Famous Hungarian Business People

Thomas Peterffy is a Hungarian-born American billionaire businessman known for founding and leading Interactive Brokers. Starting as an architectural draftsman, he transitioned to computer programming before purchasing a seat on the American Stock Exchange in 1977. His pivotal role in developing the first electronic trading platform for securities marked a significant milestone in the financial industry. As of March 2024, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$34.4 billion, positioning him as one of the world's wealthiest individuals.

George Soros is a Hungarian-American businessman, investor, and philanthropist known for founding the Quantum Fund and Soros Fund Management. He gained fame for successfully short selling pounds sterling during the 1992 Black Wednesday UK currency crisis, earning him a significant profit. Soros is renowned for his General Theory of Reflexivity in capital markets, providing insights into asset bubbles and market values. He has donated billions to progressive causes through the Open Society Foundations and played a role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Judith Leiber was a prominent Hungarian-American fashion designer known for her exquisite handbags. She founded her eponymous luxury handbag company which gained worldwide recognition for its intricate designs and impeccable craftsmanship. Leiber's creations were popular among celebrities and high-profile figures, solidifying her status as a fashion icon. Her handbags, often embellished with Swarovski crystals and intricate patterns, became sought-after collector's items. Leiber's successful career spanned decades, earning her a reputation as a pioneer in the fashion industry.

Francesco Illy was a Hungarian accountant and businessman who founded Illy and invented various coffee machinery. He studied economics in Temesvár and worked for Transylvanian companies in Vienna. During World War I, he served in the Austro-Hungarian Army and was awarded several medals. After the war, he moved to Trieste, where he worked with cocoa and coffee roasting companies. In 1933, he founded illycaffè, introducing the first automatic coffee machine that became the predecessor of today's espresso machine.

Egon Ronay was a Hungarian-born food critic known for his influential guidebooks on British and Irish restaurants and hotels, published during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. He is credited with significantly improving the quality of British cuisine in public dining establishments. Ronay's guides not only raised standards in British cooking but also introduced British diners to a variety of foreign cuisines. Through his work, he championed culinary excellence and diversity, leaving a lasting impact on the restaurant industry in the UK and Ireland.

William George Stern was a British businessman known for owning the Stern Group of companies. His career took a significant turn when the group collapsed in 1973, leading to Stern becoming Britain's largest bankrupt at the time with debts of £118 million. The fallout from the collapse resulted in the creation of Britain's first Policyholders' Protection Act, aimed at safeguarding investors from similar losses. Stern's professional legacy is marked by the impact his business dealings had on financial regulations in the UK.

Maximilian Graf von Götzen-Iturbide is a Hungarian-born businessman and the current head of the Imperial House of Mexico. He carries on the legacy of his great-great-grandfather, Emperor Agustín I of Mexico. With a strong business acumen, Maximilian is known for his leadership in managing the affairs of the Imperial House. His professional life is marked by a dedication to upholding the traditions and heritage associated with his royal lineage while also engaging in contemporary business practices to ensure the continued relevance and sustainability of the Imperial House.

Sigmund Sternberg was a Hungarian-British philanthropist, interfaith campaigner, businessman, and Labour Party donor. He was well-known for his contributions to various charitable causes and efforts to promote understanding and cooperation among different faiths. Sternberg also had a successful career in business, where he demonstrated his acumen and leadership skills. His work as a philanthropist and interfaith advocate left a lasting impact on society, showcasing his commitment to social responsibility and bringing people together for a common good.

Samson Wertheimer was a prominent figure in the Jewish community, serving as chief rabbi of Hungary and Moravia, as well as rabbi of Eisenstadt. He was a skilled financier and court Jew, playing a key role in supporting the Austrian Empire financially, including contributing to the Spanish War of Succession. Known for his patronage of scholars, he financed the printing of the Babylonian Talmud in Frankfurt. With significant wealth and influence, he was referred to as the "Judenkaiser" (Jewish emperor) and maintained a formidable household protected by imperial soldiers.