decades, creating an international company that is present in more than 20 countries and plays a significant role in developing sustainable water treatment technologies.
The Innovator Special Prize was awarded by the jury to Zsófia Benyeda Szabóné, CEO of Prophyl, for her pioneering work at the helm of the company and her innovative solutions in the field of animal health. Under her leadership, the biotechnology company introduced unique developments in Hungary, such as the production of SPF eggs, which play a crucial role in vaccine manufacturing.
As in previous years, the submitted applications were evaluated by an independent judging panel composed of renowned decision-makers. The panel was chaired by Bálint Lévai, CEO and co-owner of the BioTechUSA group—the former EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Members included Ágnes Fábián, managing director of Henkel, István Hegedűs, CFO of BorsodChem, Andrea Istenesné Solti, chairperson of the Shell Hungary board, László Krisán, CEO of Kavosz, Péter Ratatics, managing director responsible for Consumer Services at MOL Group, and Mihály Varga, founder of the KÉSZ Group.
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