The Hungarian Business Leaders Forum held its general assembly for the election of officers at a time when corporate leaders’ responsibilities increasingly extend beyond economic performance.
The business leadership community, which has a history of more than three decades and counts more than 100 members, reelected Andrea Istenesné Solti as president. It also confirmed the mandates of board members András Bácsfalvi, Teodóra Bodó, Beáta Juvancz, while electing two new members to the board, Gabriella Heiszler and Ágnes Kovács.
In its next term, HBLF said it will continue to focus on diversity, responsible corporate governance and value-based leadership.
One of the organization’s key objectives for the coming period is to further strengthen programs that create measurable social and business impact. These include the International X Mentor Program, the Board-Level Program supporting balanced boards and responsible corporate governance, the Financial Summit conference series, which has been running for more than two decades, and support for the Romaster Foundation.
While the initiatives operate in different fields, HBLF said they are built on the same values, creating a platform where talent, responsibility and opportunity can meet.
“It is a great honor for me that the HBLF membership has placed its trust in me to continue my work as president. For me, HBLF is a value-based leadership community representing responsible corporate governance, value-based leadership and diversity, which are essential foundations of a successful business environment,” said Andrea Istenesné Solti, president of HBLF.
She added that the organization, which will mark its 35th anniversary next year, has always responded to relevant economic and social issues through pioneering initiatives and programs based on long-term partnerships.
“We will carry this approach and commitment forward in line with HBLF’s mission: The future belongs to everyone,” she said.
Compass for Corporate Leadership
András Bácsfalvi, partner at Ernst & Young Consulting and the board member responsible for the ethics working group, said HBLF is more than a business community.
“I believe HBLF is not only a business community but also a compass and standard-setting force for corporate leadership in Hungary. I am therefore committed to further strengthening the strategic development of an ethical, responsible and sustainable business culture in Hungary,” he said.
Teodóra Bodó, director of communications and governmental relations for Hungary and the Adriatic Region, and the board member responsible for communications, said responsible companies can have a positive impact on economic and social processes.
“HBLF shapes responsible business thinking and strengthens value-based dialogue in Hungary,” she said. “I am convinced that we, as corporate leaders, have not only economic but also very serious social responsibilities in terms of the future we build together for the next generations.”
Gabriella Heiszler, managing director of Spar Magyarország Kereskedelmi Kft. and the board member responsible for the EU Diversity Charter, said she was pleased to join HBLF.
“The mentor program and the equal opportunity charter are especially important to me,” she said.
The organization aims to create leadership dialogues and programs that address issues relevant to Hungarian business life, including the Financial Summit and the CEO Forum. HBLF said its operations combine corporate leadership responsibility, social impact and support for future generations.
According to the forum, one of the community’s strengths is its ability to connect members from different industries, organizational backgrounds and leadership experiences. This diversity allows HBLF not only to respond to change but also to actively shape responsible business thinking.
Commitment to Transparency and Social Responsibility
Beáta Juvancz, managing director at BlackRock, HBLF board member and treasurer, said she first became familiar with the organization through the Romaster program.
“From the first moment, I personally found HBLF highly credible. I encountered an organization that not only actively supports positive market processes but also builds a genuine, value-based community,” she said.
She added that the work of the board is particularly inspiring in the way it brings together professional excellence, the sharing of forward-looking market practices, a consistent commitment to transparency and the credible representation of social responsibility.
Ágnes Kovács, managing director of Coca-Cola HBC Magyarország and the board member responsible for the HR workshop, said she accepted the board role because she considers the development of the Hungarian business community important.
“I believe that I can contribute to this with my strategic approach and international leadership experience,” she said.
As it approaches its 35th anniversary, HBLF said it intends to further strengthen its role in Hungarian business life. The organization aims to build programs and partnerships involving member companies and leaders that contribute to strengthening trust, developing ethical corporate governance and creating a more inclusive and responsible business culture.
