The prestigious Expat CEO Award recognizes the foreign executive working and living in Hungary who has made the most significant contribution to the country’s economic development and international reputation over the past year, while the Community Award highlights business leaders with an outstanding impact on society and community building.

As in previous years, both awards were decided by professional juries shortly before the start of the gala.

The Expat CEO Award jury comprised Írisz Lippai-Nagy, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary; Barbara Zollmann, CEO of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Gergő Karbuczky, deputy CEO and chief operating officer of HIPA; and Balázs Román, CEO of the Budapest Business Journal. The panel was completed by last year’s winner, Ana Maria Vargas.

The Community Award jury included Andrea Solti Istenes, president of the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum; Tamás Botka, publisher of the Budapest Business Journal; and Róbert Keszte, last year’s winner.

Following the opening of the gala, BBJ editor-in-chief Robin Marshall welcomed attendees, setting the tone for an evening centered on the strength of the CEO community in Hungary.

The event was supported by sponsors Penny, Audi, PwC, Synergy, Siemens, CBRE, Taylor Wessing, and Market Asset Management, alongside long-standing event partner the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA).

HIPA Deputy CEO Gergő Karbuczky addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of collaboration between international businesses and Hungary’s economic ecosystem.

Guests were also treated to a musical performance by the Singing Lawyers Budapest, whose repertoire blended classical, contemporary, and folk-inspired pieces, adding a cultural dimension to the evening.

Community Award Recognizes Corporate Responsibility

The first major highlight of the night was the presentation of the CEO Community Award.

The award honors business leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to community building, act as role models, and make a meaningful social and economic impact in Hungary.

This year’s nominees were Orsolya Erdődy, managing director of the Budapest Festival Orchestra; Péter Noszek, CEO of Nestlé Hungária; and Rezső Rózsai, country managing partner at KPMG Hungary.

The Community Award was presented to Rezső Rózsai by last year’s winner, Róbert Keszte.

Rezső Rózsai

“I have to say that this award is not coming to me alone. I have to thank my colleagues who are sharing knowledge in the business community, who are awarding a lot of extra pro bono work to the communities who really deserve it and really need it. So, I would like to thank you again for the great award and this is empowering us to work even harder in the future,” said Rózsai.

Following the announcement, the other finalists were invited to the stage to receive certificates of recognition.

Honoring International Leadership

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Expat CEO Award.

Since its launch in 2015, the accolade has become one of the most prestigious recognitions in Hungary’s business community, celebrating international executives who contribute to the country’s economic development.

This year’s finalists were Xaviera Sancho, general manager of BT Hungary; Pawel Tokarzewski, country manager for Hungary at Eli Lilly and Company; and Nikos Zois, managing director of Heineken Hungária.

The winner, Xaviera Sancho, was announced by Ana Maria Vargas.

“I’m especially honored because I was nominated alongside such outstanding colleagues. Being part of this group already felt like recognition, so to receive this award is incredibly meaningful,” she said.

“I would like to thank everyone here — colleagues, partners, and friends — because what I have found in Hungary is more than just a professional environment. It has become a second home and, in many ways, a second family. That sense of community is something truly special, and it’s something we must continue to build together,” Sancho noted.

All finalists were recognized on stage, underlining the strength and diversity of Hungary’s international business leadership community.

The gala concluded with closing remarks from Robin Marshall, who thanked sponsors, partners, and attendees for their continued support.

The evening continued with networking, live music, and entertainment, offering guests further opportunities to connect and celebrate.

A more detailed report about the gala will be available in the upcoming print issue of the Budapest Business Journal.