ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
Eleni Magkli, Class of 2013, tells us how her Executive MBA helped her make the
transition from the energy/manufacturing sector to the fragrance industry.
After three years in various management roles at Wärtsilä, Eleni
Magkli decided this year to make the move into the fragrance
industry. Eleni tells us more about her new role as Director of
Global PMO and Global Engineering for Fragrances at Givaudan in
Geneva, Switzerland.
How did you make the transition from the energy/manufacturing industry to the fragrance industry?
A year ago, I was at a pivotal stage in my life. I was about to finish
my EMBA with Hult and was looking into how I could capitalize on
this investment and advance my career. Having spent more than
four years working in the energy/manufacturing industry, I realized
that I needed to take up a new challenge that would support me
in my objectives. I was initially presented with the opportunity to
move into the APAC region and help support my company meet its
growth expectations over the coming years. However, that did not
stop me from looking at general options outside my existing environment and that’s when I came across my current opportunity.
At that point, the key question I was asking myself was how to
best capitalize on the opportunities available to me after successfully finalizing my EMBA. I have to admit that I was not explicitly
looking into the fragrance industry but it has always been an industry that appealed to me. My personal network was of great help
in allowing me to make this transition. It was key for me to gain a
better understanding of the fragrance business and see how well
it suited my needs and objectives. My final decision to move into
the fragrance industry was based on the opportunities for growth
and the knowledge that I would accumulate over the coming
years. The transition was difficult but it just takes character and an
understanding that in order to be successful in a new environment
you have to focus on your core strengths and make adjustments
to some of the cultures and behaviors that are embedded in your
current working style.
12