Today we continue our series of articles dedicated to some of the most appreciated employers in Romania, companies that consistently rank among the top in the Undelucram.ro Employer Rankings, both within their industry and overall.

To better understand what makes Philip Morris Romania a preferred employer among candidates, we sat down with Gerasimos Contoguris, Director of People & Culture since November 2024. With over 10 years of experience within Philip Morris International, Gerasimos has held key roles in Germany, Austria, and Greece, in areas such as organizational development, labor relations, and commercial leadership.

Read on to discover his perspective on organizational culture, how PMI invests in people, and how a professional community is built where every team member can reach their full potential.

How would you define your company’s organizational culture, and what key aspects make it appealing to prospective employees?

The organizational culture at Philip Morris International (PMI) is deeply human, collaborative, and innovation-driven. We are guided by a clear set of values that define what we call the PMI DNA: We care. We are better together. We are game changers. These principles are not just statements, they are reflected in how we work every day. We care about people, about the impact we have on society, and about the future we are building together. We truly believe we are better together because we value collaboration, diversity, and inclusion. And by embracing innovation and adaptability, we become true agents of change.

What makes this culture so attractive to potential employees is that everyone is encouraged to grow, contribute, and be their authentic self. At PMI, professional development is supported through a growth mindset; we have access to learning resources, internal mobility opportunities, and an environment that values curiosity and initiative. Continuous learning is part of everyone’s journey, and mistakes are seen as opportunities to improve.

Moreover, PMI is undergoing a bold transformation, from a traditional tobacco company to a leader in innovation for a smoke-free future. This means employees have a unique chance to work on meaningful projects, in a dynamic environment where change is not only accepted but encouraged.

In short, PMI is a place where you can be yourself, keep learning, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s a culture that inspires, motivates, and creates a genuine sense of belonging.

What aspects of your workplace environment do you think are most appreciated by employees and potential candidates?

One of the most valuable aspects of the work environment at Philip Morris International is the warm and authentic atmosphere created by its people. We are a diverse community, united by shared values and a common goal: building a smoke-free future together. PMI places a strong emphasis on creating and fostering an inclusive environment, where every colleague feels respected, heard, and encouraged to be their true self. This openness creates a safe space for ideas, collaboration, and innovation.

Our “we are better together” culture is felt in every interaction. We work in a deeply collaborative way, in multidisciplinary and international teams where everyone’s contribution matters. We support each other, learn from one another, and celebrate successes together. It’s an environment where empathy and cooperation are just as important as performance.

Another essential element is the growth mindset. At PMI, professional development is a true priority, not just a nice-to-have. Every employee has access to learning resources, development programs, and internal mobility opportunities. Curiosity is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as natural steps in the learning and growth process. We make Growth our motto and a direct continuation of our DNA where the people in the business thrive together.

Ultimately, what makes PMI’s work environment so appreciated is the balance between professionalism and fun. It’s a place where you feel valued, challenged, and inspired to grow alongside people who believe in collaboration, progress, and making a positive impact.

How do you perceive the role of leadership in influencing talent attraction and retention within the Romanian labor market?

Leadership plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent, especially in a market like Romania’s, where competition for qualified candidates is increasingly intense. In an extremely competitive job market, candidates often receive multiple offers, and employers need to present not only attractive packages but also an authentic organizational culture and leadership that inspires trust and stability.

At Philip Morris Romania, leadership means more than just strategic direction, it means creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute to something greater than themselves. We are constantly looking for talent, whether for management positions or highly specialized roles at our factory in Otopeni, and attracting the right candidates is essential to our long-term success.

The Top Employer Undelucram.ro certification is a key element in this process. It not only validates our commitment to our employees but also sends a clear signal to candidates that PMI is a place where their unique perspectives, experiences, and talents are truly appreciated. It’s proof that we continuously invest in people and in building an inclusive, collaborative, and development-oriented work environment.

Leadership at PMI actively supports a growth mindset, encouraging continuous learning, internal mobility, and the courage to take on new challenges. This approach not only attracts top talent but also gives them real reasons to stay, grow, and contribute to the company’s transformation.

