Mike

Name: Mike Carlson

Position/Company: CEO, NSM

Candidate Bio

Experience

  • CFO at Budapest Airport; Supervisory Board Chairman for BudSEC Kft. 2022-2024; Led team of 140+ in FP&A, Controlling, Procurement, Corporate Finance, Accounting and IT
  • With KPMG 34 years; Partner for 26 years taking responsibility for serving clients including negotiating scope of work and fees, and ensuring quality service delivery
  • Experience in Audit, Corporate Finance, Forensic, Transaction services and Valuation
  • Experience working in 3 countries including Canada (until 1990), Hungary (1990-92; 1994- present) and Switzerland (1992-1994)
  • Served numerous US and multinational clients in many industries and roles
  • Responsibility for CSR involving setting strategy, encouraging employee engagement, monitoring impact and trends, and leading the CSR team and participating staff
  • Non-profit Supervisory Board experience, including with United Way Hungary (Chairman) and the Hungarian Ice Hockey Federation responsible for reviewing financial results, liaising with Auditors and reviewing Board activities
  • Ex-Secretary Treasurer, American Chamber of Commerce; Director, ex- President and Treasurer of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary

Skills

  • Board and Supervisory Board experience
  • Chamber of Commerce Board experience
  • Strong accounting, auditing and internal control understanding
  • Statutory reporting experience
  • Strong team player
  • Positive attitude

Education

  • Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant
  • MBA, Purdue University / CEU – IMM program

Motivation

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

There are several reasons:

  • AmCham’s mix of US, international and local members ensure an international and outward facing perspective, driven by business best practices and a desire to operate in an environment with transparent rules and fair treatment of players. Membership can be a signal of support and aspiration to the same goals.
  • Opportunities for networking, finding business opportunities and learning more about the Hungarian and CEE business environment across industries through listening to and meeting business and government leaders, supplemented by AmCham thought leadership.
  • Businesses are key stakeholders in society and government policy makers need a reliable, objective body to consult to formulate policy, understand the impact of their actions, and make better decisions. I support AmCham’s objective of increasing country competitiveness and working with aligned stakeholders. Having the ear of government and being taken seriously by government leaders gives enormous influence, and responsibility. Members can have a voice in this process.
  • Ultimately a member will get out of membership what they put in.

What motivates you to be an AmCham Board Member/Supervisory Board Member?

I’ve been part of business chambers in Hungary for 30 years, and have always been impressed with AmCham’s message, commitment to open and ethical business behaviour and ability to make an impact. Its success is measured in terms of international and local membership and continuing relevance. As a former Secretary-Treasurer and member of the AmCham Board, I’ve gained even deeper insight into the organization which has only increased my respect for its mission and the people involved.I enjoy being part of a dynamic group driven to improve the business environment in Hungary.

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

I was Secretary Treasurer of AmCham from late 2019 to 2023, just in time for the Covid pandemic and subsequent recovery. It was a challenging time, and I actively contributed to AmCham’s Covid response focusing on cash preservation and control, participating in special meetings, monitoring regular cash reporting, meeting our financial reporting obligations and otherwise supporting the AmCham team throughout my term.

I was CFO and part of the Executive Team of Budapest Airport from 2022 until the government led reacquisition of BUD in summer 2024. In this role I led a team of 140+ across many areas including FP&A, controlling, procurement, IT, accounting and Corporate Finance. My role also included Chair of the Supervisory Board for BudSec Kft., the passenger security screening subsidiary of BUD.

I was a Partner with KPMG for 26 years in several roles. As an Audit Partner specializing in serving US and international companies, and with experience with statutory reporting, I gained strong accounting and auditing skills, as well as being immersed in the international business culture. As head of Financial Advisory Services for 10 years, I led a team of 40+ professionals in Deal Advisory, Valuation, Restructuring and Forensic services. I was also responsible Corporate Social Responsibility in KPMG Hungary.

Other non-profit roles in addition to AmCham include: Board member of the American International School of Budapest (member of the Finance and Building Committee); Supervisory Board member of the Hungarian Ice Hockey Federation; Director and a past Treasurer and President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary; Supervisory Board Chair of United Way Hungary; and with Bator Tabor responsible for a major fundraising initiative (charity golf event). I’m ethical and always focus on doing the right thing.

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

I’ve been the Secretary Treasurer, as well as on the AmCham Board Executive Committee for four years until December 2023 and attended most meetings and discussions. I’ve also been an active and regular participant at AmCham events for many years.