Greig Williams, General Manager, Nokia S.E. Europe

The managing director of electronics producer Nokia Hungary Kft is a Canadian citizen who says he enjoys living and working in Europe.

Williams (now in his mid-30s) joined Nokia in 1996 and took control of the local Nokia operation on 1 July 2006. Prior to this position he was the UK sales manager. Still based in Budapest, he is now also responsible for Nokia's business in many other countries around the Region and beyond.

Married with 3 children, he has a degree in Engineering Physics and a Diploma in Marketing. He told XpatLoop.com that in his free time he "thoroughly enjoy sports such as Ice Hockey, Skiing and Golf."


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I've been working here since June 2006. It was the offer of taking responsibility for a diverse market and the team that motivated me to choose Hungary and Romania.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Growing up, we travelled from Canada to Europe with my Dad's work. But this is my first overseas assignment.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The traffic in Budapest is seriously busy! Even in comparison with London.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Chill out on Ráday Utca

5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
The cold meats

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A bottle of Pink champagne

7.What is your favorite Hungarian word?
Szia / Sziasztok

8. What do you miss most from home?
My car

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Flying Instructor

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Kindergarten Teacher

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Barcelona, Spain

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Toronto, Canada

13. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band -> Van Halen
Film -> Top Gun
Hobby -> Ice Hockey

14. What can't you resist?
Savoury Snacks

15. Red wine or white?
Red

16. Book or movie?
Movie (unless the book is to become a movie)

17. Morning person or night person?
Early Morning

18. Dog person or cat person?
Definately Dog

19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Just Do It!