Created: 2025.10.02. 10:09
Søren Valentin, Global Director of Real Estate and Facility Management of the Danish VELUX Group, recently visited Széchenyi István University. One of the leaders of the world’s foremost roof window manufacturer – which is also present in the Hungarian market – explored the University’s forward-looking initiatives and delivered and inspiring lecture to Hungarian and international students.
The portfolio of the VELUX Group, the Danish-founded international company, includes a wide range of construction products, from roof windows and light tubes to blinds and shutters. Today, the company operates production plants in 12 countries, markets its products in 37 countries, and employs approximately 12,000 people worldwide. Its Global Director of Real Estate and Facility Management, Søren Valentin, recently visited Széchenyi István University in Győr, thereby strengthening the company’s ties with the institution.
During his visit, the executive gained a deeper understanding of the University’s operations, international aspirations and innovation activities, while also meeting a number of students. His lecture, entitled “Developing New Strategic Directions at a Leading European Manufacturing Company”, held in the University’s Győr Innovation Park, attracted considerable attention and was attended by both Hungarian and international students.
At the lecture held at Széchenyi István University’s Innovation Park in Győr, a large number of Hungarian and international students filled the hall. (Photo: András Adorján)
In his presentation, he briefly outlined his professional journey before turning to his strategic role within the VELUX Group. He offered a detailed account of integrating the company’s properties and facilities under a global structure, highlighting the process of building the new system, the specific methodology applied, and the management steps of particular significance.
The director stressed that one of their guiding principles was to remain faithful to the company’s mission: a commitment to sustainability, a people-centred approach, and openness to technological innovation. He revealed that, true to his action-driven work ethic, he allowed only seven weeks for drafting the new strategy. Through intensive yet efficient teamwork, his team delivered results. Their key objectives included reducing the carbon footprint, ensuring the highest quality in new facilities, promoting healthy and collaborative workplaces, and establishing a clear operational model.
Søren Valentin, Global Director of Real Estate and Facility Management at the VELUX Group (Photo: András Adorján)
At the end of his lecture, Søren Valentin also responded to students’ questions, touching on topics such as the significance of the global property market, the importance of employee selection, the optimal time frame for strategies, and the current challenges facing European manufacturers. His advice to young people was clear: only take on projects you truly believe in, because only then can you be authentic leaders and successful shapers of the future.
“Among other reasons, I came to Győr to motivate and inspire students about their future. My own career was shaped by my teachers, and I still remember certain lectures vividly to this day – they guided me on my path, and I wanted to pass on that same feeling to today’s young people. Such occasions give me energy as well, as they provide an excellent platform to convey important messages,” the Danish expert reflected.
He believes that Széchenyi University’s programmes offer relevant responses to the challenges of both today and tomorrow, uniquely combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. He added that on the labour market – including at his own company – the kind of experience students gain in laboratories and through hands-on project work is especially valuable.
“The institution is located in the heart of Europe, in a fantastic city which is not only safe and liveable, but also remarkable for its economy and industry. This makes the university attractive to secondary school students across Europe,” said Søren Valentin. “It is encouraging to see how infrastructure investments, curriculum development and even sporting opportunities bring life to higher education here, making it more appealing for young people.”
After his engaging talk, the senior leader fielded questions from the audience. (Photo: András Adorján)