Early Careers programs such as internships and graduate programs where leadership will play a key role in developing our talent and bridging generations.

What key lessons have you gained throughout your career, and how do they influence your approach to daily tasks and challenges?

I’ve been part of the Philip Morris team for over 12 years, and looking back, I can say that every stage of my professional journey has brought valuable lessons. I’ve had the opportunity to hold 11 different positions across various departments, which has given me a broad perspective on the company and, more importantly, on my own growth. I have worked in five countries, Greece, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and currently Romania, each representing a distinct cultural environment that has shaped me both professionally and personally.

Out of everything that has helped me along the way, feedback has been by far the most impactful. I’ve learned to ask for it, to receive it with openness, and to use it as a tool for development. It helped me better understand myself, recognize my strengths, and identify areas where I could improve. I’ve always made the effort to learn, to grow, and to become a better version of myself, not in comparison to others, but compared to who I was yesterday.

For me, growth is a mindset. It means learning from challenges, saying yes to new roles or projects that push you out of your comfort zone, and doing things you never thought you could. A personal example that’s very close to my heart: I never imagined I’d run marathons. And yet, here I am, after completing 3 marathons since 2019, a clear reminder that when you embrace the challenge and trust the process, you can achieve amazing things.

I apply these lessons in my day-to-day work whether it’s supporting colleagues in their development, navigating change, or helping build a culture where everyone has the chance to grow. For me, leadership means creating space for people’s potential, giving clear and actionable feedback and being there with them every step of the way.

How do you support the professional development of your team members?

As I mentioned earlier, growth needs to be part of everyone’s mindset. It’s a continuous process that starts with the desire to learn and become better every day. At PMI, this growth mindset is deeply embedded in our culture and is actively supported through clear and structured initiatives.

At PMI, we believe that every employee has the potential to grow, and our role as leaders is to create the right context for that growth to happen. We take a holistic approach to professional development, which includes access to digital learning platforms, mentoring programs, coaching, internal mobility, and cross-functional projects that offer exposure and hands-on experience.

Each colleague is encouraged to take ownership of their own development, but they are never alone in the process. We have regular conversations about career goals, what motivates them, and how we can build a professional journey together that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

We also encourage people to take on challenges because we know that the biggest leaps in development often come when we step outside our comfort zone. Whether it’s a new role, a complex project, or a shift in direction, we support the courage to try and the learning that comes with every experience.

Ultimately, professional development at PMI is not just a “perk,” but an integral part of how we work and grow together. In recent years, we have constantly invested in technical and digital training programs for our employees in Romania, because we know that without well-trained people, reindustrialization remains just a paper plan.

How do you maintain a balance between driving performance and prioritizing the well-being of your team?

I truly believe that sustainable performance cannot exist without genuine care for people. At Philip Morris Romania, we want every colleague to feel good not only about what they do, but also about how they work. That’s why balancing performance and well-being is a real priority, not just a nice idea.

We have a culture that encourages openness, empathy, and mutual support. We care about one another, and that shows in how we organize our work, the flexibility we offer, and the concrete wellbeing initiatives we have in place. From physical and mental health programs to mindfulness sessions, emotional balance workshops, and access to psychological counselling, PMI continuously invests in the well-being of its people.

At the same time, we promote a healthy growth mindset, one that doesn’t focus on perfection, but on progress. We offer constructive feedback, recognize effort, and celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. We want people to feel they can perform at their best without sacrificing their personal balance.

As a leader, it’s important for me to stay attuned to the team’s dynamics, to listen actively, and to create a space where colleagues feel safe to speak up about their needs. That’s the only way we can build a culture where performance and well-being go hand in hand.

What key trends do you see shaping the labor market, and how is your company aligning its strategies to stay ahead?

The job market is in a constant state of transformation. We’re continuously observing what’s happening around us, but also within our own teams. We listen to feedback, experiment with new ideas, and we’re not afraid to adjust our direction. We regularly tune in to the voice of the company and, based on that feedback, we respond to the needs of our colleagues.

