Early Life
Sándor Csányi was born on March 20, 1953, in Jászárokszállás, Hungary. He grew up in a lower-middle-class agricultural family. At the age of 14, he moved from rural Hungary to Budapest.
Rise to Success
Csányi's career began after graduating from Budapest Business School in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He later received a degree in economics in 1980 and a doctorate in 1983. He started his banking career in 1986 at Hungarian Credit Bank. He became chairman and CEO of OTP Bank Group in 1992, and under his leadership, OTP Bank Group has grown to be one of the largest financial institutions in the CEE Region. In May 2025, after 33 years as chief executive officer, Csányi appointed his son Péter Csányi to the CEO position while retaining his chairmanship.
Key Business Strategies
Csányi implemented strategic changes at OTP Bank, focusing on its overall operation and expanding its services. He led the bank's privatization in 1995, and through acquisitions and organic growth, OTP Group expanded to 11 countries, offering universal banking services. He also holds significant positions in MOL Group and owns Bonafarm, the holding company of a Hungarian agricultural and food manufacture group.
Philanthropy
Csányi founded the Csányi Foundation in 2005 to support the education and development of talented but disadvantaged children, helping thousands over nearly two decades. He is also involved with the Prima Primissima Foundation. Since 1995, he has been the vice-president of the International Children's Safety Service.