Director Spotlight - Mr Spyros Tsolis | FCI
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Director Spotlight - Mr Spyros Tsolis
Director Spotlight - Mr Spyros Tsolis
16 February 2022

In this series of Director Interviews, we asked our directors to answer a few questions to get to know them a little better. In this edition, we speak with Mr Spyros Tsolis, FCI's Deputy Education Director.

What got you started in the industry?

I started my professional career as a Customer Service in a Bank branch. Consumer loans, credit cards, deposits, traditional banking services because of my academic studies in International Trade & Finance, I was looking for an opportunity to move into the Trade Finance department of the Bank. Still, there were no available positions until I luckily met the GM of the Bank's Factoring subsidiary, who believed in me and allowed me to work as a Client Relations Officer in the International Factoring Department. Since then, I have followed a successful career path in Factoring, working both in Greece and Bulgaria (set up of a Branch, today a successful member of FCI), now in FCI Academy, spreading the knowledge of factoring worldwide.

How do you feel about the digital transformation in the industry?

Digital transformation has started long ago in our industry rapidly accelerated during the COVID pandemic. In all financial services, we see an orgasm of new technologies that are trying to ease processes and, at the same time, manage the respective risks. It is, however, felt, this derived from material facts, that when too much reliance is put on digital solutions, especially in managing risks, problems arise, as many risks are not possible to control only by technology. The human element is irreplaceable in our industry. Knowing your client (also from a transactional point of view) is of paramount importance, and this is something that no digital solution can ensure. Therefore, I expect a fundamental change in our industry, supported by the digital transformation. However, I firmly believe that any digital novelty must always be well assessed, controlled and complemented by the human element.

What has been your biggest highlight in your career?

"FCI Best Factor Awards" is something that every Factor would like to receive. It is an excellent achievement for any Factor that represents a team of high standards & excellent quality of services. I had the honour to lead the International team of Eurobank Factors, Greece, which was awarded twice as the "FCI Best Export & Import Factor of the Year", in 2009 & 2011, at the FCI Annual Meetings of Istanbul & San Francisco, respectively. It was recognition both of the company's commitment to FCI & International Factoring and the best return on the investment the company made on its staff's continuous learning efforts.

What was your first car?

I learned to drive a nice sedan family car with my father's OPEL ASCONA B. Although OPEL cars were always my favourites (…was in love with the CALIBRA), my first car was a 1999 Renault Clio. I was amazed when I saw that car, despite its strange design (for those years). It had a 1.2lt petrol engine, only 60HP, no turbo (downsizing started many years later) but had Air Conditioning (the most essential equipment for Greek summer!) and an excellent sound system with a CD player (!)…that was enough…did almost 80 the. km. in 3 years, travelling a lot, enjoying its smooth handling and driving.

What sport did you play in school?

Football is my favourite sport; I played in my high school's team and my university's team. I am still playing football in an amateur tournament with other friends. Additionally, I played volleyball in high school, participating in the school's team.

We want to thank Spyros for letting us get to know him a little more and look forward to finding out more about our other directors in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Discover more

Learn more about Spyros and the team's work with the FCI Academy here.