Global Work - Africa - Central Asia - Scroll for more
ExxonMobil — Retail Operations & Marketing Executive
Based in Brussels, Almaty, and Zambia
Led regional retail and marketing operations across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, working with large franchised dealer networks, Joint Ventures and Distributors, in highly diverse cultural and commercial environments.
Selected highlights
- Developed regional guidelines on multicultural negotiations with distributors and dealers
- Served as Marketing Business JV Director in Kazakhstan, including negotiation and execution of ExxonMobil’s market exit, recognized internally as a best-practice case
- Negotiated and managed the sale of the Zambian affiliate to Total
- Remotely coordinated 32 multicultural teams managing more than 2,200 service stations across the region
“They say Africa is different, but I have seen Mr Serpanos take Western business logic and weave it into the African context with the result that the audience is both trained and enthusiastic converts.”
Robert Paterson – CEO – Roy Hauliers – Nairobi, Kenya
“The history of our company in Africa would not be complete without a mention of the significant role Spiro played in developing our people.”
Tunji Oyebanji – Chairman/Managing Director, Mobil Oil Nigeria plc
Global Work - Middle East Markets
Mobil Middle East Corporation — Sales & Marketing Executive
Based in Dubai
Led sales, marketing, and negotiation activities across key Middle East markets, working closely with distributors and Joint Venture partners in complex commercial and cultural environments.
Held director-level roles in Joint Venture markets and served as lead negotiator with partners across the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, and Syria.
Selected highlights
- Led Mobil’s market entry into Syria, from negotiation through execution, recognized internally as a best-practice case
- Played a central role in Joint Venture governance, including negotiations on partner alignment and long-term viability
- Member of Mobil’s Global Distributors Business Management team
- Contributed to and led development of guidelines for negotiating with distributors
- Managed negotiation aspects of the Exxon–Mobil merger for Middle East marketing operations, including decisions on distributor and JV continuity (“keepers” vs. “let-gos”)
Global Work - US and Europe
Mobil — Marketing, Retail & Negotiation Leadership Roles
Based in Europe and London
Began professional life and education in Greece and the United States, followed by an extensive international career with Mobil across Europe, progressing through increasingly senior managerial and negotiation-focused roles.
Worked across multiple European markets on complex market entries, exits, restructuring, and partnership initiatives, combining commercial strategy with hands-on negotiation and execution.
Selected highlights
- Led and supported major retail fuels and lubricants marketing and negotiation projects across Europe
- Participated in the Aral buy-out and rebrand in the Netherlands
- Supported market entry into Spain and Hungary and market exit from Norway
- Negotiated and managed business alliances with shop suppliers and wholesalers
- Oversaw car wash and retail shop investment programs
- Member of the founding team that established Mobil’s first European Training Center in London
- Managed advertising, sales programs, and franchised dealer networks