HIPA welcomes new Vice President of Business Development

Papp, a former managing director of Microsoft Hungary, is described by HIPA as an expert with a proven track record of success in the international business environment. He will be responsible for developing the role of domestic SMEs as suppliers in large investments, while offering investment ideas to financial investors in Hungary. 

In his new position, Papp’s main task will be to provide support to developing relationships with Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to facilitate their highest possible involvement in investors’ supply chains. In addition to this, priority tasks will include mapping, professional evaluation and promotion among potential investors of – typically novel – investment projects and ideas that are based on a unique idea, the implementation of which requires an external source of financing and/or involvement of financial partners, says the press release.

Papp has more than 21 years of experience in the ICT and telecom sectors, and has held senior positions at a number of large international companies. In his previous job, he was in charge of Microsoft’s regional business activities in the Asia and Pacific region. Prior to that, he spent four successful years as managing director of Microsoft Hungary. Before joining Microsoft in 2011, he held senior positions at several international companies, including the position of deputy CEO of Magyar Telekom, as well as managing director of Cisco’s South-East Europe region.

“By strengthening the field of business development, on the one hand, more attention can be devoted to supporting Hungarian SMEs in order to facilitate their inclusion in the scope of suppliers working for foreign investors,” said HIPA President Róbert Ésik. “In addition, the appointment of István Papp will make it possible to ensure that Hungarian ideas and projects whose implementation requires equity financing receive special attention in future.”

“As a company manager, I have always put great emphasis on increasing the competitiveness of our economy and on improving Hungaryʼs international reputation,” Papp said. “I feel honored by the great opportunity that in the future – through my experience and international contacts – as HIPA’s Vice President, I will be in the position to directly support Hungary’s development.”