- Field visit at the OTE premises by students and professors of the Executive MBA program of the leading U.S. University William and Mary and AUEB
- Participants and OTE CEO Michael Tsamaz discussed the transformation program of the past decade, as well as OTE's vision for the future

The example of OTE's successful transformation during the Greek crisis was discussed and analysed by Executive MBA students and professors from one of USA's oldest universities, William & Mary, as well as from the Athens University of Economics and Business. The postgraduate students of the U.S. institution, the alumni of which include four U.S. Presidents, visited OTE in the context of the university's global immersion program, which is being held in Greece this year, in collaboration with AUEB.

The program included a tailor made workshop, with the Chairman and CEO of OTE Group, Michael Tsamaz, and the company's management team. The workshop was focused on the transformation program of the past decade, as outlined in the Harvard Business School case study. According to the case study, "OTE: Managing in Times of National Crisis" -available to any interested university for relevant teaching courses as an example of management in adverse economic environments - OTE Group is an example of a company that, in the midst of the crisis, strategically chose to invest in growth. As the Head of OTE Group noted: "There are two ways to face a crisis: lose heart, panic, become introverted, and hope for the best; or keep calm, treat it as an opportunity, come up with a concrete strategy, and get to business."

Mr. Tsamaz explained the situation the Group was facing in 2010, when the Greek crisis was starting. He referred to the strategy he followed to ensure the company's sustainability, by implementing a series of actions to reduce and renew loan obligations and by investing in growth. He also talked about how he managed to transform OTE into a modern, efficient and competitive tech company, modernising systems, procedures and internal structures, changing the company's culture, and focusing on the customer. Mr. Tsamaz also analysed the digital transformation strategic program which is ongoing since 2016. "The Group's digital transformation program has three pillars: customer experience, networks, and operations. This program combined with our state-of-the-art networks and the ICT projects we are implementing, has established our company as a digital transformation force for society, enterprises, and our country," the OTE Group's Chairman said.

Describing the OTE Group of today, Mr. Tsamaz spoke of a modern company that has placed sustainable development at the core of its strategy and integrated ESG criteria into its operations years ago. "Sustainable growth is more than just a corporate social responsibility program or initiative. It is not a matter of activism. It is something deeper and more substantive. It is a frame of mind. Economic growth and sustainability are two sides of the same coin," he said, adding: "Our vision is to create a better world for all. A world in which businesses grow in full awareness of their environmental footprint. A world where all people have equal access to connectivity and new technologies, so that they can capitalise on the potential these technologies create. A world without discrimination, with equal opportunities for all."

During the discussion, Mr. Tsamaz shared with the students his plans for the OTE of the next decade. "By 2030, we want to have transformed OTE into the technology company of the future," he said. "A digital services provider that will make a difference for Greece. A company that, in addition to providing top connectivity, will focus on its customers and their needs. The goal is to be trusted by consumers, society, the State, and the entire technological ecosystem."

Concluding the discussion with the students and academics, OTE management congratulated the Rector of the AUEB, Dr. Dimitris Bourantonis, the Deputy Rector, Dr. Vassilis Papadakis, and Dr. Rajiv Kohli, professor of Business at William & Mary, for the high level of education and the opportunities they provide for students to connect with the real business world. "All OTE Group's management is very satisfied to have contributed to the universities' educational programme. It is our duty to share our experiences with young people and to help them acquire more knowledge and skills that will enable them to grow and develop." noted Mr. Tsamaz.

Attachments

  • Original document
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

OTE - Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA published this content on 03 November 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 08 November 2021 13:47:08 UTC.