Hungarian business leaders who are able to grow even in a crisis

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 19. 12:33

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While the sales revenue of Hungarian companies decreased by an average of 8 percent and their profits by 11 percent in 2024, companies belonging to the Trusted Circle achieved a 1.25 percent revenue increase and an 11 percent profit increase, according to a recent analysis by Opten. According to Dr. Hajnalka Csorbai, Opten’s strategic director, the key to success is digitalization, knowledge sharing and human strategy. The members of the Trusted Circle were also able to expand employment, while the national data shows a 7 percent decrease. The outstanding leaders will be awarded at the Trust Gala on November 28.

“The Hungarian economy has been operating in a permanent state of crisis in recent years: the post-Covid downturn, inflationary pressure and lack of investments have all contributed to the majority of businesses struggling with stagnation or contraction. However, Opten’s recent analysis shows that there are companies that were able to show growth and efficiency improvements even amidst the difficulties.”

– emphasized Dr. Hajnalka Csorbai, Opten’s strategic director, in a podcast interview prepared by Péter Gangel, founder of the Trust Circle.

The conversation not only focused on how domestic businesses are performing, but the strategic director also talked about the trends that can be observed in terms of sales, profitability, company formations 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%,

– their profits fell by an average of 11%.

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

Employment and long-term thinking

The difference in employment is also striking: while Hungarian companies overall reduced the number of employees by nearly 7%, the members of the Circle of Trust increased their staff by almost 5%. This clearly shows the difference in management approach: outstanding companies do not think in terms of short-term cost reduction, but in terms of long-term strategic construction. After all, as mentioned in the podcast: company managers often 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 discussion, Dr. Hajnalka Csorbai highlighted three main factors:

Efficiency and innovation – when increasing revenue 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 – retaining and expanding the workforce in a 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.

The full broadcast is available here: