Arconic-Köfém Mill Products Hungary - Zsuzsa Varga, Managing Director

1.Why do you think membership in the American Chamber of Commerce is important for businesses operating in Hungary?

AmCham is an excellent platform for networking, knowledge sharing and representing business interests through constructive advocacy. It connects companies across sectors with decision-makers and other key stakeholders, while supporting dialogue on a competitive, predictable and sustainable business environment. It also provides an important link between the Hungarian business community and international experience, best practices and perspectives.

2. What motivates you to be an AmCham Board Member?

I would welcome the opportunity to take a more active role in a business community that I have valued for many years and to contribute my experience and perspective to AmCham’s work. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to support constructive dialogue and cooperation between businesses, educational institutions and public-sector stakeholders.

My professional background in HR leadership, labor law, coaching, mediation and university teaching has shaped my people-centered leadership approach and my commitment to mentoring and lifelong learning. For the past four years, I have also led yoga groups, further reinforcing my belief in the importance of balance and well-being in both personal and professional life. I believe businesses create lasting value by combining strong performance with investment in people, diverse teams and healthy workplace cultures.

3. Why do you feel you are qualified? What skills do you bring to the position?

I have more than 25 years of multinational experience, including 21 years in senior leadership and executive roles, with HR and Managing Director experience at Guardian Hungary and Arconic Hungary. My strengths include strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, partnership building, mentoring and mediation. I have a broad professional network and extensive experience connecting business, education and public-sector perspectives. I believe in sharing knowledge, developing talent and fostering cooperation to support sustainable business and social development.

4. How have you been active in AmCham over the course of the last two years?

Arconic and AmCham have a relationship spanning more than 20 years, and I actively support AmCham’s work, particularly in HR and education, and increasingly in health, work-life balance and employee well-being. Over the past two years, I have regularly participated in professional roundtables and discussions related to education and HR, either personally or through colleagues whom I actively encourage to engage with AmCham.

This engagement extends beyond HR: Arconic colleagues also regularly participate in AmCham events and professional discussions in areas such as finance, quality and sustainability. I consider it important not only to participate personally, but also to encourage colleagues across the organization to contribute their expertise to the wider AmCham community.

My engagement with AmCham also goes back further. For example, in 2022 I participated in the AmCham HR Dream Day roundtable on leadership, employee engagement and motivation. I also contribute business experience and practical perspectives to discussions involving companies, educational institutions and government stakeholders, including the preparation and amendment of legislation.

CANDIDATE BIO

Zsuzsanna Varga is HR Director and Managing Director at Arconic Hungary, with over 25 years of multinational experience, including five years at Guardian Hungary and 18 years at Arconic. With more than two decades in senior leadership, she combines strategic HR expertise with extensive manufacturing experience. She holds a degree in HR, qualifications in labour relations, mediation and business coaching, and has been a university lecturer for 12 years. Zsuzsanna actively builds professional communities through HR roundtables and cross-company networks. She is passionate about education, talent development, employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and strengthening collaboration between business, education and public institutions. Her recent personal journey has further reinforced her commitment to resilience, continuous growth and creating a healthier, more balanced future for people, organisations and communities.