CEO Insights Magazine

The FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) wholesale industry in Cyprus is a highly dynamic sector responsible for the distribution of a wide array of everyday products. This industry is characterized by its rapid pace, continually adapting to meet the ever-evolving demands and preferences of consumers. One of the notable figures at the helm of this sector is David Tabone, serving as the CEO of Tryfon Tseriotis.

David Tabone boasts an impressive background in Management and Sales Management, honed across diverse markets. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening this industry. Through years of experience, David has gained an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanisms at play within commercial enterprises. David brings to the forefront a robust team-oriented approach, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a swift capacity to grasp new concepts. Let’s read more about him in the below interview snippets.

Can you provide a brief overview of your professional history and background? What drives your daily routines?

My initial passion in life centered around the hospitality sector. I embarked on a journey in hotel management training, which served as a strong foundation, equipping me with essential skills that would later prove invaluable as I ventured into diverse business sectors. However, my journey took a significant turn when I transitioned into the FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) sector by joining the Alf Mizzi & Sons Marketing Group.

Over the course of two decades at Alf Mizzi and Sons, I delved into the intricacies of sales management, overseeing numerous international brands within the FMCG industry. During this extensive tenure, I also assumed roles on the boards of directors for various group companies operating in the realms of both hospitality and information technology. In 2019, a milestone was achieved when I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer at Tryfon Tseriotis in Cyprus.

Throughout my career, steering transformative shifts through pivotal strategic choices has remained my driving force. The pursuit of goals, surmounting challenges, and positively influencing organizational success consistently motivates me.

You have more than twenty-six years of experience. Could you elaborate on your journey to achievement and the principles guiding your success?

In my perspective, achieving success in any endeavor requires unwavering dedication and a strong commitment to one's goals, complemented by a substantial amount of hard work.

Being adaptable, agile, and maintaining a clear vision and mindset are crucial. It's essential to remain focused on aligning every team member's actions with the company's vision, adjusting to market dynamics, and, most importantly, upholding ethical values. Embracing risk and welcoming change rather than avoiding it also plays a vital role in the journey towards success.

Could you elaborate on your leadership approach? What principles or methodologies do you follow as a leader?

In my leadership role, I place a significant emphasis on empowering my team members to take initiative and function autonomously. I encourage my team to strive for excellence in their professional pursuits on a daily basis. I wholeheartedly advocate for the nurturing of a disruptive mindset and the development of critical thinking skills among my team members.

How do you characterize the organization and its current standing within the market?

Tryfon Tseriotis is one of the leading trading companies in Cyprus. With a history spanning over a century in the industry, we engage in the sales, distribution, and promotion of major brands, encompassing both global and local names. In the context of the Cyprus market, Tryfon Tserioris has been a member of the Alf Mizzi & Sons Marketing Group since May 2019—a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Malta. Our operations are founded on principles of innovation, underscored by integrity, respect, and loyalty. A continuous commitment to enhancing our brands and services is key to ensuring customer loyalty and satisfaction.

What lies ahead as your ultimate destination in the future?

Within this industry, a plethora of challenges and opportunities continuously emerge in a dynamic and ever-evolving business landscape. My objective is to not only embrace these opportunities but also to foster a culture of innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies whilst maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and staying attuned to global trends. As a CEO inclusivity is a paramount concern. For me it is vital to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background or identity, feels valued and included within our organization. Additionally, I am dedicated to optimizing the company's operations, facilitating its sustained growth, and remaining attuned to customer preferences and the ever-shifting market dynamics. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to steer the company towards continued success.

Given your extensive industry experience, what advice would you provide to emerging leaders in the field?

It's vital for all of us in this field to remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of our businesses. Equally crucial is conducting business in a manner that is fair and environmentally responsible.

Furthermore, I firmly believe in building a team of highly skilled individuals, even surpassing one's own expertise, and entrusting them with the authority to make decisions and to take ownership of their choices. As leaders in our industry, our aim should be to have a positive impact, and consistently prioritise ethical conduct.

David Tabone, CEO, Tryfon Tseriotis

David Tabone is the CEO of Tryfon Tseriotis, a prominent player in the FMCG wholesale industry, David Tabone has played a pivotal role in shaping and empowering the field. His expertise extends to a wide array of international brands in the FMCG and Healthcare domains, providing him with a deep understanding of commercial enterprises. With a wealth of experience in Management and Sales Management across diverse markets, David has left an indelible mark on the FMCG sector.