Vassilis Kyriakopoulos

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• 1983 Graduation from highs school.
• 1989 First degree (Ptychio) in Electrical Engineering, University of Salonica.
• 1991 M.Sc. in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (C.I.M.), Cranfield Institute of Technology, U.K.
• 1993 Finished Army obligations.
• 1994 Started working for Coca cola HBC through the ‘Graduate Trainees’ program. Complete and report 3 cost saving project in 3 three different plants in Greece.
• 1995 Placement in Coca cola HBC Athens plant as Project and Safety engineer.
• 1996 Production supervisor of the ΡΕΤ line. Installation of a new PET bottle filling machine and a second hand blow molding for PET bottles machine.
• 1997 Maintenance supervisor. Introduction of an effective as long as efficient preventive maintenance system. I worked in Russia (Novosibirsk) for 2 months putting into operation a new installed PET line.
• 1998 Technical Manager in Coca Cola HBC. Identify opportunities for cost savings.
• 2002 Technical Manager in Coca Cola HBC Schimatari plant. Schimatari plant is one of the biggest plant of the group (out of 85 plants approx.). Characterized as Center of Excellence (2003). Identify cost saving opportunities mainly in energy. SAP implementation took place in 2004. Maintain good working environment (lack of labor union).
• 2005 Plant Manager in Friesland Foods Hellas – Yoghurt plant in Patras. Successful start up and design/ introduction of new products. Key initiatives and responsibilities are a) communication structure, b) set up KPIs reporting system and c) build up a professional team work environment. For the past 3 years we implemented various projects for process optimization, capacity expansion and recently (January 2008) I took over also the management of Milk zone along with industrial development projects. Priority for 2009 & 2010 is yoghurt cost structure improvement and P&L results.
• In 2010 I have been appointed as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands seated in Patras, renewed until July 2025.
• In 2010 -2011 as part of the core team of the Foot Print project, we transferred the production of the ESL/ UHT milk and creams from Germany to Patras factory, and managed to increase production volume by +1.200%, productivity +620% and decrease conversion cost by -58%.
• In 2012 Friesland Campina Hellas certified by OHSAS 18001.
• In 2013 the Patras factory approved by the corporate quality system standards (FOQUS system) for IFT production.
• In 2014 & 2015 we managed to reduce manufacturing cost by -15% mainly through process optimization and shop floor way improvements. We have been awarded for the dramatically reduction of consumer complains ratio (over -50%) which was the result of the implementation of a new and more analytical HACCP study, conducted by QA/QC manager of the plant.
• In 2015 as part of a technical team, we successfully design, execute and launch new dairy products. My appointment as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands seated in Patras, renewed until July 2020.
• In 2016 – 2023 we expand production capacity and optimized our way of work and established Patras plant as a high Quality, high productive and low cost into the Consumer Dairy Business sector.
• In 2023 Patras plant celebrated 3500 days LTA free.
• In 2024 Patras plant will celebrate 20 years of operations since 1st commercial production.

Current focus areas:
• Safety & Sustainability
• Digitalization, Industry 4.0
• Continious Improvement
• Increase People’s capabilities
• Execute LTO projects

EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVES AND ASPIRATIONS

My aim is to keep working for companies with leading products and/ or services and competitive environments. More specifically:
1. A dynamic ever-changing environment, which reinforces the importance of the production process ( a. advanced technology in processing and packaging, b. high degree of flexibility, c. skilled and specialized personnel).
2. A culture, characterized by ambitious goals regarding profit-making, quality, and environmental issues.
3. Continuous training of personnel so as to enhance performance excellence.
4. Effective communication structure, between departments, as well as functions.