(ATR) Budapest 2024 chief strategy advisor Attila Mihók takes over as CEO of the bid company, replacing Miklós Fekete, who is leaving for personal reasons according to a bid spokesperson.
Prior to his role with Budapest 2024, Mihók was CEO of Mediaworks Hungary, Hungary’s largest publishing house, and worked for 15 years as head of operations for Ringier, the Swiss multinational, handling affairs in numerous European countries.
"It is a huge honor to be joining the Budapest bid. As a proud Hungarian, I can think of no more exciting role today than helping lead the team that makes the case for the Budapest Games," Mihók said.
"I am taking charge of an outstanding group of people and I pay tribute to Miklós Fekete for his outstanding work in leading that team for the first year of its life," Mihók added. "Taking on the role with a year to go until the IOC decision in Lima, I share with that team the excitement and honor of carrying the Budapest bid to the world."
According to Budapest 2024 chairman Balázs Fürjes, Attila’s arrival may bring further passion to the bid but no change in terms of strategy.
"Attila Mihok brings tremendous leadership experience to the role," Fürjes tells Around the Rings. "I know that he will also bring that same passion, energy and focus to his new responsibilities as he brought to his earlier international career."
Fürjes commended Fekete for his contributions to Budapest 2024.
"Few see and recognize the hard work and effort that goes into bringing a company and bid into existence; Miklos takes great credit and we wish him well for the future," Fürjes said.
Fürjes, Mihók and Budapest 2024 could face backlash pending an October 2nd referendum, when Hungary votes whether to accept any future European Union quota system for resettling migrants as Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government steps up its fight against the EU's migration policies.
Orban's anti-immigration measures have been popular at home but criticized by rights groups. More than 17,000 migrants have crossed into Hungary illegally from Serbia so far this year, according to the government.
It remains to be seen as to how an affirmative referendum vote could affect the bid in the eyes of the IOC.
Budapest 2024 would not offer comment on the referendum.
Written by Brian Pinelli
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