József Váradi, the 60-year-old founder and chief executive of Wizz Air, has no plans to retire. Although he earned £3.3 million last year, he would rather continue building the business than relax on a beach. He spends around 800 hours a year flying.
Váradi grew up in Soviet-controlled Hungary. His father was imprisoned for taking part in the 1956 revolution and struggled to find steady work afterwards. His mother supported the family through factory work, while his father's experience taught him that circumstances can change quickly.
After graduating in economics in 1989, Váradi developed a business career and eventually became head of Malév Hungarian Airlines. A change of government forced him out in 2003. Within months, he founded Wizz Air, expecting Hungary's approaching European Union membership to increase demand for low-cost flights.
The airline now operates 265 aircraft across 50 countries and has carried more than 550 million passengers. Váradi himself spends around 800 hours a year flying, but also makes time for his four children. He says he would rather keep building than sit on a beach.
