How would you describe yourself in 10 words or fewer?

Kind, world traveled, family loving, with good humour, balanced person.

If you had to choose one word that best captures your St. Catherine’s experience, what would it be and why?

Embracing. As a child I felt warmth and security there and the teachers were very caring.

Being among the school’s first students, what was St. Catherine’s like in those early years? Any unforgettable teachers, traditions, or moments?

Exciting experiences. We had sports days with the British Ambassador's wife, Lady Peake, awarding books and medal prizes. We often had famous visitors such as Sir Edmund Hillary, who was one of the first climbers to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. He told us kids in some detail how it felt climbing there. I really loved our teachers, Miss Bath, Mrs. Porter and Headmistress, Mrs. Hayworth.

What is one story from school that you still find yourself telling today?

The visit to Athens of U.S. President Eisenhower. We got to watch from the embassy garden down on the avenue as his motorcade slowly drove by and he, from an open top car, waved enthusiastically to all of us red jacket kids.

In what ways did your time at St. Catherine’s shape your path or influence the person you became?

St. Catherine's gave me a set of values in the way of British culture. Also behavioural things like teamwork, politeness and organisation. These have clearly shaped my personality.

Where did life take you after leaving St. Catherine’s?

I continued high school at ACS Athens and then went on to study at the University of Bridgeport in the USA, where I completed two years of electrical engineering and then changed to study at the University of Maryland (B.A.) in Business Admin. I completed my Masters at the University of Massachusetts (MBA) in Business Management. I worked 20 years with Colgate Palmolive Company in six countries as Marketing Director and then General Manager. I also worked with other multinationals as Country CEO. Back to Greece as General Manager of AB Vassilopoulos supermarkets. Then several years as Business Consultant.

What was your first job, and how did it lead to the rest of your career?

My first job was Trainee Brand Manager at Colgate Palmolive Greece. This was truly a business "school" for me. For the 20 years I was there, it was non-stop learning and a truly gratifying experience.

What achievement - professional or personal - are you most proud of?

Though there are professional achievements I am proud of, I value my family life the most as I look back.  

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies or passions that have stayed with you since your school days?

Music is a small passion of mine, and I played in rock bands in my late teens and early twenties. I still play along to music with my electric bass guitar (I have 8 in total)!

What advice would you give to today’s students who are preparing for their own journeys?

I would say that life is an adventure. Make your plans and set some goals but expect the unexpected and embrace it. Be flexible because life will take you on an exciting path you cannot now imagine.

When you think back to the school’s beginnings, what do you think would be most important for St Catherine’s to carry forward?

While it may challenging to do as St. Catherine's grows and grows, it is important to find ways to maintain the feel and warmth of the small school it once was. Seeing that care is the first among the values that St. Catherine's highlights today tells me that providing a caring environment is as paramount today as it was then. 

Want to be our next spotlight? Email us at alumni@stcatherines.gr or submit your Spotlight directly here. 

Curious to read about other St. Cats alumni? Check out our previous Alumni Spotlights!