The Duna Group has been rolled out to large regional companies

Our interview with the new president:

The Duna Aszfalt has been the focus of attention for decades. What led up to you taking on the top management role?

I come from Sátoraljaújhely, and as a first-generation member of the intellectual class in my family, as I mentioned in a previous interview, I knew as early as Year 7 that I wanted to be a civil engineer. A lot has happened since then, and I can say that I’ve been fortunate enough to hold a number of positions within the construction industry.

For example, I served as Director-General of the KKK (Transport Development Coordination Centre), which would be equivalent to the position of Deputy State Secretary today. The knowledge I gained in the field of public administration was an enormous help when I returned to the corporate world after 2010. It is well known that I seek to build good working relationships with everyone and that I find solutions even to the most difficult tasks.

After receiving the offer, I asked for a week to think it over. First of all, I considered whether I had enough energy to take on the top leadership role in this rapidly developing group. And, like anyone taking on a leadership role, I also had to consider whether I wanted this 24-hour „job” as a private individual. After giving it careful thought and coming to a clear ‘yes’ as my answer, I responded to the invitation!

Who heads the group of companies?

The Board of Directors.

What is your working relationship with the owner like?

I received the offer from the owner, of course, on the understanding that I would bear financial and legal responsibility in this role. I would like to build on László Szíjj’s industry experience, as he is now – if you will – the doyen of the construction industry.

I am also counting on the members of the board of directors to a great extent, as they all have at least a decade’s experience with the company. It is my responsibility to steer the group of companies in line with the principles and towards the objectives set out jointly with the owners.

Which sectors do the members of the board represent?

The founder is not a member of the board. The board comprises the heads of the legal, business and communications, finance, corporate integrity, domestic operations and – with two members – international divisions.

Doesn’t this resemble the organisational structure of a multinational company?

One of the reasons I accepted this highly honourable position is that it is clear that, after 2014, as soon as the legal framework allowed, the owner established a model based on that of a major European corporation. Duna Group is an international group of companies, with Duna Aszfalt Zrt. as its flagship. Together with the finance and investment group, they form a modern European corporate structure. It may resemble the structure of a multinational corporation, but the most important thing is that we project a dynamic image that appeals to young people; after all, I would have been delighted to join such a company even as a junior engineer, let alone as chairman of the board!

On his very first day, he was confronted with a storm of criticism regarding the company’s project to build the Danube bridge at Mohács and the four-lane road leading up to it. What do you have to say about this?

As the head of an organisation carrying out one of the country’s largest construction projects, I consider it only natural that the new government’s new leaders should review these projects. If they wish to make changes, we are open to cooperation.

What did the profession make of his appointment?

I’ve even received some rather surprising messages of congratulations. I see it as a good sign that I’ve received nothing but positive messages. I believe this is not so much a tribute to me personally, but also a recognition of the work Duna Aszfalt Zrt. has done so far. After all, if my acquaintances had had a bad experience with the company in the past, they certainly wouldn’t be offering their sincere congratulations.

What can your colleagues expect from you?

I have been part of the Duna Group team for four years. I believe it is significant that the owner personally appointed an experienced engineer like myself as manager. This company wants to build.

Duna Aszfalt Zrt. is widely recognised as an extremely dynamic organisation. My colleagues can expect me to insist on maintaining innovation and continuing to adhere fully to technological discipline.

Given that, according to experts, the number of lorries and passenger cars in Hungary is set to increase significantly over the next ten years, I can see a sea of challenges lying ahead of us. After all, we are lagging far behind in the development and maintenance of both our rail and road networks.