New head for ICV Work Group Hungary

Daniel Merz succeeds István Radó, who has headed the ICV Work Group Hungary for many years. We spoke to the new Work Group leader.

We are pleased to be able to introduce you to our readers. Could you please briefly introduce yourself and your professional background?

D. Merz:
I am a Managing Consultant and head of the internal career program at IFUA Horváth & Partners Kft. in Budapest. I am currently supporting an international transformation project for a German automotive OEM with a focus on the introduction of a direct sales model in European markets – especially in the areas of Invoicing, Tax, Customs and Accounting. Previously, I worked as a consultant on various projects, including the standardization of accounting processes, corporate valuation and the development and implementation of controlling concepts.

Before joining Horváth, I worked in the Strategic Planning & Projects department at OMV AG in Vienna from 2021 to 2022. Among other things, I was involved in observing and analyzing business models in a competitive environment. I completed my master degree in Business Management at the University of St. Gallen. Before that, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the Corvinus University of Budapest.

How did you get in touch with the ICV?

D. Merz:
I came into contact with the ICV during my time as a consultant at Horváth. Controlling is firmly anchored in our corporate culture – not least thanks to our founding father Prof. Dr. Dr. Péter Horváth. My predecessor as Head of WG Hungary, István Radó, drew my attention to the ICV. He invited me to an event where I was able to get to know the Association and its open, collegial atmosphere. When he retired from active professional life, the opportunity arose for me to take over the management.

Why are you involved in the ICV?

D. Merz:
What I particularly like about the ICV is that the Association is both professionally demanding and very human. Even at my first events, I immediately felt welcome and quickly made new contacts. I particularly appreciate the broad networking in Europe and the thematic diversity that the ICV offers its members in the work groups. Many of the topics discussed there also concern me in my day-to-day work. The exchange within the ICV always opens up new perspectives and provides valuable impetus for practical work.

What issues is the Work Group Hungary currently dealing with and what will it be dealing with in the near future?

D. Merz:
An important focus at the moment is the professionally sound transfer of basic controlling knowledge to the next generation. In this context, the Hungarian edition of the standard work “Controlling” by Prof. Dr. Dr. Péter Horváth is an important step. Our aim is to give as many students interested in controlling as possible access to this knowledge and thus create a high-quality professional basis for future Hungarian controllers. Other key topics currently include the resilience strategies of companies and the definition and discussion of specific AI use cases in controlling.

Do specific features of the economic and social situation in Hungary play a role in these topics?

D. Merz:
Yes, these issues are also related to the special economic conditions in Hungary. Particularly in the area of energy supply, but also in view of the changing geopolitical environment, it is becoming clear how important resilient and adaptable companies are. As a result, controlling that supports management decisions proactively and effectively is gaining in importance.
At the same time, controlling in Hungary is increasingly developing in line with international best practices. The discipline is becoming more international overall, which is why it is becoming increasingly important to pick up on global trends at an early stage and anchor them in both training and business practice.

What is the state of the WG Hungary and what are its organizational priorities?

D. Merz:
WG Hungary has traditionally had close ties with the Hungarian controlling association Menedzsment és Controlling Egyesület (MCE). An intensive professional exchange, common interests and close cooperation characterize this relationship to today and make it a particular strength. The Work Group was founded in 1992 with the support of Prof. Dr. Dr. Péter Horváth and István Radó. This laid an important foundation for the long-term development of controlling in Hungary.

How important is international networking for you and your Hungarian colleagues?

D. Merz:
In my view, international networking in theICV is extremely important because it broadens our view beyond our own market and provides new impetus for day-to-day practice. Topics such as green controlling or agile controlling are increasingly being developed in cross-border cooperation. This is where particular added value lies: different experiences and perspectives flow together and lead to solutions from which all participants can benefit.

Under my leadership, I would like to further strengthen this international approach. There are many outstanding controlling specialists and managers in Hungary who can actively contribute their experience to the network and at the same time benefit greatly from international exchange.

Finally, a little private insight, please!

D. Merz:
In my private life, I am very active in sports. In my youth I played soccer, but nowadays I am particularly enthusiastic about endurance sports such as running and triathlon. I also like to spend my vacations in the mountains. Last year, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and in January of this year, I made my first, as yet unsuccessful attempt on Aconcagua. This means that my next major vacation destination has already been decided: I want to successfully climb Aconcagua in January 2027.

Thank you very much for the interesting interview! I wish you much joy and success in your voluntary work at the ICV!

The interview was conducted by Hans-Peter Sander,
ICV Communications Team.