“Our business environment is not for the faint-hearted; it is tough, demanding and fast-tracking, allowing us no room for mistakes,” says Marina Zevedeou, CEO of the Aspen Trust Group. “As such, we employ people who can cope with these conditions and we invest heavily in them to help them grow and shine.”
Established in 1998, the Group provides financial accounting, consulting services and international structuring solutions to corporations and High Net Worth Individuals. Despite challenges like COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, Zevedeou is proud that the firm’s workforce has grown steadily to meet the evolving standards of the international business landscape. “What makes our Group stand out,” she tells GOLD, “is our heartfelt commitment to treating clients and staff like family.”
![Aspen Trust Group (1)](/media/images/2024/10/25/Aspen_Trust_Group_1.width-800.jpg)
Marina Zevedeou, CEO of the Aspen Trust Group
Aspen Trust takes professional development seriously. Training ranges from AML courses to regulatory updates and industry best practices, with active support for external seminars and interactive conferences. Mentorship is also considered a cornerstone of growth, as senior staff coach juniors in both skills and leadership; Zevedeou herself won the 2023 Citywealth Powerwomen Gold Award for Mentor of the Year and is again shortlisted for Mentor of the Year 2025. “Fostering a culture of trust, open communication and collaboration is at the heart of our management philosophy,” Zevedeou notes. To this end, leadership is built on a foundation of empathy and tailored to each employee’s individuality. “This way, we ensure that each member of the team feels appreciated,” she explains.
One-on-one coaching is another cornerstone, providing employees with a safe space to share professional and personal concerns. “We see on-the-job training as a worthwhile investment,” Zevedeou highlights, “and we pride ourselves on having the best-trained employees in the market. In our demanding profession, we promote collaboration, allowing employees to discuss challenges and find solutions.” Through cross-departmental projects, the Group has built a cohesive team that thrives on mutual support, empowering everyone to grow and succeed. Outside the office, it strengthens bonds by organising activities like pet-friendly meetups, which provide a more relaxed setting for connections.
![Aspen Trust Group (2)](/media/images/2024/10/25/Aspen_Trust_Group_2.width-800.jpg)
In 2024, the firm introduced a four-day workweek during July and August, as part of its efforts to embrace work-life balance, and offers flexible hours to accommodate individual needs throughout the year. “These initiatives,” she says, “are highly appreciated by our employees and reflect our commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance and supporting the overall wellbeing of our team.” Aspen Trust also goes beyond standard benefits like car parking, birthday treats and snacks, to provide health insurance for comprehensive medical coverage and discounts on select hotel stays; it also covers the cost of external training programmes. “We are always looking for new ways to improve the employee experience, ensuring a supportive and rewarding work environment that sets us apart from other employers,” she mentions.
![Aspen Trust Group (3)](/media/images/2024/10/25/Aspen_Trust_Group_3.width-800.jpg)
Annual feedback sessions – both open and anonymous – help the Group keep a finger on the pulse of employee satisfaction and staff are encouraged to voice their concerns at any time; the four-day workweek, for example, came from employee input. “We foster a culture of positivity, a non-victim mentality and continuous personal enrichment. We believe in nurturing strong, supportive relationships within our team, creating an environment where we genuinely care for one another – not just as colleagues but as individuals with unique stories and aspirations. This deep sense of belonging fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and understood,” Zevedeou notes. This culture of support, she believes, creates common synergies that ultimately elevate the Group’s quality of services and foster an environment of trust in the office. “Our employees feel empowered and encouraged to grow alongside the company, making Aspen a truly exceptional place to work thanks to our holistic approach, which distinguishes us as an employer of choice.”
(Photos by Michalis Kyprianou)
This interview first appeared in the October edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.