There are moments when words do not come easily. Right now, only two come to mind: moved, and strengthened. I am enormously proud that one of Hungary's most respected companies, Gedeon Richter Plc., has chosen to support my candidacy for AIPS President. This is more than a signature at the bottom of a letter. It is the endorsement of a company that stands among the true pillars of Hungarian industry.
Pharmacist Gedeon Richter founded the company in 1901, and what began as a modest Budapest pharmacy has grown into the largest pharmaceutical enterprise in Central and Eastern Europe, with more than 13,000 employees. Their products reach nearly one hundred countries, with the sales of EUR 2.3bn in 2025. Richter today is an innovation-driven, globally minded company whose strategic priorities include women's health, neuroscience, and biosimilar development.
The company has long held that investing in women's health is an investment in society as a whole. That conviction runs through my own programme as well, wherever I speak about equal representation, mentorship, and visibility for women in sports media.
“Dear Members of the AIPS Congress,
On behalf of Gedeon Richter Plc, a European pharmaceutical company committed to advancing women’s health, scientific integrity, and international collaboration, we are pleased to express our strong support for Dr. Zsuzsa Csisztu in her candidacy for President of AIPS.
Dr. Csisztu’s professional journey - spanning elite sport, journalism, law, and sports diplomacy - demonstrates the rare combination of credibility, independence, and global perspective required to lead AIPS at a time of profound transformation in media and technology. We believe her program aligns closely with the values we champion at Richter, and we endorse it for the following reasons:
Advancing Women’s Health and Empowerment
Richter has a long-standing commitment to women’s health. Dr. Csisztu’s leadership in launching and sustaining the “Empowering Women in Sports and Sport Media” series fosters visibility, mentorship, and opportunity for women professionals worldwide. This practical, programmatic approach to inclusion mirrors our own focus on meaningful, measurable progress - not symbolism.
Internationalism and Bridge‑Building
With decades of active engagement across continents - working with athletes, federations, Olympic institutions, and media organizations - Dr. Csisztu brings an authentically global outlook. Her capacity to connect regions and generations is precisely what AIPS needs to strengthen its international community and amplify its voice.
Education, Standards, and Protection of the Profession
We share Dr. Csisztu’s emphasis on education, accreditation, and the safeguarding of journalists’ professional rights. Elevating competencies and protecting independence are essential to public trust - values that also underpin our work in science and healthcare.
Integrity in a Changing Media Landscape
As AI and digital transformation reshape the information ecosystem, leadership must combine openness to innovation with a firm ethical compass. Dr. Csisztu’s program places credibility, transparency, and accountability at the center - principles we strongly endorse.
Constructive, Dialog‑Driven Leadership
Her inclusive leadership philosophy - grounded in dialogue, professionalism, and respect for tradition while embracing change - offers a unifying path forward for AIPS and its members.
For these reasons, Gedeon Richter Plc respectfully and unequivocally supports Dr. Zsuzsa Csisztu’s candidacy for AIPS President. We look forward to potential collaboration with AIPS under her leadership on initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, professional development, ethical standards, and health literacy within the global sports media community.
Zsuzsanna Beke
Head of Global Public Relations, CSR and Public Affairs
