Hungarian Bankholding, currently positioned as the second-largest banking group in Hungary, is embarking on a significant merger project within the European financial sector. Despite global executive gender representation standing at a mere 20 percent, Hungarian Bankholding defies this norm with an impressive 45 percent representation of women at the executive level. Spearheading the organizational transformation is Kitti Dobi, a female executive serving as the Group Head of Human Resources (CHRO). Kitti emphasizes the importance of diversity, not just in terms of gender but also across cultural backgrounds, age groups, and beliefs, as crucial elements for strategic change.
Kitti’s journey began with a corporate finance degree from Budapest University of Economics, followed by pivotal roles at Procter & Gamble, where she initiated groundbreaking diversity initiatives. Her career further flourished with roles at Vodafone and BP, where she garnered accolades for her innovative HR strategies. Kitti’s leadership prowess expanded as she navigated through roles at Alexander Mann Solutions and MKB Bank, accumulating numerous HR awards along the way.
As a seasoned HR professional, Kitti recognizes the transformative impact of recent global crises on the HR landscape. Amidst the ongoing merger of three distinct financial institutions, she faces the challenge of integrating diverse cultures while maintaining employee morale amidst economic downturns and a pandemic.
Kitti’s tenure as Managing Director of Human Resources at MKB Bank saw the transformation of its hierarchical culture into a more competitive entity, a journey culminating in the ongoing merger. Appointed as Chief HR Officer of the newly formed Hungarian Bankholding, Kitti undertakes the task of crafting a strategic roadmap for the institution’s evolution into a regional financial leader by 2025.
Her leadership style emphasizes personal engagement with her 100-strong HR team and a proactive approach to employee relations, underscored by the implementation of new company values and leadership models. Despite her demanding professional commitments, Kitti finds balance through her supportive family and a commitment to personal well-being.
For Kitti, success is measured not merely by corporate milestones but by the fulfillment and professional growth of her colleagues. Looking ahead, she envisions the new bank, MBH Bank, as a transformative force in the banking ecosystem, driven by a customer-centric ethos and innovative service offerings. Balancing personal and professional aspirations, Kitti remains steadfast in her commitment to driving positive change in both realms of her life.
