Case studies : Technical Sales and Project Coordinator: Eleni Kottaki

Eleni Kottaki studied BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and MSc Industrial and Operations Engineering before joining Averda as a Technical Sales and Project Coordinator.

After attending a very well organized assessment centre as a candidate for Averda Academy, I was impressed by the level of professionalism of this company. During the assessment centre I got to know more about the company's vision, which is to become the leading waste management company in the Middle East in the next few years as well as enter the North Africa and European markets. It was on that very first day that I felt the challenge of being part of something big.

A few months later my professional and personal journey started in Averda and the Middle Eastern world. First destination was Beirut, Lebanon and the headquarters of the company to meet the rest of the Academy Executives who flew in from all over the world. Soon we were introduced to the different company functions and operational activities. We got to know more about the valuable work they do to keep Beirut and the suburbs clean, by offering integrated waste management solutions: cleaning, collection, sorting and recovering, recycling and disposal. My experience in Lebanon lasted three months, during which time we participated in a training program 'Management of Waste and Secondary Resources' and worked on projects related to waste minimization, reuse, recycle, treatment and disposal, recyclable commodities, legislation, incentives and CSR. What I loved during this time was the potential I identified in this industry - the financial and environmental benefits we, as Averda, can offer by transforming waste back into a valuable resource, by reducing carbon footprint and securing a cleaner soil, air and aquifer in the areas of our operations.

After completing the three-month training in Lebanon I was assigned to work full-time in the water department. This is a relatively new department in Averda, formed to provide solutions in liquid waste. I have been involved in projects for sewage, industrial wastewater and brackish water treatment, and in proposing solutions with significant financial and environmental benefits from reuse of the treated water. In parallel to that, a new Leadership Training Program for all the Academy Executives is taking place, with the aim of providing us with the skills and competencies necessary to succeed, develop and grow in Averda. I have currently completed one year in the water department and I am considering rotation in another department. This will be one more opportunity for me to explore more career paths inside the company, understand different business functions and become more influential.