The document outlines the experience and qualifications of Maria Achilleoudes, including her certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Quality Deployment Leader, and Certified Management Consultant. She has extensive international experience implementing quality management systems and lean processes across multiple industries, helping organizations reduce costs by up to 40% and improve operations by 50%. Her expertise includes lean, six sigma, quality improvement, project management, and software definition to streamline processes.

1. Maria Koumoullou
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt / Quality - Deployment Leader, CBB, CMC
Maria.achilleoudes@cytanet.com.cy
SUMMARY
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CBB) and Quality Deployment Leader, Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and
trainer. Extensive international lean and quality management experience in mostly Non-Manufacturing-Financial, Trading,
Supply of Medical devices, Law, Auto Trading and Maintenance, Mechanical Installations, Security Systems Installations and
Maintenance, Transport and Supply of fuel, High Tech SW, Computer Hardware, Construction. Developed and implement
effective policies, procedures, and processes, significantly reduced operational costs by up to 40%, and improved product and
service delivery by as much as 50%. Expertise in organizational re-engineering, lean, six sigma, cost control, ISO9001,
ISO13485, TQM, productivity, quality and process improvement, project and change management. Skills include Lean and Six
Sigma, training, problem solving, leadership, analysis, presentation and coaching. Software skills incorporate definition and
prioritization of user requirements for automation to streamline processes, improve customer service and reduce operational
risk. Closely worked with software development team to define implementation method for redesigned automated processes,
document user instructions and training for redesigned process. Managed and motivated teams of up to 11 people. Dual US
and EU national. Fluent in Greek and English.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT AND TRAINER , Nicosia, Cyprus, 2001 – Present
Completed over 50 major projects (See representative recent projects).
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTE (BSI), United Kingdom, 2003 – Present
Lead Assessor for ISO9001 QMS assessments, as an external resource for Cyprus and Europe
UNIVERSAL BANK, Nicosia, Cyprus, 1999 – 2000
Manager, Operational & Quality Improvement
MARFIN FINANCIAL GROUP, Nicosia, Cyprus, 1988 – 1999
Quality Manager / Manager of Business Analysis, 1997 – 1999 Cyprus
Internal Consultant, 1988-1997
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES (IBM), Jericho / East Fishkill, NY, 1985-1987
Sales Branch, Systems Engineer (1987)
Quality Division, Quality Engineer (1985-1987)
EDUCATION
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCES, New York, NY
MS in Chemical Engineering; graduated Magna Cum Laude; Dean’s List
QUEENS COLLEGE / CUNY, Flushing, NY
BS in Chemistry; graduated Magna Cum Laude; Dean’s List
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
Certified Management Consultant (CMC) – Institute of Management Consultants (International) / ICMCI, Institute of
Management Services (UK), the Human Resources Development Authority of Cyprus
Certified Trainer – by the Human Resources Development Authority of Cyprus
Certified by International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) for ISO 9001
British Standards Institute (BSI) Lead Assessor for ISO9001
Senior member of American Society for Quality

