Maria Antonopoulos’ career is dedicated to her family’s hospitality business, Groupe Antonopoulos, based in Old Montreal, as Director of Marketing Communications. Find out why she decided to switch careers after completing her studies in accounting in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
As Director of Marketing Communications for Groupe Antonopoulos, my job is to tap into all the creative resources of my team so that we translate our marketing strategy into the most compelling message for our clients and find the best way of communicating it to them. I am also responsible for public relations for our company whereby I manage the reputation of our brands and act as a resource to writers from media, press or blogs that are interested in our products.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I completed my studies in Accounting, earned my CPA title, and worked at Deloitte as an auditor. Throughout all my student life, however, I had worked in various positions of my family’s hospitality business in direct contact with clients, and my passion for this crazy industry won me over. I joined the family business in 2010 full-time in marketing
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part: being part of the second-generation team of siblings and cousins that have already taken the company to new levels and aspire to even more. Most challenging: hmm… being the youngest of this team!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In my thirties… no definite plans because five years seems like a long period and, in a fast expanding company, the options can be many.
What does success look like to you?
Being able to fill your day with work you love, activities you love, and people you love!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
While I’m still in the very early stages of my career/professional life, joining my family business is definitely a milestone. Once you are in, you know you are really in for the long run… a very long and exciting run!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be afraid to try new things until you find what you truly love doing. Get yourself involved with your community, whether it is related to business, charity, or plain fun. This way you get to meet many interesting people that can help you along the way.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am involved in two important fundraising events. I am a member of the Daffodil Ball committee, Canada’s most successful annual fundraising gala benefitting the Canadian Cancer Society. I have also joined “Les Printemps du MAC,” whose goal is to raise the profile of the Museum of Contemporary Arts among young businesspeople in today’s art and artistic endeavours.
At work, my department plays a lead role in all of the fundraising activities organised by our company as well as the ones we participate in. We are directly involved with various charitable causes, the main one being the Foundation of Stars benefiting research for children’s diseases.
What to you is notable?
Gratitude. Generosity. Achievements that benefit the life of others.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, to which I recently switched to and am loving it! I don’t know what took me so long.
Top photo: Place d’Armes
Article photo: Hotel Nelligan