Éva Hegedüs is the winner of the EY Business Person of the Year Award

Mihály Varga, Minister of Finance; Éva Hegedüs, co-founder and CEO of Gránit Bank; Tamás Vékási, CEO of EY Hungary; Bálint Lévai, jury president, CEO and co-owner of BioTechUSA Group – the previous holder of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year title.

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award has been recognizing outstanding leaders in Hungary for two decades, celebrating those who respond to economic challenges and promote social responsibility alongside business results through innovative solutions. In addition to the grand prizes, the jury awarded five special prizes in various categories to exceptional Hungarian entrepreneurs.

“The program honors entrepreneurs who work not only for their own success but also shape the future economy and society. Their example assures us that with risk-taking, perseverance, and continuous innovation, anything is achievable,”

emphasized Tamás Vékási, CEO of EY Hungary.

The independent jury selected three winners this year. Among them, Éva Hegedüs, co-founder and CEO of Gránit Bank Zrt., will represent Hungary in the World Entrepreneur of the Year global finals. Éva Hegedüs has led the institution since its establishment in 2010, transforming it into one of Hungary’s fastest-growing banks. Under her leadership, Gránit Bank has become a pioneer in online banking, serving customers exclusively through digital channels, without a branch network. Innovations like video banking and the Eco Calculator are recognized as groundbreaking solutions both domestically and internationally. Éva Hegedüs aims to position Gránit Bank as a key global player.

Among the winners were also Ádám Balogh, leader of Baki Agrocentrum Kft., and Miklós Szabó, founder-owner of Tranzit Group.

As a second-generation leader, Ádám Balogh of Baki Agrocentrum Kft. has achieved significant international success in the export of Hungarian grains and oilseeds. The company sells around 200,000 tons annually to neighboring and Western European countries, while cultivating crops on thousands of hectares. Under his leadership, the company continues to grow, setting an example in sustainable agricultural production with forward-looking solutions and digital tools.

Ádám Balogh, leader of Baki Agrocentrum Kft.

Miklós Szabó, founder of Tranzit Group, has built one of Hungary’s leading poultry companies over the past three decades. The company processes millions of geese, ducks, and chickens annually, with premium products sold worldwide. His philosophy centers on quality and meeting consumer demands. Miklós Szabó built his business empire on market principles and places great emphasis on social responsibility and supporting the disadvantaged. In recognition of his career, the jury awarded him the EY Role Model Special Award, a category previously not included in the current competition.

Miklós Szabó, founder-owner of Tranzit Group

Outstanding Entrepreneurs in Women’s Excellence, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Sustainability, and Innovation

“Today we face significant geopolitical uncertainties and economic challenges. In such conditions, the role of entrepreneurial spirit and its support is a common and essential interest. This year we proudly highlight inspiring entrepreneurs who have proven they can help advance critical social and economic issues. I wholeheartedly congratulate all award recipients,”

emphasized Tamás Vékási.

The Women’s Excellence Award went to Andrea Prohászka, CEO of Tutti Kft. Under her leadership, creativity and innovation are at the heart of the company’s operations. Her success lies in research and development, realizing new ideas and innovations. She focuses on creating and enhancing recipes for functional and nutritionally advanced food products. Thanks to her work, the company has successfully entered the market for functional foods and supplements alongside traditional powdered food products. Andrea is also committed to supporting women’s return to the workplace and creating a family-friendly environment.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in memory of Sándor Demján was presented to Gábor Fülöp and Mrs. Fülöp, founders of Agrosprint Zrt. Established in 1991, the company has become a leader in frozen vegetable and fruit production in Central Europe, thanks to their business courage and entrepreneurial skill. The company operates three factories, exports to 35 countries worldwide, and employs over 500 people. Their unwavering dedication, persistence, and forward-thinking approach inspire their workforce as they build a sustainable enterprise.

Gábor Fülöp and Mrs. Fülöp, founders of Agrosprint Zrt.

The Sustainability Award was given to Károly Kovács, founder and CEO of Pureco Ltd. Kovács has been active in the field of water management for over three decades. He built an international company that operates in over 20 countries and plays a major role in developing sustainable water management technologies. His name is associated with numerous environmental technology developments and patents. In his strategic decisions, Kovács is guided not only by business considerations but also by economic, social, and environmental goals, contributing significantly to the water environment in Hungary and neighboring countries.

Károly Kovács, founder and CEO of Pureco Ltd.

The Innovation Award went to Dr. Zsófia Benyeda, CEO of Prophyl Kft. Recognized for pioneering work in animal health, she introduced unique developments in biotechnology, such as the production of SPF eggs, essential for vaccine manufacturing. The company uses artificial intelligence to process production data and optimize operations. Driven by a commitment to animal and human health, she has made her company a key employer in the Baranya region.

Dr. Zsófia Benyeda, CEO of Prophyl Kft.

An Independent Jury Selected the Winners

As in previous years, the submissions were evaluated by an independent jury of renowned decision-makers. The jury was chaired by Bálint Lévai, CEO and co-owner of BioTechUSA Group and previous holder of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year title. Other members included Dr. Ágnes Fábián, CEO of Henkel, István Hegedűs, CFO of BorsodChem, Andrea Solti Istenesné, Chair of Shell Hungary, László Krisán, CEO of KAVOSZ, Péter Ratatics, MOL Group Executive Director of Consumer Services, and Mihály Varga, founder of KÉSZ Group.