We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of János Stadler, lawyer, economist, foreign trade expert, and long-time member of the Hungarian Atlantic Council.
Born in Budapest in 1938, he graduated from the Bethlen Square Secondary School of Economics in May 1956, specializing in finance. Following his graduation, he worked for four years as a foreign exchange accountant at the Foreign Exchange Directorate of the Hungarian National Bank. Between 1960 and 1962, he worked as a hotel receptionist at the Béke Hotel. Later, he held various positions in foreign trade and business development at several companies.
He also worked at Hungarofilm and Pannonia Film Studio, following his dream of becoming a film director—though he was twice rejected by the Academy of Drama and Film in Budapest. He later wrote books about his experiences in the film industry. Alongside his professional career, he earned degrees in law and economics, and in 1973 passed the foreign trade specialist exam.
From 1983, he served as Commercial Secretary at the Hungarian Commercial Delegation in Beirut, and from 1985 in Algiers. Between 1991 and 1998, he was Vice President of the Hungarian Competition Authority. Even in retirement, he remained active—writing professional articles, advising the Prime Minister’s Office, and serving as a competition law expert at the European Economic and Social Committee.
János Stadler was a committed member of the Hungarian Atlantic Council for many years and served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board from 2009 to 2013. His contributions, intellect, and dedication will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
We will cherish his memory with reverence.
