In this enlightening interview, we delve into the remarkable career of Elena Filis-Lustenhouwer, CEO of FILISGLASS, a leading name in the automotive glass industry in Greece. Elena shares her personal journey from learning the ropes of the family business to stepping into the CEO role, reflecting on the values and experiences that have shaped her leadership. We explore her insights into managing a family legacy, the qualities essential for executive success, and her approach to overcoming industry challenges. Through her story, Elena provides a window into the balance of tradition and innovation that drives FILISGLASS and offers valuable guidance for those aspiring to make their mark in this dynamic field.
My journey into the automotive glass industry is deeply rooted in my family’s history and our shared values. My father, George Filis, and my uncle, Stathis Filis, were the first to introduce this industry to Greece. In the late 1960’s they founded “Pampriz FILIS” which for a few decades became the wholesale market leader. Later, at the beginning of the millennium, a second company dealing with car glass repair and replacement was founded by the family in the form of a Greek franchising for an international brand and that eventually due to its great success was acquired by the mother company and became a corporate unit. Growing up, I was fortunate to learn the business from them, but more importantly, I absorbed the values they upheld—integrity, hard work, and a commitment to our community. Taking on the role of CEO at FILISGlass in 2013 felt like a natural continuation of their legacy. My motivation comes from a desire to honor their contributions and to continue serving our customers with the same dedication and respect that they instilled in me.
Becoming a CEO is not just about leadership; it’s about embodying the values that guide your company. I believe humility, a strong work ethic, and a genuine concern for others are essential qualities. In my experience, it’s important to stay grounded and remember that a CEO’s role is to serve the company and its people. The lessons I learned from my father and uncle—like the importance of family, community, and always doing the right thing—have been my guiding principles. Being a CEO also means being open to learning from others, adapting to changes, and leading with empathy. It’s about building on the foundation laid by those who came before you and carrying forward their legacy with care and respect.
As the CEO of FILISGlass, my responsibilities are varied, but they all center around ensuring that we provide the best possible service to our customers. This includes overseeing our operations, financial planning, and the welfare of our employees. I’m deeply involved in every aspect of the business, but I also believe in the importance of teamwork and trust. I work closely with our teams, valuing their input and ensuring that our goals align with the values my family instilled in me—honesty, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Every decision I make is influenced by a desire to honor not only my personal values, but also the strong foundation my father and uncle built.
I consider my biggest accomplishment to be the continuation and growth of the family legacy that my father and uncle started. Establishing FILISGlass as a respected name in the automotive glass industry in Greece has been a collective effort, built on the strong values and principles they taught me. One of the moments I’m most proud of is when FILISGlass became a member of Automotive Glass Experts, a recognition that reflects not just our commitment to quality, but also the hard work of everyone in the company. It’s not just about personal achievement; it’s about honoring the legacy of my family and contributing to the community that has supported us for so many years.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a CEO has been navigating the economic difficulties that Greece has encountered over the years and off course the period of Covid. These times tested our resilience as a company, but they also reminded me of the strength and perseverance that is so deeply rooted in our Greek heritage. Balancing the need to keep the business afloat while ensuring the well-being of our employees was a delicate task. However, these challenges have also brought us closer together as a team and reinforced the importance of our family values—staying true to our principles, supporting one another, and finding strength in our shared commitment to the business.
At FILISGlass, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace, guided by the values my family has always upheld. We believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of gender, background, or experience. Our policies are designed to promote equality, including equal pay and opportunities for all employees to grow and develop. We also encourage open communication and provide training to ensure that we remain aware of and address any biases. These actions are not just company policies—they reflect the values of fairness and community that are so important and that I learned from my family.
To anyone starting in this industry, especially women, my advice is to stay true to your values and never underestimate the importance of hard work and persistence. The automotive industry can be challenging, but with determination and a strong support network, you can achieve great things. For women, it’s important to believe in your abilities and seek out mentors who can guide you along the way. I also encourage embracing the values that come from family and heritage—these are the foundations that will carry you through difficult times. Remember that success is not just about reaching the top, but about how you get there, and the people you uplift along the way.
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