One of the most visible shifts is how people perceive flexibility. Hybrid or remote work is no longer seen as a perk, but as a natural expectation. People want both autonomy but also to retain connection and collaboration in an office environment. Companies that understand this balance and offer the right mix are the ones that succeed in attracting and retaining talent but also fostering their culture.

At the same time, technology and AI have become our partners, and we are investing in it heavily. Automation and artificial intelligence aren’t here to replace people, but to free up their time from repetitive tasks so they can focus on what truly matters: creativity, strategy, and human connection. In our company, we’re constantly exploring how to integrate these tools intelligently, without losing sight of the human element.

Another essential aspect is continuous learning. We live in an era where skills evolve rapidly, so we invest consistently in the development of our colleagues whether through learning platforms, mentoring sessions, or internal workshops. We want every team member to feel they have the space to grow and reinvent themselves professionally.

Last but not least, we place real emphasis on wellbeing. Mental health, work-life balance, and a sense of belonging all matter deeply. We have dedicated initiatives, from extra days off to emotional support programs, because we know people perform at their best when they feel well.

How does your company support recent graduates in transitioning from education to the job market? Are there specific initiatives or programs in place to ease this process?

We are currently in the process of launching Early Careers programs across Europe with the ambition to expand globally in the near future. These programs are designed to support recent graduates in their transition from education to the professional world by combining structured learning, hands-on experience, coaching and mentoring, as well as international assignments.

We believe in accelerating the growth of truly talented individuals with potential. With both the scale and the mindset to support them, we are committed to creating an environment where young professionals can thrive, take on meaningful responsibilities early on, and actively contribute to driving our business forward.

What message would you send to candidates who might be interested in joining your team?

If you're looking for a place where you can learn, grow, and truly make an impact, then our team is exactly what you're looking for. At Philip Morris Romania, we believe in people and in their potential to achieve extraordinary things when they are supported, heard, and encouraged to be themselves. And with our global footprint we offer truly international careers.

The Top Employer Undelucram.ro certification we hold is more than just a title, it’s a recognition of our commitment to our people. It’s proof that we offer a positive work environment with real opportunities for both professional and personal development. For us, diversity and inclusion are not just nice words, we walk the talk. We make sure that every employee has equal opportunities, is respected, and has the space to fully express their unique talents.

Our culture is one where collaboration, continuous learning, and the courage to try new things are encouraged every day. If you’re looking to join a team that puts people first, invests in your growth, and gives you the right environment to reach your full potential, then we’d love to meet you. Especially if you are making your first steps in the labor market be on the lookout for our Early Career programmes.

What key factors contributed to your recognition as a Top Employer Undelucram.ro and how are they integrated into your company's overall strategy?

Philip Morris Romania’s recognition as a Top Employer Undelucram.ro is no coincidence, it’s the result of a consistent commitment to people, innovation, and excellence in how we operate. Several key factors have contributed to this distinction, and what makes them truly valuable is that they are deeply embedded in our overall business strategy.

First and foremost, our organizational culture puts people at the center of every decision. We focus on creating a positive, inclusive, and safe work environment where every employee has the opportunity to grow and make a meaningful contribution. Diversity and inclusion are not just statements and we make sure every colleague has equal opportunities and feels respected and valued.

Another essential factor is our strong focus on professional development. At PMI, growth is a mindset, and this is reflected in our continuous learning initiatives, internal mobility, and support for individual career paths. We invest in people for the long term, and this is reflected in our high retention rates and the active involvement of our colleagues in strategic projects.

We also place great importance on balancing performance with well-being. We offer dedicated wellbeing programs, flexible work arrangements, and a culture of constructive feedback that supports both results and the mental and emotional health of our teams.

All these elements, our people-centered culture, continuous development, inclusion, and care for well-being are not isolated initiatives, but an integral part of our transformation strategy and the way we’re building the company’s future. And the Top Employer Undelucram.ro certification is a clear confirmation that we’re on the right path.

Looking for a job at a top organisation?

Join Philip Morris Romania! Explore career opportunities and discover a culture that puts people first by visiting the company’s employer page on Undelucram.ro. Become part of a team that invests in growth, innovation, and wellbeing and start your journey toward a successful career!