“Employees describe Metdist as a supportive and empowering family,” says Valentini Georgiou, the company’s Senior Manager of HR & Administration.
Established in 1970 in the UK by Lord Raj Kumar Bagri as a metals trader, Metdist has since become a diversified conglomerate with investments spanning hospitality, financial services, retail, IT solutions and real estate.
The Cypriot office, launched in 2012, now manages a strong portfolio of commercial and residential assets. “For us,” Georgiou goes on, “family is the foundation from which we grow.” And for Metdist that is quite literal, with the company’s leadership prominently featuring family members such as Apurv Bagri, President of the Metdist Group of Companies, and Aditi Bagri, the next generation of the family responsible for the company’s global strategy.
Turning from a trader into a global investor has naturally required more hands on deck. To a team of four in Limassol, Metdist has since added another 41 people locally to its 5,000-strong global workforce. According to Georgiou, there was a deliberate focus on building and maintaining high-performing teams, which are guided by four core values – innovation, integrity, accountability and excellence – and sustained by a culture of respect, collaboration and excellence.
“Open communication and our shared passion for growth,” she emphasises, “create a strong sense of purpose, making Metdist a place where people genuinely enjoy working together and growing, both personally and professionally.” Upskilling is central, whether through seminars, certification or tailored internal training. “Opportunities for advancement are always available, based on performance,” she says, adding that the company wants people equipped not just for today’s roles but for tomorrow’s.
Even the office décor plays a part. A sleek, light-filled space, it has been designed to encourage productivity without skimping on comfort, conveying an impression of restrained modernity. The verdict from staff is positive, with the majority reporting that it boosts morale and team spirit. “A great workplace,” she notes, “contributes to performance and employee satisfaction.”
Staff at Metdist also have a say in shaping their workplace, an ongoing dialogue that Georgiou views as instrumental to building trust. Feedback channels and regular surveys have led to changes such as enhanced communication tools and a hybrid work model. This flexibility is more than just convenience. “We strongly encourage employees to disconnect after work and we respect personal and family time,” she says. It is, after all, consistent with a business that grew out as a family affair. “Balance isn’t a perk – it’s essential for long-term success, for both individuals and the business,” she adds.
Speaking of perks, beyond the usual, employees at Metdist benefit from annual bonuses, frequent salary reviews, a medical insurance plan, a provident fund and the small pleasure of short Fridays, alongside a variety of leave options. “We empower employees to trial new ideas, aiming at job satisfaction while maintaining our focus on excellence,” she notes, adding that the benefits are designed to support both professional and personal growth, so that people feel valued, motivated and inspired to do their best work.
What makes Metdist distinctive, she argues, is the mix of global ambition and local grounding. “We offer modern workspaces, an inclusive culture, flexible arrangements and real career growth. Our people-first approach and our focus on development and commitment to innovation make us an employer of choice, a place where employees feel challenged, supported and proud to be part of something meaningful,” she says.
(Photos by Michalis Kyprianou)
This interview first appeared in the September edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
