Eric Stevenson ’82
Eric Stevenson received a BA in English and Business & Political Science from the University of Arizona in 1985. During his time in Tucson, he was an active member of the Gamma-Rho Chapter of Kappa Sigma. He received the Kappa Sigma National Scholarship and Leadership Award from 1984-1985, and was voted U of A Greek Man of the Year in 1985. He was extremely dedicated to the ASUA while in school as well.
He served as a Student Body Senator, Speakers Board Director, and eventually the Student Body President. As President, Eric led and organized 3,000 volunteers, an office staff of 12, and a $1.3 million budget. Hard to imagine now, but he was also successful at persuading legislature to keep in-state tuition under $1,000. He also was responsible for the University holding December graduation ceremonies as well.
Aside from his campus involvement, Eric worked for Eastern Airlines in Sales and Marketing. He started as a campus representative and created large scale campus promotions and organized group travel while attending school. After graduation, he moved to Orlando, and worked as an account manager forming partnerships with 25 key accounts and negotiating 3 million in computer systems contracts.
Next, Eric went to work for Proctor and Gamble as a Brand Manager. He was with the company from 1986 – 1990 creating advertising and promotion programs before he decided to move overseas and continue his education at Oxford University studying Management. In 1991, he moved from Oxford to Lausanne, Switzerland, to attend the International Institute for Management Development from which he received his MBA in 1992.
His international studies have served him well, and kept him living abroad ever since. He took a job with the London based, Bain & Company, as a Corporate Strategy Consultant in 1993 and stayed with them until 1995. During his time with Bain, his most noted consulting efforts included developing a comprehensive business strategy for a Middle Eastern pharmaceutical company, recommending an acquisition of a large food manufacturer, and creating business development strategy for a leading financial services company.
His next move was to Hewlett-Packard with whom he is still employed. He has worn many hats including Retail Development Manager in Stuttgart, Germany, for which he was recruited by HP to build the European retail business. He was also their Marketing Communications Manager in Grenoble, France. In this position he had in-depth experience with the Intel-Inside co-op marketing program. Currently, he is Director of the Marketing Council in Paris, France. He leads major restructuring projects across all of the HP marketing in Europe. His scope covers 1000 employees and $500 million in program spending.
He says that due to the fact that he has lived most of his adult life outside the US, he might have a different perspective on what Kappa Sigma represents. To him it has meant “lifelong friendships and a community of brothers, no matter what distance.” Eric has continued to be an Annual Fund supporter for the chapter.
