Alumnus Profiled: Orestis Kokkos
Graduated: Deree 2007
Lives in: Athens, Greece
Current Position: Commercial Finance Lead for Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Orestis Kokkos was born in Athens, Greece, and graduated from Deree – The American College of Greece in 2007. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of East London.
He started his career in sales but after a decade in various financial roles, he reached leadership positions being the CFO of Microsoft for Greece, Cyprus, and Malta and then he advanced his career internationally, currently holding the role of Commercial Finance Lead for Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe.
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Deree has taught you?
Enhanced learning, practice, and teamwork.
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Deree?
The presentation of our final assignment/thesis to a multinational company.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
The team projects and the time we spent on the campus with my colleagues.
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that would you do differently?
You can always improve grades or correct wrong decisions but the Deree experience is so unique that I wouldn’t change anything from it.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
All the teachers were interested in teaching us more than the textbook theory.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
Yes, I am still connecting with classmates but also through the collaboration of my employer with the school.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
I have learned that you can achieve more if you work together with a team versus working alone.
Q: What advice would you give a new Deree student?
Enjoy these years to the most and understand how the theory is put into practice.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Working with people that they want to develop themselves.
Q: What is your motto in life?
Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
