About
In today’s increasingly complex business landscape, organizations require leaders who can seamlessly connect financial expertise with strategic decision-making. Margarita Drakou exemplifies this rare combination. With a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades across multinational corporations, advisory firms, and executive leadership positions, she has established herself as a respected finance professional whose influence extends beyond numbers to shaping long-term business success.
Currently serving as Finance Director at iRepair SA, a member of the Public/Olympia Group, Margarita leads the finance, accounting, and human resources functions while supporting executive leadership in navigating growth opportunities and strategic priorities. Her role places her at the center of critical business decisions, where she oversees financial forecasting, budgeting, reporting, capital structure management, and investor relations. Her ability to transform financial data into actionable business insights has made her a trusted advisor to executive teams and stakeholders alike.
Margarita’s professional journey reflects a continuous commitment to excellence, growth, and innovation. Armed with a Master of Science in Fiscal Studies from the University of Bath and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, she built a strong academic foundation that would later support her success in some of the world’s most respected organizations.
Before assuming her current leadership role, Margarita served as Director of Strategy & Investments at Grant Thornton Greece, where she played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through complex strategic and financial decisions. Her work involved developing advanced financial models, evaluating large-scale investment opportunities, conducting feasibility studies, designing business plans, and supporting strategic transformations across various industries. Her expertise in business and investment planning allowed organizations to make informed decisions while balancing risk, profitability, and sustainable growth.
Among the most notable achievements during her advisory career was her involvement in projects of significant national and international importance. She contributed to the strategic business funding plan for major investment projects within the Ellinikon development initiative, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects. She also participated in cost validation analyses supporting public investments under Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund and contributed to strategic planning efforts related to major hospitality and gaming investments. These high-profile engagements demonstrate her ability to operate effectively within complex environments where financial discipline and strategic foresight are equally essential.
Prior to her advisory career, Margarita spent several years with Gilead Sciences, where she served as Senior FP&A Business Partner and became an integral member of the management team. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with business unit leaders and executive management to develop budgets, evaluate performance, optimize pricing strategies, and support critical business decisions. Her analytical capabilities and business partnership approach helped translate financial information into practical recommendations that drove organizational performance and strengthened decision-making processes.
Her earlier career experiences with AXA Assistance, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and IQVIA further expanded her expertise across financial planning, budgeting, reporting, compliance, forecasting, and operational finance. Working across diverse industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automotive, insurance, and professional services provided her with a broad business perspective that continues to influence her leadership approach today. These experiences also enabled her to develop a deep understanding of how financial strategies can support organizational objectives across different market environments.
What distinguishes Margarita as a business leader is not only her technical expertise but also her ability to lead people and drive transformation. Throughout her career, she has managed multidisciplinary teams, mentored professionals, and cultivated collaborative environments focused on performance and continuous improvement. Her leadership style is grounded in accountability, transparency, and a commitment to helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential.
In an era where businesses face rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and evolving stakeholder expectations, leaders must possess both analytical rigor and strategic vision. Margarita consistently demonstrates these qualities through her approach to financial leadership. Whether overseeing multimillion-euro investment initiatives, supporting executive decision-making, or implementing strategies that improve operational efficiency and profitability, she remains focused on creating sustainable value.
Her commitment to continuous learning further strengthens her leadership profile. Through advanced training in financial modelling, negotiation, business analytics, and data visualization tools such as Power BI, she continues to enhance her capabilities and stay ahead of industry developments. This dedication to professional growth reflects a mindset that values adaptability and innovation as essential drivers of long-term success.
As organizations increasingly seek leaders who can bridge finance and strategy while navigating complex business environments, Margarita Drakou stands out as a professional whose experience, expertise, and leadership continue to make a meaningful impact. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how financial excellence, strategic thinking, and strong leadership can come together to create lasting business value and drive organizational success on a global scale.
