During the last 15 years, the goal of all EKO Serbia’s activities was to operate in accordance with its general vision – to be the first choice for the consumers, to provide high quality products and services while taking good care of the employees and protecting the environment. Since its foundation in Serbia, the company has invested more than EUR 100 million in our country, it employs over 700 people and operates the network of 53 gas stations while planning an even greater expansion in order to make their services available throughout the whole country.

Investing in people, increasing competitiveness on the Serbian market, as well as safety are the highest priorities for which the company stands. The greatest confirmation of all this are the consumers who visit our gas stations and use our services. Our gas stations are visited more than 1,000,000 times per month, and the unique locally developed loyalty program – the Smile club has got more than 430,000 registered Smile program users.

Being the number one choice for all the consumers is a challenge; this is the reason why the company is constantly trying to make the consumers’ visits to all EKO gas stations as pleasant and as practical as possible. In addition, being a responsible member of society is one of the basic characteristics of the whole group, so it is only natural that our focus is on traffic safety, education and environmental protection – all fields which have marked a great success in the recent period.

Mr.Kostas Mademlis, Chairman of EKO Serbia’s Board of Directors and International Retail Director

speaks for Profit magazine.

1.Mr. Mademlis, where were you born? Where did you grow up and go to school?

I was born in Athens, Greece in 1960, grew up under Acropolis in the neighborhood of the Gods (Plaka). I studied economics at the National University of Athens. I am married, with two daughters and a lovely grandson.

2.How did your career develop before you reached the position you are in today?

I have been a member of the HELPE family since 1989 serving in various managerial positions(supply and trade of crude oil and products, shipping and operations, Greek market sales etc.)

From July 2015, I have been the CEO of EAKAA (Athens Airport Jet Fuel Pipeline Company S.A.).

Since October 2015, I have held the position of Senior International Retail Director of the Hellenic Petroleum Group.

3.This year, EKO Serbia is celebrating an important anniversary – 15 years of successful business. What have been EKO Serbia’s main goals and activities for the past 15 years?

Starting from 2002, when the company was established, we were focused on building a network of stations that would be considered the number one choice for drivers in terms of products, additional services provided, and attractiveness of other, non-fuel products. Besides the above mentioned, polite service, trained staff and sustainable growth of our network characterize our presence in this market. During this whole period, we also have been good neighbors to the community, helping local initiatives and programs.

4.What are your company’s major priorities, both in Serbia and in all other countries you operate in?

The main priority of our company is to cover the needs of our customers by providing them the right quantity and best quality products in the whole region which covers most of the Balkan countries and also Cyprus.

5.Since you have a lot of international working experience, could you compare the business conditions in Serbia with the business conditions in other countries in the region?

Serbia is definitely one of the most promising countries in the region following the best European standards. Because of this, we want to expand into the petroleum sector but also participate in several energy sectors.

6.The energy sector is changing on a global level, especially in your area which is geopolitically significant for Europe. Do you, through your operations, guarantee energy security for the entire region in which the Hellenic Petroleum Group operates? How much do you invest in the Serbian energy sector?

Changes in our industry have had such an influence, that all oil companies which want to have a future will have to transform themselves into energy companies. We have successfully gone through this process and have become an export-based energy company using the most advanced technology in production, that we sell close to 60% of our production abroad.On the other side, all countries have to think of the diversification of energy supply, and in Serbia, where main source of electricity comes from lignite, we already have to think of new sources, renewables, etc. Besides having a retail network of petrol stations in Serbia, we are looking for any opportunity in energy where we could invest. We have to stress that, for us, Serbia and the Balkans are of high interest, since we belong to this region; we are close to this market and are ready to support good initiatives.

7.Some exclusive news is that Hellenic Petroleum Group is going to participate in the LNG terminal project in Alexandroupolis.What will be the percent of stake and what will this mean for your company?

