Alumna Profiled: Efi Koutsoureli
Graduated: DEREE ’78
Lives in: Athens, Greece
Current Position: BoD Member, Quest Holdings SA
“Keep walking your own way!”
EFI KOUTSOURELI, Director for Corporate Affairs of Quest Holdings SA and Quest Group of companies, is a graduate of DEREE – The American College of Greece, with main studies in Business Administration and post-graduate qualification in Marketing.
She initiated her own business in the field of trade. In parallel, she became interested in the IT sector and with Info-Quest’s foundation in 1981, as a partner in the beginning and as Basic Shareholder and Executive Board Member of the company later on, she played a key role in the development and the transformation of the company into Group of companies, with activities in the Digital Technology, Renewable Energy and Courier Services.
Mrs. Koutsoureli is serving as Board Member in various organizations and charities.
INTERVIEW
Q.: What are three enduring lessons you learned during your studies at DEREE?
- “Accountability” as a means in Business thought and practices
- Sky is the limit, and
- Sky has limits
Q.: Describe DEREE in three words.
American Education system, Greek-American spirit, Opportunity for an International career
Q.: What is one of your favorite DEREE memories?
The “excellent” on the paper for the International Marketing course.
Q.: What do you miss most from your days at DEREE?
The endless discussions and controversies in the lounge.
Q.: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
The Down Town site lounge, of course.
Q.: Who was your favorite professor and why?
Daniel… I can’t remember his full name. He was teaching for the Master’s Degree. High level of professionalism. I learned Marketing from him.
Q.: Have you kept in touch with any of your classmates?
I am always open for the fellows’ news.
Q.: How did DEREE help prepare you for your professional life?
Business Studies prepares you for the real world.
Q.: What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?
La guerre comme à la guerre. (Yes, it is French!)
Q.: What (or who) inspires you?
Anything that can lead to improvement and development.
Q.: Your motto in life?
Keep walking your own way!
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