The MBA International program and the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the Athens University of Economics and Business are pleased to announce an invited lecture by Ms. Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Earth Friendly Products, a U.S.-based manufacturer of environmentally friendly cleaning products, on November 26th, 2015 (18.00-20.00).
Founded by Eftichios “Van” Vlahakis in 1967, Earth Friendly Products sells ECOS laundry detergent and over 150 other “green” cleaning products worldwide to over 65 countries. Born in Crete,...
Van Vlahakis came to the United States after WWII, got a degree in Chemistry and began making safer cleaning products, starting off as a one-man show mixing chemicals in the garage! Now Earth Friendly Products is a leading manufacturer of cleaners that are made using plant-based ingredients and environmentally friendly production processes, made without toxins, petrochemicals, bleach, ammonia or phosphates. Earth Friendly Products has five facilities strategically located across the U.S. (CA, IL, New NJ, FL and WA) and is a carbonneutral manufacturer.
After the death of Van, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks assumed the role of CEO to lead a new era for the company while maintain the company’s legacy as an “eco-pioneer.” In this lecture, Ms. Vlahakis-Hanks will discuss strategic decisions like independent growth, pro-active decision-making, the choice for private label lines, on-line and world-ofmouth promotional campaigns, event planning, and specific CSR activities. Lastly, EFP's approach in logistics, energy independence and commitment to carbon neutrality will be explained. Examples like the Disney Baby ECOS product line will be presented.
“A Green Story,” a major Hollywood movie released in 2012, tells the story of Van Vlahakis’ life in Greece and the U.S. and the challenges and successes of Earth Friendly Products.
The presentation will take place on Thursday, November 26th, 2015, 18.00 - 20.00, at the premises of the Athens Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (46 Kefallinias Str. 11252, Athens).
To register, please send an e-mail at imba@aueb.gr.
