Hungary Names New CEO for State Gambling Operator Szerencsejáték

Hungary’s Finance Minister, András Kármán, has selected Zoltán Sólyom to lead Szerencsejáték Zrt, the country’s state-owned gambling company. The appointment was announced through Kármán’s official Facebook page on 27 October, but it has not yet been published in the government gazette, which is required for formal confirmation.

Sólyom takes over an organization that has been without a permanent leader since Kármán dismissed the previous chief executive, Zoltán Guller. The removal of Guller left a leadership gap at the head of the company, which operates lotteries and other gambling activities on behalf of the Hungarian state.

The announcement came directly from the finance minister rather than through standard corporate channels, highlighting the government’s direct involvement in the operator’s management. As a fully state-owned entity, Szerencsejáték Zrt's executive appointments are subject to political oversight, with the ministry holding final authority.

Until the gazette confirmation is published, Sólyom’s position remains pending. Once formally registered, he will assume control of an organization that is a significant revenue source for the Hungarian budget, with its gambling operations tightly regulated under national law.

The change in leadership is part of a broader pattern of government-appointed executives in key state companies. Observers will be watching for any strategic shifts under Sólyom, though no policy directions have been announced alongside the appointment.