Ayvens - Tímea Pesti, CEO

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

AmCham plays a vital role in strengthening Hungary’s competitiveness by connecting business leaders, facilitating constructive dialogue with policymakers, and advocating for a predictable, transparent and business-friendly environment. 
Its greatest strength lies in bringing together diverse perspectives around shared objectives and translating them into practical action. 
In a changing economic and political landscape, AmCham has a unique opportunity and responsibility to help shape Hungary’s future through meaningful cooperation, credible recommendations and a strong, independent business voice. 
For individual companies, membership provides not only representation, but also access to a trusted community, valuable insights and opportunities to contribute to the conditions in which businesses can grow and invest with confidence.

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

Having previously served two years as a Board Member-at-Large and another two years as First Vice President, I know AmCham’s values, ambitions and potential very well. 
My earlier Board experience was highly meaningful because it allowed me to contribute to the organisation’s direction, strengthen relationships across the business community and help turn shared priorities into concrete initiatives.
I believe Hungary is entering a new chapter, with important opportunities to strengthen competitiveness, rebuild dialogue and shape a more prosperous future. Following the successful integration of two major organisations in my professional life, I feel ready and strongly motivated to dedicate my energy, experience and leadership to AmCham once again.
I believe in giving back to the business community and in taking responsibility for the environment in which companies operate. For me, Board membership is not about holding a position; it is about making a meaningful contribution, representing members’ interests and turning shared ambitions into tangible results. I would bring both the perspective of a returning leader and the energy to help AmCham make an even stronger impact in its next chapter.

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

With more than 20 years of senior executive experience across different industries, I bring strategic thinking, business transformation expertise, strong leadership skills and a results-oriented mindset. I have led organisations through periods of significant change and understand what is required to set a clear direction, build alignment and deliver results.
Having led a complex corporate merger, I know how to navigate uncertainty, align diverse stakeholders and turn challenges into opportunities. This experience has strengthened my ability to listen to different perspectives, build trust, make difficult decisions and maintain momentum even in demanding circumstances.
My established relationships across the business community and with government decision-makers, combined with my previous AmCham leadership experience, would enable me to contribute effectively from day one. I bring an independent perspective, a collaborative approach and a strong commitment to sustainable growth, competitiveness and responsible leadership. Most importantly, I would bring the ability and willingness to connect strategy with execution and help ensure that AmCham’s priorities create visible value for its members and for Hungary’s business environment.

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

Although my professional focus over the past two years has been on leading a major corporate integration, I have remained closely connected to AmCham’s mission, priorities and business community. My previous four years of Board leadership have given me a lasting commitment to the organisation and its values, and I have continued to follow its work and remain engaged with the community.
The demands of the integration necessarily limited the time I could devote to an active leadership role during this period. With that chapter now behind us, I am enthusiastic about becoming actively involved again and contributing my experience, relationships and energy to AmCham’s next chapter.
I see this candidacy as a natural continuation of my long-standing commitment to AmCham, combined with a renewed capacity to contribute. I am ready to be present, engaged and accountable, and to help the Board strengthen AmCham’s impact, deepen its dialogue with stakeholders and deliver meaningful value to its members.

CANDIDATE BIO

CEO, Ayvens Hungary | Business Leader | Mentor | Sustainability Advocate

Tímea Pesti is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of senior leadership experience across the pharmaceutical (Novartis), marketing and communication (HL Display), and financial services and mobility (LeasePlan/Ayvens) industries.

She has served on the Board of Ayvens Hungary since 2011 and has been leading the company as CEO since 2017. Under her leadership, nearly 300 employees collaborate with more than 1,000 suppliers to finance, manage and operate a fleet of approximately 32,000 vehicles, representing a portfolio value of HUF 220 billion.

As a leader within Bridge Budapest, she actively promotes the concept of legacy leadership, encouraging business leaders to think beyond short-term performance and consider the long-term impact they leave on people, organizations and society.

For nearly a decade, she has mentored leaders through various organizations, supporting their personal and professional growth. She has also served as a Charity Ambassador for the Csodalámpa Foundation for almost ten years, contributing to the foundation’s long-term sustainability and mission.

A passionate advocate for sustainability and responsible business, Tímea serves on the Board of BCSDH, where she works to inspire meaningful action and accelerate positive change among businesses and decision-makers.

She has also been actively involved in AmCham in Hungary, previously serving two years as a Board Member-at-Large and another two years as First Vice President.

For Tímea, leadership is not only about delivering results, but also about empowering people, taking responsibility and leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.