From the get-go, we explored relatable cases built on global companies like Amazon. We were able to really get into the different examples with my team in breakout groups, which is something I particularly enjoyed.
Marios Aristotelous is the Group Financial Controller of Windstorm, an investment and holding company headquartered in Cyprus and part of a global pharmaceutical group. His is a critical role, managing finance and treasury aspects of the group, aiming to maximise shareholder and stakeholder value. It is also a role that brings him into direct contact with very diverse people, countries and cultures—a multicultural exposure that he relishes because it opens up opportunities for one of his greatest passions: continuous learning.
“I’m a lifelong learner. It’s something I’ve always pursued as I progress in my career. Working in finance is demanding. It is a constantly changing space, especially with all the M&A activities in the wake of COVID-19 as well as more recently the banking crisis. So, it’s key that I keep updating my skills and deepening my knowledge,” says Marios.
This imperative led him to INSEAD, the school having been recommended to him by alumni as “absolutely specialised in Executive Education.” To accelerate his learning journey, he enrolled in the Advanced International Corporate Finance Programme – an opportunity for him to learn from world experts, he says.
“I embarked on the programme looking to get what I thought would be theoretical insights from top professors with vast experience in international finance. But I was really pleasantly surprised by the way that the theories were rooted in real-life examples. Attending the programme has provided me with a deeper understanding of corporate finance in a global context by providing insight on the latest developments and best practices around valuations, capital structures, M&A and risk management,” says Marios.
“From the get-go, we explored relatable cases built on global companies like Amazon. We were able to really get into the different examples with my team in breakout groups, which is something I particularly enjoyed.”
The world in the classroom
Something else that he appreciated was the chance to connect with classmates from around the world. With these diverse peers, Marios was exposed to new and fresh perspectives as they explored the programme material together.
“It was amazing to go through the lessons and share ideas with so many diverse people from different backgrounds. It brought the learning together and added real value. What’s so great is that we are still connected – we still talk and exchange ideas. It’s really nice to be part of this fantastic group of people as we build lifelong connections.”
Among Marios’ peers were CEOs and CFOs, but there were also engineers and portfolio managers, representing an assortment of industries, from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals to professional services. The dynamic interchange of ideas and approaches remains a key source of support and insight in his day-to-day responsibilities, particularly when it comes to things like valuation and value creation.
“The exchange of ideas is important because for valuation, we went through critical elements such as financial analysis, industry analysis, market analysis, management and risk factors as well as applying the DCF model taking into account variables, that otherwise I would not have considered, and value creation is essential to driving long-term growth and sustainability,” shares Marios.
Practical application
Marios also cites the practical application of learning as a game-changing takeaway that informs his daily work.
“One of the critical benefits of the INSEAD experience is that I get to apply all the theories and all the discussions that took place during my week in Fontainebleau,” he says.
“There’s such a practical dimension to the course, whether it’s financial analysis, market analysis, or effective risk management which is vital in terms of value creation and business predictability. You work with your group, running through real-life scenarios with feedback from your professors. And this has really impacted my daily work.”
For Marios, the INSEAD experience has translated into real-world value creation; practical insights on how and what to measure in his day-to-day work that in turn are helping him create more value and long-term growth prospects for his shareholder community. As such, he would not hesitate to recommend both INSEAD and the Advanced International Corporate Finance programme to anyone—“anyone dealing with finance in any way.”
“I’d absolutely recommend the programme because of the insights, tools and deeper understanding it gives you on valuations, incorporating various levels of risks as well as appreciation on the value creation system. Overall, it was an amazing learning experience due to the inspiring professors who delivered sophisticated international corporate finance concepts at an executive decision-making level,” shares Marios.
For anyone considering the INSEAD experience for themselves, he has a few words of advice.
“Get out of your comfort zone. And be prepared to really push yourself to learn things you are not familiar with. You will find INSEAD very demanding, so try to get the most from it, and connect with new people.”
“Learning is something that I have been trying to do throughout my entire career. And I really believe that INSEAD took me to the next level. And for that I’m proud and grateful.”
What Marios has to say about INSEAD’s Advanced International Corporate Finance programme
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