Vangelis Kakouras

Vangelis Kakouras

General Manager

Personal Profile and Objective

Highly effective, results and challenge driven executive; strong business acumen and diverse knowledge, encompassing a number of critical business areas: Tobacco, Automotive, Car Rental & Lease Services, Publications, Home/Office Furniture and other FMCG; with emphasis on sales and marketing. Recognised for tackling and resolving hard issues affecting business operations; patient and methodical, task oriented; consistently exceeds expectations. Visionary and strategic thinker, critically analyses issues before making decisions. Works judiciously to become an expert in all assigned projects; sets and maintains high standards. Exudes energy and confidence to excel and deliver. Articulate and effective presenter and negotiator; builds synergy and rapport with persons of all levels and backgrounds. Open to make a continued significant contribution within a General, Commercial or Operational Management role that utilises sales, marketing and financial skills.

Professional History

Sales Manager HP for META at WEBHELP BPO Athens

2018 - Present

Head of 35 ISR (Inside Sales Reps) for Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Greek/Bulgarian markets. Focusing on PC and Print sales to MM (Mid Market) companies of 100-1.000 headcount. Surpass by 30% personal and Team targets in volume units and NSV within first 6 months

Venue Manager at SEFERLAND

2013 - 2014

Planning and initialization of a (start-up) multi playground best of its kind in Athens (2.500 s.m). Recruitment, training and planning of organization roles for 25 headcount. Negotiations and agreements with suppliers, stakeholders, landlord and all other 3rd parties.

General Manager ‘ELLINIKA GRAMMATA AE’ at LAMBRAKIS PRESS GROUP

2007 - 2010

Reduced Operating expenses by 30% by closing down 3 non profitable units and making targeted headcount cuts. Shifting strategy to limited new publications strictly following commercial acceptance criteria and launched new categories focused in trade influence. Created first e-commerce activities for stock list titles, rejuvenated presence in social media and digital Marketing.

Country Manager, Bulgaria at AUDI/SEAT/HERTZ

1999 - 2006

Turned around negative bottom line results by 200% within first 2 years generating profits of 2 mio Euros first time ever. Refreshed extensively personnel by 50% offering inspiration and chances to younger graduates to bring better results. Expanded dealership network from 2 to 12 new locations thus achieving a 60% increase in annual turnover. Created new Leasing schemes (financial + operating) thus contributing to augment clients range in RAC and Fleet Management.

Sales Manager, Greece & Canada at NEOSET

1996 - 1999

Introduced first time ever in corporate stores plus 50 franchises KPI systems to monitor performance. Leaded the preparation and opening of the flagship mega-store working as benchmark operating and training center. Introduced new distribution systems for the subsidiary company in Canada based on cost effectiveness and productivity.

Industrial Sales & Marketing Manager at HEINZ GREECE

1994 - 1996

Enlarged Key accounts portfolio by attracting 5 new big European industries in customized processing recipes. Created a valuable data base of potential international clients and introduced new marketing attractive techniques. Developed with QA and new products teams 3 new production categories in fruit dices, cubes and paste.

Sales Promotion Manager at PHILIP MORRIS GREECE

1983 - 1994

Generated the very first ever in Greece 'in house' Promotional Team with 15 Promoters and Supervisors. Opened new distribution channels in super markets, gasoline stations and military units. Introduced new promotional umbrellas and sales platforms with music events, direct Marketing and cultural concepts.

Areas of Expertise

  • Business development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Change Management
  • Cross Matrix Operations
  • Client Retention
  • Technology Transfer
  • Systems Integration
  • Project Management
  • Resource Management

Educational Qualifications

University of Athens, Greece (EKPA)

Qualification

BSc in Mathematics

Insead Business School, France

Qualification

Advanced program for business Managers