Tobacco exec believes in group decision-making process

MANILA, Philippines — Seven years ago, Manos Koukourakis set foot in the country to head the local operations of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), one of the leading international tobacco makers. It didn’t take long before he became accustomed to the Filipinos’ way of life and appreciated their work ethic, a trait he considers the reason why the local operations of JTI  is the export hub of talent in the  Asia Pacific region.

“Filipinos are easy to get along with, accommodating, helpful, humble and flexible,” said Koukourakis, a UK & US-educated executive who had been to 13 other countries before getting assigned in the country in 2011 as general manager of Japan Tobacco International Philippines (JTIP).

“I used to believe that productiveness and assertiveness go hand in hand but when I came here, I discovered that Filipinos are quite cool in their ways, but they are equally productive,” he said with a grin.

Koukourakis said the Filipinos’ flexibility, simplicity and amiability make them unique. “While we need assertive colleagues and high flyers, it also pays off to have people with cool attitude, who normally tend to think more before they act. We need this combination and the Philippines offers both,” he said.

JTIP directly and indirectly employs about 7,000 people. It operates an ultra-modern export manufacturing facility in Batangas and plans to hire more Filipinos to support its expansion in the region.

JTIP’s  state-of-the-art facility in Batangas supplies tobacco products to its sister companies in other Asia Pacific countries. The company supports the Duterte administration’s nation-building program by creating more jobs and investing more foreign capital into the country.

Collective effort

A recipient of the 2017 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) CEO Award, Koukourakis believes in creating a meaningful impact on the lives of others, saying it is better than receiving the best manager’s award.

“I deeply feel that I cannot bring JTIP to a higher level alone, it does take a collective effort and great humility to do that.  At JTIP, we rely on the collective wisdom of our people and decision-making is aligned, having always thoroughly studied the different aspects of the issues. This has worked for us for the last seven years and we plan to continue doing this,” he said.

Koukourakis advocated the ‘Speak Up” culture within the company, encouraging everyone to share their views on company policies and programs. 

“People tend to respond positively when they know that they will never be left out of the fruits of success. My job is to make sure the direction is crystal clear, well communicated and adhered by all,” he said.

JTIP’s culture of ‘openness and transparency’ in accordance with its parent company philosophy earned it an Investors in People Award, manifesting an excellent people management strategy in place.

Demonstrating his full trust in the capability and talent of his staff, Koukourakis supported the assignment and promotion of 18 Filipinos to different JTI markets in the Asia Pacific region.

“It is really amazing how Filipinos can easily blend with different culture when you assign them in a different market.  They become the ‘same color’ as the people of the country they are posted,” Koukourakis said.

Supports gov’t campaign against tobacco smuggling

Koukourakis said he enjoys the   complexity of the Philippine market and its numerous challenges, and remains fully accountable to his employees and shareholders.

He said  JTIP is open and   willing to work with both local and national government to curb the alarming growth in tobacco smuggling. “There is a serious problem on illicit trade today, and I respect the DOF, BIR and the  BOC for accepting the issue and going after it in a determined manner,” he said.

Tax revenue losses due to cigarette smuggling are estimated at P20 billion, which if collected, can be reallocated to other socio-economic programs.