WS Hungary - Dr. Ervin Szűcs, Managing Director

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

American and other international companies are among the largest investors and employers in Hungary, and their success helps the country's global competitiveness. They need a predictable and transparent business environment. AmCham is the one business organisation here that combines the weight of these investors with a fact-based, politically independent voice. It also seeks practical solutions to problems in Hungarian–US economic relations, helps members with new regulations and supports ethical conduct. It is an active community where global corporations and Hungarian-owned firms learn from each other.

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

My career has been connected to US–Hungarian relations. I worked as US desk officer at the Foreign Ministry, as a diplomat in Washington, at the US firm Iridium in CEE, and for 25 years as an adviser to international companies in Hungary. Hungarian-owned firms, exporters and local consultancies are a substantial part of the membership. As a Hungarian-owned firm with a high export share, we understand their perspective, and I would like to give them a stronger voice on the Board. Like AmCham, I value transparency and fair competition. I have successfully defended these principles in court, including landmark cases involving investor protection and public procurement. Serving the community also motivates me: our firm regularly does pro bono work for NGOs.

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

Interest representation has been a main focus of my career. As an economist and former diplomat, I understand the economic, geopolitical and political context companies face. Also, I co-authored the first Hungarian handbook on public affairs and took part as a market player in preparing the first Hungarian law on the transparency of interest representation. I taught public affairs at Corvinus University, and with colleagues, I help clients understand regulatory processes. I have leadership experience in business (Weber Shandwick in 16 CEE countries, today WS Hungary and WS CEE) and in the non-profit sector (President of the INSEAD Alumni Association Hungary, Chair of the Membership Subcommittee at The Phillips Collection in Washington). WS Hungary is an SME serving multinational clients, so I am familiar with both sides. For AmCham and its committees, my colleagues and I offer practical help in supporting policy dialogue, communicating the Policy Agenda 2026–2030 and positioning AmCham as attractive for new members.

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

My connection with AmCham goes back to the early 1990s. WS Hungary has been a member for over 30 years, and I have represented it for 25. We organised AmCham seminars, including the first one on CSR, and supported AmCham events, from tennis tournaments as title sponsor to the Marketing School, where I lectured. I also worked on the Membership Committee. This year I became more active again, taking part in several events, including the Business Forums with Ministers Görög and Tanács and the Business Meets Government Summit. Now I am ready to devote the necessary time to the Board.

CANDIDATE BIO

Dr. Ervin Szűcs owns the Budapest and Prague affiliates of Weber Shandwick, one of the world's largest PR and communications agencies, and is Managing Director of WS Hungary. With about 50 professionals in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the companies advise international and Hungarian firms on brand and product communication, reputation and crisis management, as well as public affairs, including regulatory matters and dialogue with decision-makers. He began as a diplomat in Budapest and at the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, where he helped win US congressional support for Hungary's NATO membership. Later he led Iridium's market launch in nine CEE markets as Country Manager, and headed Weber Shandwick's operations in 16 CEE countries. He co-authored Hungary's first handbook on public affairs and taught it at Corvinus University. He has an MBA from INSEAD Business School and a university doctorate in international relations, with a thesis on game theory in world politics.