Name: Andrew Dimitriou

Title: Chief Executive (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

Organisation: VMLY&R

CEO of VMLY&R across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Responsible for 21 offices, including Customer Experience and Technology Centers of Excellence.

Marketing and communications professional with over 24 years of working experience. Specialized in managing large, global multinational clients (FMCG), Setting up, and Managing cross-disciplinary teams, including Digital, Technology, Customer Experience, Commerce and Design.

A true globalist with a career spans the globe : Australia, Europe (London, Paris, Prague), Japan, Latin America and the US (New York, Kansas City)

Accolades

Shortlisted: CEO Of the Year (2019,2020,2021), Campaign Magazine (VMLY&R)

Effectiveness Network of the Year (2016), EMEA

Cannes Creative Creative Network of the Year (2017), EMEA

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Andrew's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Leadership can be a lonely place. Finding and building a team

That trusts each other, trusts you, and align to one vision of the business, and culture.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I have been fortunate enough to start off as a management trainee , and work through client engagement in various capacities, countries, and regions across the world.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I am an early morning riser. Get ahead before the madness starts. Always read the FT, catch up on emails and prioritize the day ahead. Followed by a gym work out .

I am in the office by 9am - and usually split time between, client development , new business development and operations.

Some nights include client dinners but most nights but most are spent at home, when I am not on the road.

At home, I am the resident chef - (at least I like to think so) which allows me to unwind. Spending time with my kids, wife, and walking our dog Leo.

I quickly glance at my phone for any urgent emails around 9pm.

After that it’s usually winding down with Netflix, or a book

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Simplicity.

We live in a complex world. Management should not exacerbate complicity. Leadership is about reducing complexity.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Power of the Obvious. By Aldo Papone.

The simplest answers are often the ones staring at you in the face. The book reminds you that the answers may be right in front of you.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Show-up. Every day. Show up for the role you want to be in, not just role you are in

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

As leaders our work ethic is borderline “workaholic” . In our fast pace industry where clients demand quick turn arounds - it fuels that behavior even more so.

A former client and president of a large Fortune 500 company pulled me aside - and told me to “stop and smell the roses from

Time to time” and reflect on achievements - celebrate them. It’s just as important as achieving