Chris Mathas, Fcipd Email & Phone Number

Larnaca, Cyprus

Strategic Marketing for a Leading Big Data and OSINT Solutions Provider in Law Enforcement and DefenseAs the Marketing Director at RAKIA Group, a leader in big data and OSINT solutions for the law enforcement and defense sectors, I lead strategic, low-profile marketing initiatives tailored to the sensitive nature of our clients' needs. My role is focused on building trust and cultivating relationships through targeted engagement and discreet brand positioning.I specialize in: • Developing and executing strategic marketing plans that balance the need for confidentiality with the goal of expanding our presence in highly specialized markets. • Organizing and managing high-level participation in international exhibitions and events, fostering connections with key stakeholders across the law enforcement and defense industries. • Crafting tailored communication strategies that align with the operational security and discretion required by our clientele. • Working closely with executive leadership to ensure all marketing efforts align with the company’s broader business objectives and long-term vision.My approach emphasizes relationship-building, strategic event participation, and ensuring RAKIA remains a trusted partner to clients seeking innovative, data-driven solutions.

Cyprus

Boutique Consultancy Specializing in Human Optimization, Leadership Development, and Organizational GrowthAt Chris Mathas Collaboration, I lead a boutique consultancy that delivers business optimization and organizational transformation through tailored, high-impact solutions. We focus on strategic leadership development, talent optimization, and contingent management services, creating bespoke strategies that drive sustainable growth and help businesses navigate complex transitions.Our core offerings include: • BrainMatta: Customized experiential learning and development solutions designed to enhance performance and engagement across platforms. • HR Optimizer: A comprehensive HR management solution, providing SMEs with high-quality HR services, from audits to full-service HR delivery. • Contingent Management: Stepping into interim executive roles (Director, CPO, COO, CSO, or CEO) to guide organizations through transitions and onto new growth paths. • BrandMe: Personal and business branding solutions that include content creation and social media management, helping clients elevate their market presence. • The Coaching Tribe: A coaching service focused on optimizing professional performance and leadership impact.Global Reach: We have successfully led projects in Cyprus, Greece, the Middle East, and Russia, delivering solutions tailored to each market’s unique needs.Industry Expertise: Our work spans hospitality, medical, IT, software development, aviation, manufacturing, education, telecommunications, banking, and financial services, demonstrating our adaptability to diverse industries.Client Trust: I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations such as RAKIA Group, Lordos Plastics Ltd, Ambrosia Oils, SAT 7, Cyprus Popular Bank, GSK, Dr. Zenonos The Dental Clinic, and more, forming trusted partnerships and delivering measurable business results.

Larnaca District, Cyprus

Strategic HR Leadership for Global Intelligence SolutionsAt HEXATONE Group, I led the HR strategy and organizational development efforts, aligning people operations with the company’s mission to deliver intelligence platforms that drive business resilience and digital transformation. My role focused on building a robust HR infrastructure, attracting top talent, and developing leadership teams that supported global growth.Key contributions included: • Establishing and optimizing HR functions to drive employee engagement and operational efficiency. • Coaching and mentoring the leadership team to enhance strategic alignment and performance. • Supporting the development of a global talent pipeline to meet the needs of the company’s expansion across multiple regions.Through these efforts, I ensured HEXATONE Group remained a leader in delivering innovative solutions while fostering a high-performance culture.

Rewards Management & Leadership Development LecturerAs a lecturer for the MSc in HR program at CIIM, I taught Rewards Management and contributed to the design of engaging course content for professionals.Key contributions included: • Achieved a 100% pass rate for students in ACCA Paper 3 (Business Analysis). • Developed the Rewards Management curriculum, which became a key attraction for the MSc program, leading to increased enrollment. • Designed interactive learning experiences, integrating theory with real-world practice, providing professionals with practical skills they could immediately apply.

