Top Expat CEO – Interview with Sean R. Smith, Managing Director of MSD Hungary
2026. 05. 11 16:14 GMT+0100
Originally published by the Budapest Business Journal – March 2026
Sean R. Smith is a purpose-driven pharmaceutical and biotech leader with more than 23 years of global biopharma experience. Since becoming Managing Director of MSD Hungary at the beginning of 2025, he has focused on strengthening partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem in support of improving patient outcomes, prevention, screening programs, innovative treatment access, sustainable healthcare, and transformational partnerships based on data.
Prior to this role, Sean served in an Executive role for a clinical stage biotech guiding the company from early discovery into clinical development while shaping its strategic direction and culture. Earlier in his career, during his long tenure at Merck & Co., he held key leadership positions in both Europe and the United States across commercial operations, brand marketing, business development, and external partnerships. He is known for communicating effectively in both scientific and business environments and is a strong advocate for MSD’s global investment in clinical research and real-world evidence to improve patient outcomes.
Originally from the United States, Sean moved to Budapest from Barcelona with his Spanish wife and their two daughters. He enjoys long walks, sailing, fishing, traveling through Hungary, and exploring local food culture.
1. Hungary will hold national elections in 2026. Do you expect this to influence business decisions or economic performance?
Elections always introduce a degree of uncertainty, but predicting a concrete economic impact is extremely difficult. I believe it is far more important to maintain a long-term commitment to healthcare, regardless of which political party forms the next government. Any leader’s aim should be to set the country on a sustainable growth path that nurtures ongoing progress in the healthcare system throughout the coming four years and beyond.
We have strong, constructive dialogue with a wide range of current decisionmakers, and we are open to all insights from any trusted sources. Prioritizing innovative treatment, better prevention strategies, screening, and digital health tools , all contribute directly to patient wellbeing, productivity, and economic competitiveness. MSD aims to empower decision‑makers by providing innovative healthcare solutions that improve patient outcomes, strengthen system sustainability, and support evidence‑based decisions grounded in high‑quality data. In doing so, we help shift the perception of healthcare in Hungary from a cost to be managed to an investment that generates meaningful value for patients, the economy, the health system, and the country as a whole.”
2. Are you already using, or planning to use, AI in your Hungarian operations? How might this influence the local economy?
AI is becoming part of every aspect of how we live and work. At MSD, we see strong potential in clinical trial support, medical and scientific processes, internal workflow optimization, and data-driven business decisions. We are building capabilities methodically, and our approach is to explore its potential while being prudent and responsible. In Hungary, we even created a dedicated AI Ambassador role to help identify opportunities, educate teams, and ensure we deploy AI effectively and ethically.
From an economic perspective, AI’s full impact is still emerging. But we trust that AI can support a more agile, responsive, and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem helping us focus resources where they matter most for Hungarian patients.
3. Does the Hungarian education system provide sufficient talent for your business? How do you work with local universities?
As both a parent and an employer, I’ve seen firsthand the high quality of Hungary’s educational system. Students are capable, motivated, and extremely well prepared. Professors and researchers demonstrate strong scientific discipline, and the academic environment produces top tier talent.
At MSD, we view academic collaboration as essential: our cooperation with the University of Szeged is a standout example. Together we established the SZTE–MSD Pharmaceutical Partnership Department, a unique initiative that blends academic excellence with industry experience. Students of the program gain exposure to real-world drug development, regulatory considerations, and innovative research methods. This partnership strengthens Hungary’s scientific base while offering MSD invaluable insights from emerging researchers.
Another example is or partnership with Semmelweis University, where I had the honor of speaking at the inauguration of their recently lauched PharmaMaster program. This English language master’s degree prepares students to navigate the intersection of science, early-stage development, regulatory pathways, and business strategy. Its mission aligns with ours – to bridge academic excellence with real-world application.
We also operate a long‑standing trainee program locally at MSD, now running for a decade, which offers talented students the opportunity to grow into full‑time roles at MSD Hungary. Welcoming early‑career professionals enriches our diverse workplace culture; while they learn from our experience, we benefit greatly from their fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking.
These collaborations all share a common purpose: preparing the next generation of leaders who can advance patient focused innovation.
4. What is your favorite hospitality or entertainment setting in Hungary—and why?
For me, the local markets are unmatched. Food tells you a lot about a culture, and spending time in places like my local market at Fény utca has become one of the simplest, nicest and most meaningful ways to connect with Budapest. I enjoy talking with farmers, learning about local products, and seeing how much pride goes into every offering. It’s authentic, vibrant, and a wonderful reminder that food connects everyone.
This article was made possible by MSD Pharma Hungary Kft. 1095 Budapest, Lechner Ödön fasor 10/B, +36-1-888-5300, hungary_msd@msd.com, date of closing: 29/01/2025. HU-NON-02029