Those companies are making progress that recruit the most talented people

Our magazine interviewed László Békefi, country general manager of Coca-Cola HBC Magyarország.

There have been great changes at the company recently – product categories were extended and new managers fill various positions. What kind of influence do these events have on the short- and long-term strategies of the company?

– Our strategy has been the same for a long time and the changes in the management haven’t had an impact on this. The company’s objective is to become the regional production centre in Central Europe within the Coca-Cola Hellenic group. We are already the group’s biggest exporter, and we purchase two thirds of the ingredients we use in production from Hungarian suppliers. Last year our sales revenue was up 11 percent and exceeded HUF 131 billion. Indirectly we give work to 13,000 people.

You are performing well as a corporate brand. Why is this so important for you?

– I am very proud of the fact that Coca-Cola HBC Magyarország is the most attractive FMCG workplace among young people and job seekers. Recently we have received the PwC excellence award and once again we finished first in the employer branding of Randstad in the FMCG category. If we can recruit dedicated, well-trained and creative workers, we have the chance to stay on the growth path in the future.

What is the direction of development?

– Coca-Cola HBC Magyarország works hard every day to create value for the group, the customers, our partners and communities. Our aim is to be the leaders of growth within the Hellenic group too, which we intend to achieve with a responsible, sustainable and profitable growth strategy, with the continuous improvement of our portfolio, and with our skilful and committed team.

The company is a keen supporter of the next generation and makes great efforts to protect the environment and manufacture sustainably. What goals did you set for the next few years?

– Since 2017 the company’s #myfuture programme – this offers free training to young people, young mothers and disabled people – has had more than 7,000 participants. Coca-Cola HBC fully understands the problem of humanity producing too much waste. Our view is that the key to tackling the problem successfully is what happens to plastic after use. In partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, we have started implementing the multi-year World Without Waste programme, which seeks to achieve three things: 1.All of the company’s primary packaging must be 100-percent recyclable, 2.We must use a growing proportion of recycled PET in manufacturing PET bottles, 3.We must collect as many plastic bottles or aluminium cans as we sell by 2030.

Talking about commitment: You have been a member of the Coca-Cola team for nearly 20 years, and after many years you are now working in Hungary again – in the highest position. Was this written in the stars?

– I am not the only one at the company with two decades under their belt. My first and only workplace has been Coca-Cola HBC Magyarország Kft. It is a great challenge and a real honour for me to have led the company’s Hungarian operations since 1 April. (x)