Presented in-class and on-line interactive lectures for the Paper 3 (Business Analysis) of the ACCA certification.⇨ Created all online content (videos, notes etc) required to support this program. ⇨ Delivered engaging live on line sessions with students from across the world⇨ Devised assessment tools to assess impact of learning and competence⇨ Provided individual coaching to support students in meeting learning challenges⇨ Set up an attractive, practical and engaging Moodle page (and content) to support the students and enhance their learning experience

Cyprus

Boutique Consultancy Focused on Human Potential and Organizational DevelopmentAs Managing Partner of Let’s Talk!, I co-founded and led a boutique consultancy focused on organizational development, leadership coaching, and business advisory. We helped businesses of all sizes improve their talent management and organizational efficiency, particularly during economic crises.Key contributions included: • Developed customized consulting solutions tailored to businesses facing critical challenges, enabling clients to navigate tough economic conditions successfully. • Led organizational development and leadership coaching initiatives, positioning clients for sustainable growth.

Cyprus

Strategic HR Leadership During Major MergerDuring the complex merger between Bank of Cyprus and Cyprus Popular Bank, amid the collapse of the Cypriot banking system, I played a key role as a liaison and advisor to senior leadership on human resource strategy. My focus was on leading downsizing and restructuring initiatives to optimize the Group's human resources and ensure a smooth transition.Key contributions included: • Design and implementation a comprehensive internal communications program aimed at fostering a unified culture post-merger. This involved crafting persuasive messaging that mobilized employees and aligned them with the new organization’s goals. • Counseled managers at all levels on effectively communicating sensitive issues, including how to address difficult conversations with employees and customers impacted by the merger and the "hair-cut". • Reviewed and integrated performance management systems, developing action plans to harmonize the processes across both organizations. • Developed reward/incentive and redeployment schemes, including early retirement programs, that reduced the workforce without compromising operational efficiency.Formulated and executed a strategic internal communication plan, ensuring that communication channels were aligned with the Group's overall strategy, promoting transparency and engagement across all levels of the organization.

Led International HR for a Major Global BankIn this role, I contributed to the successful setup and operation of the International HR Department, ensuring alignment of HR and OD processes across seven countries. Key contributions included: • Developed policies, procedures, and infrastructure to ensure HR excellence and compliance across Russia, Romania, and other regions. • Managed the HR functions for 622 employees across Russia and Romania, ensuring high-quality service delivery and local compliance. • Trained and coached HR Business Partners across multiple countries to act as internal consultants on HR policy, employment law, and organizational development. • Oversaw the full recruitment cycle and performance management for expatriates across seven countries.

Led Organizational Transformation Across Multiple RegionsAs Head of Organizational Development, I developed and implemented OD initiatives that aligned with the Group's strategic goals. Key achievements included: • Set up processes for effective OD unit functioning, including performance management, succession planning, and job evaluation systems. • Developed the Sales Academy and Coaching & Mentoring Program, the first of its kind in Cyprus. • Successfully reorganized the International Division, transforming it from a loss-making entity to the most profitable international business division in Cyprus.

Cyprus

Partnered with Key Divisions (Examples IT, International Banking) to Drive HR StrategyIn my role as Strategic HR Business Partner, I worked closely with the IT and Wealth Management Divisions to integrate HR into the strategic decision-making process. Key contributions included: • Secured a role as a senior management team member, ensuring HR's influence on strategy formulation and operational management. • Educated and empowered managers to actively engage in HR execution, turning them into champions of the HR function. • Introduced innovative sales training program (Integrity Selling) that was directly credited for its pivotal role in elevating the international banking unit to market leader and the most successful international banking unit I the region.

Senior Officer Management Training & Development | CYPRUS POPULAR BANKLeadership and Training Initiatives for Organizational TransformationIn this role, I led the development of training and leadership initiatives, that were instrumental in transforming the Group’s culture from a governmental mindset to a high-performance, entrepreneurial environment, while simultaneously elevating leadership quality.Key contributions included: • Developed and implemented the Group’s first goal-based, digital performance management system, driving cultural change and leadership excellence. • Revamped the induction process and trained internal trainers, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all business units. • Conducted training needs analysis for individuals and business units, and trained internal teams to deliver tailored solutions. • Created a portfolio of 18 soft skills and leadership training programs and established the Leadership and Sales Academy to drive talent development. • Designed and managed the Highfliers Program (talent management), focused on developing future leaders and specialists within the Group. • Led employee well-being programs to support smooth transitions during mergers and acquisitions. • Acted as an internal T&D consultant, providing strategic guidance on training needs and the implementation of effective training methods. • Implemented a Return on Investment (ROI) framework for all training activities, enhancing accountability and effectiveness. • Designed and launched a comprehensive coaching program, providing coaching to middle, senior, and executive managers across the organization. • Played a pivotal role in Group strategic projects, including Economic Value Added, Project Office Set Up, and the Personal Bankers Concept. • Developed and refined recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes, including Assessment Centers for specialized and leadership roles.

