Clicks & Cocktails: Nikos Benioudakis on Why Community is OPAP's Most Important KPI
Season 2, Episode 14: The Power of Giving Back, and Building a Love Brand
How does a major company become more than just a brand, but a "love brand"—one that is genuinely embraced by the community? In this episode of Clicks & Cocktails, we sit down with Nikos Benioudakis, the Marketing & CSR Manager at OPAP Cyprus, to explore this very question. He shares the philosophy that has made OPAP a cornerstone of Cypriot society, set against the backdrop of a local marketing industry that has matured and evolved over the years.
Nikos explains that OPAP's success and beloved status stem from one core principle: a genuine commitment to giving back to the community and the economy of the island. This is not just a CSR initiative; it is the central pillar of their entire brand strategy. This philosophy is so ingrained that it has reshaped how they even measure success. Nikos reveals that for OPAP, the three most important KPIs for any campaign are not what you’d expect: they revolve around their footprint in the local community, the positive impact of their communication, and, crucially, the audience's response, as they actively ask citizens what initiatives they want to see supported.
This entire approach is guided by a simple yet powerful belief, which Nikos articulates perfectly.
The more truthful you are to the values you support and believe in as a brand, the greater results you will have.
This commitment is clearly visible in one of their most important strategic goals: their vast contribution to the sports and athletics community in Cyprus. The episode is a masterclass in modern, purpose-driven marketing, proving that when a brand makes a real, positive impact on society, the business results will follow.