Ilona Dávid

Introduction

I am an economist and hold a Master’s degree in Management and Organisation. Throughout my career, I have worked as a middle and senior manager in both multinational and state-owned organisations, as well as in a leadership role at major companies. Some key positions: 2010: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GYSEV Zrt.; 2012–2018: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MÁV Zrt.; 2017–2022: Member of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee of MOL Magyarország Nyrt.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VOLÁNBUSZ Zrt. since 2018; Member of the Board of Directors of Richter Gedeon Nyrt. from 2022 to 2023; and, since autumn 2020, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OrganX (formerly George’s Venture Capital (GVC)) Zrt. – which encompasses, amongst others, the market-leading Hungast Group, the hugely successful Szupermenza, and the Catey concept, which is ushering in a new era in hospital catering – since autumn 2020. The past decades have been characterised by crisis management, strategy formulation, organisational development and large-scale corporate management. For many years, I featured on Forbes magazine’s list of the most influential Hungarian businesswomen.

Why would you like to participate in the HBLF International X Mentor Program?

Year after year, I receive numerous requests to use my decades of senior management experience, gained at some of Hungary’s largest companies, to help those who wish to prove themselves at the very highest level. I am happy to do so, and I do so effectively. 

Have you ever had a mentor, or have you ever mentored someone? What did that mean to you?

I have mentored people on numerous occasions. It is a source of inspiration for me, and it gives me great pleasure to help my mentees achieve their goals in furthering their careers.