Hellenic Petroleum, as an energy company, is investing not only in refineries but also in electricity, renewable energy, natural gas, and research. The exclusive news is that the Hellenic Petroleum Group will take part in the LNG terminal project in Alexandroupolis with a 20% investment through its subsidiary Depa, whose 35% share is owned by the Group. Serbia, as a country, was also offered to participate in this project and is still to decide on this project. The market will show us the next steps in relation to this investment.

8.Being number one for all customers is a challenge. What is the key to your success, both in Serbia and in other countries you operate in?

In order to offer something more to end consumers in retail business, we have to monitor their needs but also trends in developed countries, which will eventually also come here. On the other side, in order to be innovative and to invest into new things, we have to have a stabile business behind us, which fortunately,we can now say we have. Stations today, especially in Serbia, are providing much more of an experience than simply purchasing fuels. Here, some other countries can learn some good lessons about treating customers and providing them with more value-for-money offers. Differentiated fuels, free wi-fi, good coffee, an up to date assortment of products, loyalty programs, car checks, and lube changes are some of the reasons why we often hear that EKO is a recommended petrol station.

9.Recently, you have spent a lot of time working on traffic safety, education and environmental protection. Tell us more about that.

Being part of the local community in every countrywe operate in is deeply structured within our company strategy and philosophy. Corporate social responsibility is the basis for our sustainable growth and the future generations that will take over this business. This is why we are supporting younger generations in sports, education, providing scholarships, training and chances for them to learn.We have just assisted 6 students from Serbia to their Mastersdegree studies in Energy Engineering and Energy Law and Economy in Greece. Our business is closely connected with cars, and thus it is logical that besides safety in running our stations, we also focus on road safety activities in campaigns like Drive Fresh or with Pit Stop checks. We have to support vulnerable social groups and environmentally friendly projects.

10.Have you set into motion any new initiatives regarding socially responsible business practices on the occasion of your 15^th anniversary of successful business?

Celebrating 15 years of the company is a great opportunity to thank Serbia for all its support but also to give something back. As part of our yearly CSR activities, on this occasion, we have decided to support the Center of Children Resorts, where all kids from Serbia spend at least 7 days per year, with a RSD 1,000,000 donation for the improvement of their institutions. Our group is very much dedicated to this field and we are aware that sustainable growth is possible if we are conscious about the environment and community around and behind us. We have to take steps that will be the foundation for future generations to continue our work and exceed our vision.

11.What business results have you achieved in 2017? Have they been different from what was expected, and by how much?

Taking into consideration that oil and petroleum products are still the biggest, but not the only energy source, we are already working on all renewable energy sectors and fulfilling our vision to transform the Hellenic Petroleum Group from a petroleum to an energy provider.

12.How do you see world oil and the oil derivatives market in the future, considering the fact that the whole world is increasingly turning towards renewable energy sources?

Renewables is an area of great interest to all energy companies, but also to countries. However, there is a long way to go in order to have stable supply, keeping in mind that there are industries which for many more years will have to rely on fossil fuels, like lorries, ships, means of long distance transport, aviation.

In our company, we always like saying that the customer should be able to choose between using diesel, gasoline, LPG, CNG, or electricity. It is our business to provide them with their energy needs, no matter the source, at the competitive prices.

There are other problems that regular drivers have to take care of during work, and their daily obligations. They should not worry about energy, since we will be there to offer them the highest quality of energy they use.

13.What are the plans for future investments and the possible expansion of business trade in Serbia?

At this moment, EKO has 53 stations in Serbia and a market share of 7%. We are here to stay and grow. The Serbian management team has developed a strategy and plans of growth for the company in the next period, in terms of more stations, but also some other fields of development. And I have to also mention that it is not only that the group invests in stations and technology, but we also have to think about people and invest in their knowledge and experience. They are our energy.

14.What do you do in your free time and how do you deal with stress?

Free time is not just an idea, but an obligation, and it is to be spent with our families and those we love and care about.

Dealing with stress means taking some time to play a game of tennis with friends, or spending some time playing with my grandson.