Hungarian CEOs who are able to grow even in a crisis

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 19. 10:10

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“The Hungarian economy has been operating in a persistently near-crisis state in recent years: the post-Covid downturn, inflationary pressure and lack of investment have all contributed to the majority of businesses struggling with stagnation or contraction. However, Opten’s recent analysis shows that there are companies that have been able to show growth and efficiency improvements even amidst the difficulties.” – emphasized Dr. Hajnalka Csorbai, Strategic Director of Opten, in a podcast interview prepared by Péter Gangel, founder of Bizalmi Kör.

The conversation not only discussed how domestic businesses are performing, but the Strategic Director also talked about the trends that can be observed in terms of sales, profitability, company foundings and closures. The podcast specifically addressed why certain companies were able to show growth, efficiency improvements and workforce expansion, while the market as a whole declined.

According to the analysis, the majority of domestic companies suffered a significant decline in 2024:

their sales revenue decreased by nearly 8% decreased, and their profits fell by an average of 11%.

In contrast, companies belonging to the Trusted Circle experienced an average of 1.25% revenue growth and 11% profit growth during the same period.

Employment and long-term thinking

The difference is also striking in the area of employment: while Hungarian companies overall reduced the number of employees by nearly 7%, members of the Trusted Circle increased their headcount by almost 5%. This clearly shows the difference in management approach: outstanding companies do not think about short-term cost reductions, but about long-term strategic construction. As mentioned in the podcast: in many cases, company leaders have tried to retain their employees at their own expense, recognizing that loyalty and experience are invaluable assets, especially at the beginning of a new growth cycle.

What is the key to success?

During the conversation, Dr. Hajnalka Csorbai highlighted three main factors:

Efficiency and innovation – when increasing sales is not possible, businesses rely on cost rationalization, digitalization and AI solutions.
Community knowledge sharing – leaders in the circle of trust learn from each other, thus responding faster to market challenges.
Foresightful human strategy – the workforce maintaining and expanding in times of crisis is the foundation for future success.

Examples in practice

It is therefore no coincidence that the 2025 Leader of the Year TOP10 list includes leaders who were able to demonstrate growth, stability and inspiring leadership behavior even in times of crisis. The competition announced candidates in six categories – from micro to large companies, with special attention paid to young and female company leaders. The winners will be announced on November 28 at the Bizalom Gala held at the Corinthia Hotel.

The message of the list is clear: there is a way out even in times of crisis. Leaders who think long-term, are willing to innovate, and maintain a commitment to their employees not only create value in their own companies, but also set an example for the entire domestic business community.