I started my professional career in 1988 after securing a BSc degree in Business & Information Technology and an MBA in Finance. My first employment was with a small yet established regional business specializing in the supply and distribution of FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) products and commodities in the Middle East and Gulf states. The company represented major brands such as Gillette, Johnson & Johnson, Rothmans, United Distillers, Gallaher and many others.
Due to the shortage of foreign currency and tight foreign exchange controls in some of the markets we were serving, our activities diversified to include the export of local commodities which we purchased with domestic currency, exported and then sold on the international markets in foreign currency. This trading concept was known at the time as “barter” or “counter-trade”. Commodities we handled included primarily sulfur, construction steel and cement.
I worked for 19 years in a multi-cultural trading environment, acquiring an invaluable experience in trade finance and in other commercial, logistical and legal issues. The skills I have gained enhanced my capacity to operate with the highest degree of efficiency and flexibility which are often needed when working in diverse and stressful conditions around the world.
After spending almost 19 years in FMCG and commodities trading I worked for a brief spell as deputy regional manager with a marketing consulting company specializing in the promotion and distribution of branded sanitary ware, kitchen and bathroom accessories in North Africa, Middle East, Greece and Cyprus. The company represented well-known brands such as Viega, Blanco, INDA, ARCO, Pozzi-Ginori, Twyford, Keramag and Kolo.
In early 2011 I made a leap of faith into the service industry working for a major Mobile Marketing and Digital Media agency in Cyprus, GT Digtal, specializing in Premium Rate Value Added Services, Mobile Messaging, Mobile Couponing, Mobile Marketing & Social Media services, Multimedia Design and Telecom Solutions, Website Development and Web Applications.
This was a challenging career move as I have had to learn in a very short time the various aspects and pitfalls of this business. I rigorously attended seminars in digital media and subjected myself to an intensive training in mobile and social media marketing. I currently hold certifications from Google Partners for AdWords and Analytics and from HubSpot for Inbound Marketing methodology. I have also managed a number of social media advertising accounts for main brands in Cyprus and am very well versed in Facebook Ads Manager, Power Editor, Twitter and LinkedIn Ad platforms.
In parallel I started offering services to small start-up entities and individuals not needing full time personnel or not having in-house expertise in exchange for a fee and/or a mutually feasible financial arrangement. My consultancy work extended to banking, marketing, business development, legal and administration services.
I am able to offer those services as I have firmly established myself through the support of a network of key associated individuals and commercial entities.
I always operate with honesty and transparency a trait which helped me nurture and maintain good relations with various professional businesses and individuals. For more information on my work check out my LinkedIn profile HERE.