Meet our team
Getting to know stefan panourgias
Stefan Panourgias was recently appointed Kuwait Country Manager in addition to his role as Qatar Country Manager.
We spoke to Stefan at an event in the Houses of Parliament in London, to learn more about his background, his career in consultancy and what he is looking forward to in his new role as Kuwait country manager.
Why would a client hire a consultant?
A client would hire a consultant if they required a specific skill set or needed some support during any pre or post contract period or to help them in a dispute. A client may look to hire consultants because of their market experience. Alternatively, they may be looking for an individual to desensitise an existing relationship they have in a current or potential dispute.
What do you do to assist your clients?
The way we deal with clients, is before we go into any sort of development on how a commission would take form, is we first need to develop a strategy. It’s understanding where the client is in an existing relationship, how that relationship must be maintained and understanding at what point does Driver Trett support the process to ensure a positive outcome.
This is all before we start developing how a final deliverable would take shape.
Engaging Driver Trett at the right time, means we can provide the right, cost-effective solutions to minimise risk and ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Who are your clients and why do they appoint you?
Being the country manager of Qatar, and with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022, most of my clients are international contractors who are investing in the construction of Qatar’s new infrastructure including its new metro system as well as the new stadia. The assistance that we provide is to ensure that the projects are a success for both the State of Qatar and for the international contractors.
What makes Driver Trett different from its competitors?
Driver Trett differs in the level and quality of the people that we employ. Our brand reputation is maintained through the level of quality work that we deliver and through the personal relationships we develop as global ambassadors for the brand.
Why would someone join Driver Trett?
Driver Trett is a fertile ground for individuals with ambition. If you have the expertise, experience and ambition to match, Driver Trett will offer you ample opportunities to develop your true potential. If you have ambition and perseverance, then Driver Trett is the employer for you!
Why have you stayed to build a career at Driver Trett?
If I look back on where I was and where I am now, I’m certain that the level of challenges to overcome, and the opportunities that this generated for me would not have happened in another consultancy. I joined Driver Trett as a Senior Consultant in the Dubai office in 2015. In 2016 I took over the position of Country Manager of Qatar. So, in under a year and a half I was given the opportunity and the challenge to grow and develop our business in Qatar.
What is your background and training?
I am an engineer by profession. I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a master’s degree in construction management, a master’s degree in law, and I am currently undertaking a master’s in forensic accounting. As Driver Trett continues to challenge me, I continue to challenge myself in respect of my academic achievements, my exposure, and maintaining the ethos of development which I share with the others in my office. I wouldn’t expect them to do the same if I didn’t lead by example.
What are the most rewarding aspects of working with Driver Trett?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is to see my staff develop. To see them develop beyond the job requirements, as consultants, see their confidence grow and make sure they achieve their full potential; a process I underwent myself and is my proudest achievement to date.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Kuwait country manager?
Qatar was a steep learning curve, and now, after a few years of profitable operation and growth, I have realised a sense of achievement as the strategy was never dependent on one or two important decisions, but a series of small decisions over a long period of time. My mantra, and which I ask my staff to follow, is to always seek ‘progress not perfection’.
Unfortunately, there is no blueprint on how to run an office, but the starting point is to dive straight in, take ownership and follow your instinct.
Personally, I look forward to pioneering a borderless office and business, which in my opinion is a proactive endeavor in response to the current market conditions. The opportunity bestowed upon me for implementing this across Kuwait and Qatar is once more, an example of the type of opportunities available to Driver Trett employees.
In stating the above, it is important that I recognise the Middle East Senior Management Team, and in particular, Stuart Baird, one of our Regional Directors who is key in developing strategies that help optimise our position in the Middle East in response to varied market conditions. The Qatar – Kuwait office and business integration being one of many we have discussed at length. Receiving approval for this integration, and consequently being tasked with its implementation, is once more a testament to the progressive nature of Driver Trett.