Head of NATO ACT Strategic Foresight Branch Appointed New VIKI CEO

Having significant international experience, Dr. Gergely Németh has spent most of his 17-year professional career in the field of force planning at the HDF General Staff. His appointment is meant to further strengthen VIKI’s research and development and military science pillar, as a contribution to the complete transformation of the Hungarian Defence Forces, the strengthening of the defence awareness of society and thereby the system of reserve. A further goal is to develop the connection between the Hungarian defence innovation ecosystem and European and allied systems as well as other international partners.

Until 31 August 2024, Dr. Gergely Németh was Head of Strategic Foresight Branch at NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT), which is specializes in the analysis of future warfare and technological environment. Prior to that, he had served as Deputy State Secretary for Defence Policy and International Relations, and, among others, coordinated the development of Hungary’s National Security Strategy and National Military Strategy.

In his previous positions, he was international Deputy National Armament Director, and prior to that, Defence Advisor (Policy and Planning) in the Permanent Delegation of Hungary to NATO. He participated in working out the NATO elements of the Hungarian military development program, as well as in the establishment of the Székesfehérvár-based Headquarters Multinational Division Centre (HQ MND-C).

Dr. Gergely Németh is recipient of the Knight Grade of the French National Order of Merit and the highest recognition from NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT). He is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council. He has a PhD degree in military sciences, the topic of his thesis is the analysis of Factors determining the transformation of defence sectors. He is a father of three.

The new CEO of VIKI said that after his service in the interest of developing the Hungarian Defence Forces, it is an extraordinary honor for him to participate in the grounding of their long-term future. He reaffirmed that he considers VIKI as a solid base for this, adding that after the period of18 month that have passed since its foundation, there is now opportunity to further enhance efficiency in a markedly changing defence industrial environment.

Press release of the Ministry of Defence