Cyprus

Prepared and implemented training programs on a variety of topics such as customer care, leadership, team building, motivation, performance management and coaching. Conducted Training needs analysis and prepared proposals for clients.

Cyprus

Lectured subjects for the Bachelor Degree in Business Administration as well as the Chartered Institute of Bankers (Human Resource Management, Mass Communication, Managing People in Organizations, Management and Organization in Financial Services)

Cyprus

Leadership in Student Affairs and Support ServicesAs Director of Student Affairs, I was responsible for leading a team of 12 to manage all student support services, contributing to a significant increase in the student body from 500 to over 3,000.Key contributions included: • Devised, set up and managed student support services such as counseling, housing, orientation, and career services. • Created an engaging student experience, significantly contributing to the university’s growth and competitive edge.

Cyprus & Middle East (Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Lebanon, Bahrain Etc)

Human Capital Management Consultant for Middle East & CyprusIn this role, I provided human capital management consulting for businesses in Cyprus and the Middle East, delivering tailored leadership development and organizational development programs.Key contributions included: • Increased turnover by 60% through successful business development and consulting initiatives. • Added new programs to the consultancy’s portfolio and trained new trainers, enhancing the company’s service offerings.

Cyprus

As General Manager, I led the successful turnaround of Nokia Cyprus, transitioning it from a loss-making unit to profitability within three months.Key contributions included: • Developed and executed a profit turnaround strategy, leading to record-breaking sales and service quality improvements. • Established a national distribution network of Nokia retail shops, contributing to growth and market presence. • Played a key role in advising CYTA on building their mobile telephony unit as part of Cyprus’ telecommunications privatization process.

Cyprus

Secured, managed and facilitated key projects for organizations in Cyprus: CTC, Leptos, Woolworth, Interamerican, Multichoice and Amathus Hotels. Developed and implemented 6 core workshops that became flagship, high selling elements of the portfolio of products of the company.

South Africa - Johanessburg

Brand Strategy and Communications ExpertAt Ogilvy & Mather, I worked on brand strategy for high-profile clients such as Super Sport, Movie Magic, Telkom, and Dulux Paints.Key contributions included: • Developed integrated brand strategies that helped clients increase market visibility and engagement. • Participated in major projects and events, contributing to the success of high-impact campaigns such as Miss Universe and Red Nose Day.

South Africa

Adult Literacy Program ManagerAs Head of the Adult Literacy Department, I managed the development and implementation of adult education programs, significantly improving literacy rates across multiple communities.Key contributions included: • Co-authored and developed 20+ literacy modules for adult learners. • Led training programs that equipped over 100 schools across South Africa with the necessary resources to implement effective literacy programs.

Soshanguve, South Africa

Lead and engaged a team of 11 faculty members in the provision of high quality English education to learners of all ages. Ensured that literacy programs offered by the Centre were implemented in more than 100 schools across South Africa.

South Africa

Developed and managed all purchasing, customer support and project coordination processes.Project management of big construction projects including such gems as the Heart Hospital in Pretoria. Increased profit margins by an average of 20% by improving the negotiated purchase prices of tiles from national and international supplies, engaging the sales team to meet challenging sales target and significantly minimizing time on shelf ratio (week turnaround).

Durban, South Africa

Created and managed the service experience and all operations including HR & financial management.Implementation of business development strategy that resulted in steady but significant increases in sales (started with 2 charters a month and reached an average of 12 charters a month in one year).

Athens, Greece

Creation of the first ever English language syllabus (Athens) for children between the ages of 3-6 leading to an increase in revenues of 30% in the first year and considerably enhancing goodwill.Teaching, testing and evaluation of new teaching materials and provision of teacher training and support

Mba, Hr & Marketing (Primary Concentration)

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Communication, Criminology (Secondary Major: Economics)

Activities and Societies: Newspaper, basketball, drama* During my time first year at University of Durban (prior to transferring to UNISA).