Christos Alevizos

Graduation Year: 2002 (MBA 10)

Business Executive Officer | Beverages at Nestle Ukraine and Moldova

LinkedIn Profile here 

Looking back on your career, what was the most important decision you made (or didn't make) regarding your career path?

15 year ago I decided to complement my engineering background with the MBA from ALBA. Engineering studies give you a very strong background, develop both your analytical and synthetic skills and equip you to focus only on the data that are important to build your case. On the other hand, an MBA is designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management and really opens up your mind! And the match is perfect! My MBA degree from ALBA gave me the entry ticket to world of business and in Nestle where I work since then. Definitely that was one of the key milestones of my career path.

What do you believe recent grads should keep in mind as they start out their careers?

Finding professionals with strong functional knowledge, good business thinking and decision making is not very difficult. What makes lots of difference though is finding good professionals that have ethos and stay true to their values and principles. This is what makes a difference. You also need to have a clear career ambition and always think how your next position will make you a stronger candidate for the position you aim after your next one. Always think two steps ahead.

What made you choose ALBA for your graduate studies?

In simple words, it was (and still is the case) by far the best MBA one could get in Greece, with rounded curriculum, high caliber faculty including visiting professors, full support from the Greek business community, international exposure, strong values and culture of a developed foreign business school.

Share with us your fondest memory while studying at ALBA.

What I will never forget was the European Business Plan competition. Our team was selected to represent ALBA to this international competition held in INSEAD on that year. The whole preparation, event, exposure is something I will always treasure in my memories. And then a week later when you see that the Wall Street Journal writes an article on the competition with a specific focus on our project then what more should you expect?

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

What is your greatest fear?Health related issues of my family

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Ulysses

Which living person do you most admire? Natalia, my wife

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Impatience

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Arrogance

What is your greatest extravagance? An Upmann Magnum with a glass of Hibiki 17y

What is your favorite journey? Every journey I take to see my buddies after months of me living abroad

On what occasion do you lie? I avoid doing things that I don’t want others to do to me

What is your greatest regret? That I didn’t travel much when I was a student (and had lots of free time)

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wife and my kids

When and where were you happiest? Every Saturday morning when my kids attack me while I am still at bed sleeping

Which talent would you most like to have? Reading your mind

What is your current state of mind? Breathing out, but with a smile

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Quit smoking

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? Spending more time with them

What do you consider your greatest achievement? My family

What is your most treasured possession? My memories of all the beautiful moments I have lived

Where would you like to live? Every few years in a different country. My home is where my family is

What is your favorite occupation? Travelling off-the-beaten track with my buddies

What is your most marked characteristic? Trustful

What do you most value in your friends? Unpretentiousness

What are your favorite names? Filippos and Melina

What is your motto? You are allowed to fall, you are not allowed not to stand up again