Working in finance was something I always wanted to do since my student days. Finance is the function that holds the organisation together, safeguarding stability and providing the necessary ‘fuel’ to invest in the brand and drive the growth of the business.
My career started with KPMG almost 20 years ago, working as a tax specialist, before moving into G4S as controlling and reporting supervisor for 16 countries. I then moved to Deloitte before joining Coca-Cola HBC, Greece and Cyprus as commercial finance controller. My last move was to Adidas, initially as finance director and then as general manager for South East Europe before moving to Paris as vice president finance for South Europe. I was also ‘double hatting’ as the general manager in 2023.
Having to lead strategy needed me to pause, to doubt myself, and to try to find new ways of approaching things
While working in consulting I was always impressed by the level of expertise and understanding that my clients showed about their industries. I found I wanted to experience first-hand the real needs of an organisation, from the creation of a product to the actual cash received from the customer, so I could fully understand how finance professionals can add value.
I have definitely stepped out of my comfort zone during my career. Moving from finance director into the general manager position was certainly challenging as I had to completely readjust and change my perspective. Having to lead and orchestrate the strategy for areas like marketing and sales needed me to pause, to doubt myself, and to try to find new ways of approaching things. I realised that understanding the consumer and developing the marketplace couldn’t by tackled by financial acumen only and knowing this enabled me to deep-dive into other areas of the business.
The pandemic turned many more people on to sports and making the decision to put their wellbeing as a top priority. This provided a great opportunity for the industry, not only through sports but also in casual dressing through sportswear and sneakers. However, like all consumer goods industries, our industry is affected by the pressure on disposable incomes, global uncertainty and inflationary pressures, thus making the need for quality in all our products a top priority.
Embracing our differences is a vital step for becoming better professionals, leaders and human beings
People and teams will always be the most important element in any organisation. That’s why I like this quote from Maya Angelou: ‘I‘ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Treating our colleagues with respect, empathy and fairness is our key purpose as leaders and professionals, regardless of position. I feel my biggest achievement has been meeting so many great people and being able to maintain fantastic relationships with these colleagues and customers across the various companies I have worked with for over 20 years.
While I am not sure which law can enforce this, I strongly believe that we need to become more diverse and inclusive as a society. Understanding and embracing our differences and uniqueness is a vital step for becoming better professionals, leaders and human beings.
If I weren’t working as finance professional, I would be a bass player in a band or a tae kwon do coach, as I am black belt third Dan holder. I would try to do both!
When I am not at work, I really enjoy having quality time with my family. I also like reading, playing music, competing in sports, cooking and travelling. Our mental health is extremely important and only by maintaining the right balance we can be successful in what we do.
