Famous Hungarian Business People

A Stanford PhD, Charles Simonyi initially worked on one of the world’s first computers for Xerox. He is best known for developing Microsoft Office. Though he launched his own firm, Intentional Software, he later sold it to Microsoft. Part of the Forbes Billionaires 2021 list, he also donates extensively to educational charitable causes.

Legendary Hungarian-American designer Judith Leiber started her career as a trainee at a handbag company and was the first female member of the Hungarian Handbag Guild. She survived the Holocaust and later launched her own label in the US. She is known for her signature crystal purse collections.

Born in Hungary, gourmet food critic Egon Ronay is best remembered for his guide books on British and Irish restaurants. The son of a restaurateur, he was part of the Hungarian Army and later moved to England. His Egon Ronay's Guide to British Eateries sold 30,000 copies and revolutionized food writing.