Clicks & Cocktails: Stephanos Pantelides on Modernizing a Legacy Brand

Clicks & Cocktails: Stephanos Pantelides on Modernizing a Legacy Brand

Season 2, Episode 6: Banking Creativity, Managing Complexity, and Tackling TikTok

How do you market a brand that is woven into the very fabric of the nation? And how do you push for creative innovation within the strict, regulated world of banking? In this episode of Clicks & Cocktails, we sit down with Stephanos Pantelides, Marketing Manager at Bank of Cyprus, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of leading marketing for a 125-year-old financial institution.

This is a fascinating look inside one of the country's most significant marketing departments.

The central challenge, Stephanos explains, is balancing a rich history with a forward-thinking vision. This requires a special kind of creativity, one that can thrive within clear guidelines. His philosophy is both brilliant and practical.

“You have to think outside the box while in the box.”

This quote perfectly captures the essence of the conversation. Stephanos shares how his team fosters a culture of innovation, finding new ways to connect with customers while respecting the bank's legacy and regulatory framework. The conversation also touches upon the operational complexity of managing multiple product lines and coordinating with three different advertising agencies simultaneously to ensure a single, coherent brand voice.

Perhaps most timely is the discussion around the bank's venture into new digital frontiers, specifically TikTok. Stephanos offers a masterclass in risk management, explaining the strategic thinking behind launching the channel, how they monitor it to maximize brand benefit, and the steps they take to minimize potential harm.

Watch the full episode on YouTube for invaluable lessons on corporate marketing, creativity, and digital strategy.

Watch the full season on Spotify and YouTube 

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