Dear members and friends,
We invite you to 2026’s final CEO Dinner, to be held on the 26th of November at the Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest for which we are delighted to announce that we’ll be joined by Mr. Zsolt Pálinkás, CEO of Tesco Hungary.
During the event, you will have the chance to enjoy the customary three-course dinner with wine & welcome drinks while getting to hear one of the retail industry’s leading international company’s CEO present their views on new trends and recent developments. HMA Mr Justin McKenzie Smith, British Ambassador to Hungary and our chairman, Mr Duncan Graham will also both be joining us to give their opening remarks to the event.
Our guest Zsolt Pálinkás is the Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Hungary, bringing nearly 24 years of experience with the business and a uniquely well-rounded perspective on retail, combining extensive operational and commercial leadership expertise at both country and regional levels.
Zsolt began his Tesco career in 2003 as Technical Department Manager at the Pólus store in Budapest. By 2006, he had progressed to the role of Non-Food Director, gaining valuable hands-on experience across different store formats and operating models.
Driven by a strong interest in the commercial side of retail, he subsequently transitioned into commercial, where he built extensive expertise across fresh food, grocery and non-food categories. Over the years, he held several senior commercial leadership positions, Category Director, Product Director working from UK and Regional Commercial Director for Visegrád countries.
In 2011, Zsolt joined the Tesco Hungary Board, marking a significant milestone in his leadership journey, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) 3 years later and subsequently became Country Manager for Hungary. In 2017, he joined the Central Europe Executive Team, initially taking responsibility for General Merchandise across Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. He subsequently assumed the role of Central Europe COO, overseeing key operational functions across the region, including stores, supply chain, distribution and online grocery operations (Dotcom).
In 2021, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Hungary, where he continues to draw on his broad commercial and operational experience to lead the business.
Date:
Thursday, 26 November, 2026 18:00-20:00
Registration opens at 17:30
Venue:
Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest – 1056, Váci u. 36.
Admission for members: 30,000 HUF (plus VAT)
Admission for non-members: 40,000 HUF (plus VAT)