2. Maria Achilleoudes, CBB, CMC Page 2
Representative Recent Achievements
A. Indicative Consulting Engagements - Consultant and Project Manager
• Supervision Development Authority of Cyprus Co-operative Society – Government Body
Developed business model for post-merger integration of 350 coops, in accordance with European Union requirements
With a team of fifteen coop representatives from all coop sizes analyzed current practices, national and European
regulations and defined new processes in the merged coops implementing centralization, workflow simplification, IT
changes, limits of authority, HRM processes including motivation factors, new reporting structures, roles and
responsibilities, distribution of work, new office layout. Identified potential union issues and resolution methods. Defined
new staff training needs, implementation plan for all the changes identified.
Solution resulted in 40% improvement in operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Major Cypriot Bank
Implemented Lean Six Sigma for the Card Division
With a team of five key staff, analyzed current processes, identified gaps versus customer needs and defined service
standards for the credit card delivery process. Measured current DPMO. Identified potential sources of defects and
possible process improvements to eliminate them. Through DOE verified process improvements to be implemented,
defined implementation plan and relevant responsibilities. Standardized the new process and made recommendations to
management for implementing the best practice to other divisions.
Improved card delivery time by 50% and achieved cost savings of 20%.
• Major International Auto supplier, second largest security systems supplier in Cyprus, a Hi-tech Software company
awarded three times as the best Cypriot company, a top Cypriot Electromechanical installations company, the
largest Cypriot company providing fire fighting equipment, International Building and Civil Engineering
Contractors
Developed and assisted with the implementation of Quality Management System ISO9001
In cooperation with the company’s key staff (4-10 people), reviewed current practices and identified simplifications as well
as controls to be implemented, where necessary, in order to reduce operational and financial risk. Developed KPI’s and the
mechanisms for data collection and analysis. Developed the required procedures, responsibilities and authorities for the
efficient and effective operation of the company, including effective mechanisms for subcontractor control and Human
resource management. As a project manager, coordinated all necessary activities during implementation and assisted with
the development of the required records until certification. Delivered all relevant training and carried out quality audits.
100% first pass certification rate, efficiency improved 30%.
• Fuel Transporter, subcontractor of fortune 500 Oil Company
Developed and assisted with the implementation of Quality Management System ISO9001
In cooperation with the management team analyzed the operational processes and carried out a gap analysis versus the
company’s contractual requirements and the relevant safety laws and regulations. Developed required processes and
documentation as well as standards of service and mechanisms for data collection and analysis. Delivered all relevant
training and carried out quality audits.
Awarded by the fortune 500 Oil Company (the company’s customer) as the best operational system in the Middle East
area.

3. Maria Achilleoudes, CBB, CMC Page 3
• Major Cypriot manufacturers and distributors of medical devices, internationally
Developed and assisted with the implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMS) ISO13485 and ISO9001
In cooperation with the management teams, carried out a risk assessment for the product safety and effectiveness
according to ISO14971, the relevant laws and regulations. Defined the core, quality management and administrational
processes and documented the required procedures, responsibilities and authorities for the efficient and effective operation
of the company, including effective mechanisms for subcontractor control. As a project manager, coordinated all
necessary activities during implementation and assisted with the development of the required records until certification. As
an external resource, carried out quality audits and trained the staff on ISO9000 and ISO13485 requirements, the method
for documentation, the quality audit method and on how they contribute to the effective implementation of the QMS.
Achieved 100% first pass certification rate and obtained very positive comments from the assessors.
• Major Cypriot Electromechanical Installations Company for project in Cyprus Larnaca airport
Developed the required quality plan for the project, submitted to the French major contractor
In cooperation with three key staff developed the Quality plan, project reporting structure, responsibilities, authorities and
procedures, for the installation of the Hydrant system (airplane fuel supply system) at the Cyprus largest airport
The project was delivered to the major contractor with no fault incidents, on time.
• Major Cypriot Financial Company
Developed the required processes and documentation for the application to the Cyprus Stock Exchange in order to get
the permit as a brokerage and investment firm
Formed a team of three key staff and interfaced with the Cyprus Stock Exchange GM in order to obtain all the
requirements and define further actions. Designed processes and prepared required documentation for a major Stock
Brokerage Firm, to meet new Cyprus Stock Exchange laws, which included required procedures for internal audit,
customer feedback and HRM, Business units financial processes, responsibilities, authorities, reporting, methods for risk
management, IT requirements, design of forms and archiving. Defined implementation plan and coordinated necessary
implementation actions. Assisted with the preparation of the application to the Stock Exchange Authority.
The company obtained Stock Exchange License the first time of application to SE Commission
• Group of seven companies including building development and construction, several plants and trading
Redesigned the company’s operations
With the input of 15 key group staff analyzed current practices of the business units, administration and business
management, defined the new group structure incorporating a shared services unit for support services and seven business
units. Defined distribution of work, new roles, responsibilities and authorities, new processes to be implemented for
reducing and managing operational and financial risk, stock control processes, improvements in Accounts processes, IT
needs, reporting and record keeping processes and quality management processes.
Improved efficiency 30%
B. Training
As an approved trainer by the Cyprus Human Resource Development Authority (Government body) offered a number
of open and in-house training programs in the areas of ISO9000. Operational improvement, Office health and safety. All were
approved for government subsidy.
PUBLICATIONS, SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & MEMBERSHIPS
Guest Speaker at several conferences on Quality and Productivity (Cyprus, Greece)
Author of Technical Paper on Dry Silver Migration (IBM TR no. 22.2720)
Author of newspaper articles on areas of expertise