Eftihia Gatopoulou
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Highly experienced Marketing professional with 10+ years in FMCG & 7+ years in Beer & Cider, in open (Europe) & dark markets (GCC).
Managed successfully FMCG global Megabrands, i.e. Lipton, Hellmann's, Dove, Rexona & leading Beer & Cider brands, i.e. Heineken, Tiger, Amstel, Birra Moretti, Estrella Damm, Kirin Ichiban, Noam, Strongbow, etc.
Results-oriented, P&L driven, with excellent leadership skills and strong business acumen.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Brands
Sirocco (Heineken & Emirates JV)
Dubai, GCC
07.2024 - Current
- Responsible for 100% of Sirocco business, i.e. Heineken, Birra Moretti, Amstel, Kingfisher, Tiger, Estrella Damm, Kirin Ichiban, etc
- Activated F1 for Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar in On & Off Trade & in Grand stands during grand prix
Senior Brand Manager Mainstream & Super Premium
Sirocco (Heineken & Emirates JV)
Dubai, GCC
04.2022 - 07.2024
- Responsible for managing strategic brands of Sirocco portfolio, i.e. Birra Moretti, Amstel, Kingfisher, Tiger.
- Launched Birra Moretti in Dubai, Bahrain & Qatar, achieving 132% volume growth in '24 vs '22 (launch year).
- Revamped Amstel with locally developed 360 campaigns (#1 brand in mainstream).
- Activated in On & Off Trade major sports sponsorships: Euros, FWC, RWC, Rugby 7s.
- Managed successfully an extensive portfolio of brand principals, i.e. Estrella Damm, Kirin Ichiban, Noam, Paulaner, Hoffbrau, Thatcher's.
Country Marketing Manager
IKEA Al Futtaim
Dubai
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Responsible for all marketing & communication activities in GCC region, ATL & BTL.
- Used thorough marketing research to revamp IKEA Family loyalty program.
- Led Marketing Automation project for IKEA website and app.
Head of Marketing & Innovation GCC & Export
Hunter Foods LLC
Dubai
12.2019 - 09.2021
- Developed the Marketing department from zero basis identifying scope of work, processes & recruitment.
- Introduced Consumer Insights & Data Intelligence to form a 3 year Strategy for GCC and Exports:
- Conducted full portfolio rationalization, defined pricing strategies for the different markets.
- Results: a) Hunters Gourmet #1 premium brand in the snacks segment (Nielsen) b) Lizi’s #5 in Cereals
Senior Marketing Manager Heineken & Super Premium
Heineken NV
Greece
01.2015 - 11.2018
- Responsible for a 60mio$ Rev. business, 6mio$ A&P budget. Reporting to the Marketing Director, leading a team of 4 senior brand managers.
- Stabilized 8-year continuous drop and fully repositioned Heineken, to make it relevant in changing business environment (economy in crisis).
- Launched Heineken Light, Heineken 0.0, new draught systems, with “best in class” launch plans, best practices for other markets.
- Fully leveraged key communication platforms to increase closeness and relevance, i.e. UEFA Champions League, International Music sponsorships, Formula 1
- Developed award winning 360 campaign for Heineken & Fischer “It’s About Taste” (Best TV Ad in Greece for 2017, Grand Ermis Award’18).
Marketing Manager Beverages & Dressings
Unilever
Greece
09.2010 - 11.2014
- Responsible for managing Lipton tea, Hellmann's & Maille.
- Developed award winning integrated campaign for Lipton, "The Tea parties”, acknowledged as a “marketing excellence” from Unilever HQ and achieved double digit market growth for four consecutive years.
- Launched 2 innovations that de-seasonalized the Tea market
- Achieved market leadership for Hellmann’s in all 3 categories (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard).
- Successfully launched Maille in Greece and gain leadership in premium dressings segment.
Group Brand Manager Oral, Deos & Grooming
Unilever
Greece
09.2008 - 09.2010
- Responsible for Aim/Signal, Dove, Axe/Lynx & Rexona.
- Launched “Aim/Signal-White now”, #1 SKU in toothpaste market.
- Grew Unilever’s value market share by 200 Bps approx. in Oral category
Senior Brand Manager, Heart Health Functional Food
Unilever
Greece
07.2005 - 09.2008
Group Brand Manager Luxury Brands
Estee Lauder
Greece
07.2003 - 07.2005
- Responsible for luxury portfolio of cosmetics for Prada, R. Cavalli, Nina Ricci, Boss.
Advertising Sale Executive
Conde Nast-Vogue Magazine
Greece
05.2002 - 06.2003
- Responsible for Fashion & Luxury brands clientele, i.e. Estee Lauder, High fashion brands, etc
Education
Diploma - Digital Marketing, Customer Engagement, Social Media
Emeritus Institute of Management
Master of Science - Marketing Management
Aston Business School
Bachelor of Science - Economics & Marketing
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Skills
- Brand Building of Global brands through localized 360 marketing plans
- Award winning campaigns & activations (online & offline)
- Performance Marketing
- CRM & Loyalty
- Marketing Automation
- Consumer Insights & Intelligence
- Excellent project management & analytical skills
- Experience in activating major global platforms like F1, Sports platforms: UCL, FWC, Rugby, Cricket
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Greek
Native
Italian
Intermediate
Spanish
Intermediate
Timeline
Head of Brands
Sirocco (Heineken & Emirates JV)
07.2024 - Current
Senior Brand Manager Mainstream & Super Premium
Sirocco (Heineken & Emirates JV)
04.2022 - 07.2024
Country Marketing Manager
IKEA Al Futtaim
09.2021 - 04.2022
Head of Marketing & Innovation GCC & Export
Hunter Foods LLC
12.2019 - 09.2021
Senior Marketing Manager Heineken & Super Premium
Heineken NV
01.2015 - 11.2018
Marketing Manager Beverages & Dressings
Unilever
09.2010 - 11.2014
Group Brand Manager Oral, Deos & Grooming
Unilever
09.2008 - 09.2010
Senior Brand Manager, Heart Health Functional Food
Unilever
07.2005 - 09.2008
Group Brand Manager Luxury Brands
Estee Lauder
07.2003 - 07.2005
Advertising Sale Executive
Conde Nast-Vogue Magazine
05.2002 - 06.2003
Diploma - Digital Marketing, Customer Engagement, Social Media
Emeritus Institute of Management
Master of Science - Marketing Management
Aston Business School
Bachelor of Science - Economics & Marketing
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
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