I met someone at a conference who ended up being the president of a company operating in a different city. He forwarded my information to HR, and next thing I know, I have an interview. I did well enough that I've been offered a second interview, in which I'm being flown in.
I want to thank my initial contact in person and this seems like a good opportunity - but I also don't want there to be any subtext of "give me a job because of this tenuous connection."
Can anyone think of a way to tactfully approach this situation? Or should I just wait to thank him by email after I hear about the hiring decision? (or of course if I get the job, I'll also have opportunity to thank him in person too.)