Gyula Pál, the former COO, succeeds Zoltán Gazsi as Managing Director, while the outgoing Managing Director continues to support the management as Company Executive.

Zoltán Gazsi has served as Managing Director of Eisberg Hungary Kft. for over 15 years. Operating in Hungary since the political transition, the company became part of the Swiss Bell Food Group in 2016. Today, Eisberg supplies packaged salad and vegetable mixes to most retail stores and restaurant chains in Hungary and has expanded its Gyál-based operations to serve the Czech and Slovak markets. From July, Gyula Pál, previously the Procurement and Operations Director, takes over as Managing Director. Zoltán Gazsi will support him as Company Director, focusing on corporate relations, strengthening the Eisberg brand in Hungary, and expanding branding efforts in the Slovak and Czech markets.

At 42 years old, Gyula Pál assumes the leadership role after four years as COO. An agricultural engineer by training, he brings both domestic and international leadership experience. After university, he began his career at the Eisberg Group, where he has worked for nearly 20 years. He started as Deputy Plant Manager at Eisberg’s own horticulture division, Verdino Kft., in Vasszilvágy. In 2007, he became Deputy Plant Manager at Leunberger Gemüsekulturten in Switzerland and later transitioned to fresh food procurement within the Eisberg Group in 2009. He conducted supplier audits and quality assurance consultancy across Europe, from Spain to Poland. By 2010, he had joined Eisberg Group’s procurement team as an international buyer, advancing to Strategic Procurement Manager in 2012. Since 2018, he has led procurement for Eisberg Hungary and took on operational leadership in 2020.

“Over the past four years, both colleagues and partners have had the chance to see Gyula in action as a leader, gradually taking over day-to-day management related to the plant and sales operations,” said Zoltán Gazsi. “He’s one of the most professional and multidimensional leaders I’ve worked with in nearly 40 years. The time has come for him to officially take the reins. Congratulations, Gyula! I’m confident I’m leaving the company in the best hands. I want to thank everyone in management for their support, enthusiasm, and energy over the years and especially Gyula for the inspiration and friendship he has provided to me personally.”

Mike Häfeli, CEO of the Eisberg Group since January, also extended his congratulations: “Gyula has fully earned this promotion to Managing Director, and I’m confident the Hungarian operations are in excellent hands. I also deeply respect Zoltán’s leadership in building a strong, cohesive team, with outstanding professionals ready to step into leadership roles. Over the years, Zoltán has established an exceptional organization with a prominent market presence and remarkable brand awareness—it’s simply sensational! I hope he continues to inspire others with his uniquely positive leadership approach.”

After graduating from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Zoltán Gazsi initially worked on corn hybrid testing and then spent 14 years in the agricultural sector with Syngenta in a multinational environment. In his final years there, he served as Global Marketing Manager for a product group, gaining extensive international experience.

For 16 years, he has led Eisberg Hungary Kft., achieving business success while fostering a company culture based on honesty and mutual respect. According to Zoltán, his leadership achievements are rooted in building a supportive community where respect is paramount. The company’s social responsibility initiatives, focusing on human-centric values, are unparalleled. Zoltán is a board member of the Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Swiss-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and serves as an ambassador for initiatives like Sustainable Enterprises, the KórházSuli Foundation, and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. He actively participates in campaigns by civil organizations and has been delivering motivational talks in schools and companies for years. In recognition of his efforts for university education, Corvinus University awarded him the Pro Facultate Prize.

In 2022, he was named “Manager of the Year for Society” by the Managers’ Association, and in 2023, he received PwC’s “Most Inspirational Leader of the Year” award.

His book on sustainability, corporate leadership, and overcoming life challenges, titled Human Perspective – The Life-Affirming Corporate Leader, was published this spring. He has openly discussed his battle with cancer, sharing his experiences and insights with rare honesty and a unique voice, even in public forums and among top executives.