Meet Ágnes Hankó, Business Development Manager at memoQ’s WEMEA Hub. A historian-turned-business innovator based in Paris, she connects cultures and clients across Western Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Hi Ágnes, please introduce yourself in a few words!
My name is Ágnes, and I’m a Business Development Manager at memoQ’s WEMEA Hub. Originally from Budapest and currently based in Paris, I’m a trained historian and linguist with a passion for languages and cultures. I’ve lived in several countries and thrive on embracing change with curiosity. My career has been shaped by bold transitions, from academia to tech, and from historical research to business innovation.
When and why did you join memoQ?
I had long been curious about the fast-paced world of IT, and joining memoQ three and a half years ago truly felt like a dream come true, especially since my previous experience in marketing, advertising, and sales might have led me down a different path. Today, I’m proud to work for a company with strong thought leadership in research and development in natural language processing and AI-enhanced translation management systems.
What does your current position entail?
I’m responsible for identifying new business opportunities for memoQ’s WEMEA Hub, which covers Western Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Our largest clients are based in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, but we proudly serve customers in over 25 countries. These markets are culturally diverse and highly competitive, which is why our Hub operates with a team of exceptionally skilled and multi-talented colleagues.
What do you enjoy most about your position?
Definitely the “consultative sales” part. It’s all about listening, really listening, to what our customers need. Buying tech isn’t like picking out a pair of shoes (or even a car!). It can be complex, especially with so many options and buzzwords flying around. I love helping people cut through the noise, compare smartly, and find the perfect fit. I firmly believe that good sales are always based on the highest level of customer satisfaction.
What do you like most about the translation industry?
The people, hands down. My colleagues and clients are sharp, funny, and endlessly inspiring. Plus, working in translation technology keeps me grounded. With all the hype around generative AI, so many people anthropomorphize the technology, fueling fear and confusion. It’s refreshing to be in a space where people understand the nuts and bolts, algorithms, not sci-fi. We’re focused on real-world practical impact, and that’s where the magic happens. The world is not quite at the sci-fi stage yet, and that’s a good thing.
How would you describe the memoQ team?
Smart, dedicated, and genuinely kind. I truly believe people make the difference. You can have all the data and tech in the world, but it’s the team that turns it into something meaningful. memoQ’s impressive growth over the past 20 years is all thanks to the incredible people behind it, just pure talent and teamwork.
What are your hobbies?
I’m into biking, reading, and soaking up the arts, though juggling everything can be a bit of a puzzle! The best moments are when I can mix hobbies with family time, like going on cultural or sporty adventures with my kids and extended family. That’s when life feels just right.