Alumnus Profiled: Rita Kanatoula
Graduated: Deree 1995
Lives in: Athens, Greece
Current Role: Head of International Publications, Kathimerini & Chief Business Officer, Vogue Greece
Rita Kanatoula is a senior business executive with over 25 years of international experience in publishing, media, and strategic business development. Since 2014, she has served as Head of International Publications at Nees Kathimerines Ekdoseis Single Member SA overseeing major partnerships with international organizations such as The Walt Disney Company, The New York Times, Condé Nast International and ARTE and, since 2018, she is Chief Business Officer leading licensing and financial operations for Vogue Greece. She has successfully managed complex projects across print, digital, and live events, including high-profile conferences (MIT EmTech Europe, FT Live, Vogue Greece Change Makers) and multi-year publishing ventures.
Previously, she spent more than a decade at The Walt Disney Company Greece, where as Publishing Manager for Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey she achieved double-digit revenue growth, strengthened Disney and Marvel’s market presence, and spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the first Disney In Concert performance in Greece, first Disney publishing and DVD add-ons partnerships with the market leaders as well as first Disney Learning segment in Greece and Turkey. Earlier in her career, she held finance management roles, gaining strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and contract oversight.
Rita holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, a B.Sc. in Business Administration (with double majors in Marketing Management & Management and Organizational Behavior) from Deree College, The American College of Greece, and a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is fluent in Greek, English, French, and proficient in Spanish. She has also completed numerous executive development programs at Harvard, Kingston University, and, ALBA and is an active participant in international conferences and professional networks.
Her career is distinguished by a combination of strategic vision, international expertise, and demonstrated competence to drive growth and manage brands and high-level partnerships across diverse sectors with strong interpersonal, organizational, teamwork skills, EI, ethos and integrity.
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Deree has taught you?
Deree instilled in me resilience, intellectual curiosity, and the spirit of service. Resilience has been vital in navigating demanding, fast-changing environments—whether managing the relaunch of Disney magazines and Vogue Greece or leading high-level negotiations for international partnerships. Intellectual curiosity has kept me open to learning at every stage, encouraging me to explore new markets, adopt digital innovation early, and stay ahead of trends in publishing and media. And the spirit of service—a value deeply embedded in the Deree culture—reminds me that leadership is not just about business results but about creating opportunities for others, mentoring young professionals, and contributing to cultural and educational initiatives that benefit the community.
Q: Describe Deree in three words.
Transformative, inspiring, global. Deree was not just an academic institution; it was a catalyst for personal growth, a place where inspiration came daily from peers and professors, and a gateway to the world through its diverse community and international outlook.
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Deree?
I remember the energy of our classroom discussions, where case studies turned into passionate debates that linked theory to real-world challenges. One marketing course in particular became a springboard for creative thinking and problem-solving, skills that proved essential later when I was designing and executing strategic business plans for global brands. Outside the classroom, the friendships built through group projects and campus events were equally formative—they taught me the value of teamwork across cultures and disciplines.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
I miss the richness of the daily intellectual exchange—walking through campus and moving seamlessly from a thought-provoking lecture to a casual coffee conversation with classmates from different parts of the world. That constant exposure to new perspectives broadened my worldview in a way that no textbook could. I also miss the unique atmosphere of being part of a close-knit academic community where learning, creativity, and collaboration were part of every day.
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that you would do differently?
If I could go back, I would take even greater advantage of the study abroad opportunities Deree offers. Over the course of my career—working with international teams in Europe, negotiating licensing deals, and leading cross-cultural projects—I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is to have early, immersive international experiences. Building those networks as a student would have been an incredible complement to my studies.
Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
The library was my sanctuary. It was a space that invited focus, reflection, and creativity. Many of my long-term goals—ideas that later evolved into business plans or career milestones—were first conceived there. Surrounded by books and quiet determination, it was the perfect place to think deeply and plan ambitiously.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher and why?
It’s difficult to choose one, because several professors profoundly influenced my development. What they had in common was an ability to combine academic rigor with personal mentorship. They didn’t just teach the material; they challenged us to think critically, communicate persuasively, and see the bigger picture. That mentorship helped me develop the strategic thinking I now rely on when managing large-scale projects and negotiating complex agreements.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
Yes, very much so. I have stayed connected through the Deree Alumni Association and maintain personal and professional relationships with many of my former classmates. We support each other’s ventures, exchange ideas, and celebrate achievements. These relationships have endured because they are built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and the unique bond that comes from growing together during such formative years.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
Deree gave me much more than a degree—it gave me the confidence and skills to thrive in a global environment. It sharpened my analytical and leadership abilities, prepared me to adapt to different markets, and fostered an openness to new ideas and cultures. Those qualities have been crucial in roles where I’ve had to lead high-stakes negotiations with companies like Disney, The New York Times, and Condé Nast, and to manage multi-million-euro projects across print, digital, and live events.
Q: What advice would you give a new Deree student?
Immerse yourself fully in the Deree experience. Don’t just attend classes—join clubs, take on leadership roles, volunteer, and participate in events. Seek out professors as mentors, and connect with students from different backgrounds. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone because that’s where growth happens. The academic knowledge you gain will be important, but the relationships, experiences, and skills you build will be the true foundation for your future.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from people who lead with vision, ethos and integrity—leaders who not only achieve excellence in their field but also use their influence to create opportunities for others. I am equally inspired by the transformative power of cultural exchange and creativity, whether that’s through a global media project, a meaningful mentorship, or an initiative that connects communities.
Q: What is your motto in life?
Excellence with purpose—because success is most meaningful when it leaves a lasting, positive impact. This belief has guided me in every stage of my career, reminding me that the true measure of achievement is the value it creates for others.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
