Enterprising approach pays off
A SALES GENIUS, PHILIP ZEPTER'S AMBITION AND CURIOSITY HAVE FED A GLOBAL BUSINESS THAT NOW COVERS OVER 50 COUNTRIES. THE KEY TO HIS COMPANY'S WORLDWIDE SUCCESS? THE HIGH LEVEL OF SERBIAN CREATIVITY AND SKILL

Philip Zepter President of Zepter International

Philip Zepter must rank as one of Serbia’s most successful exports. Having left Yugoslavia 22 years ago as a student for a six-month trip to Germany and Austria, he decided to remain abroad and has since become one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs.
After a stint working as a sales representative while studying in Austria, he realized that he had the determination and energy that it took to succeed in the competitive world of sales. In 1986, he decided to make the leap, and after pooling his hard-earned savings, founded his own company.
Zepter International, as it is known today, has since become a hugely successful organization which focuses on the production and sale of exclusive high-quality consumer products.

ZEPTER INTERNATIONAL has received major exposure through its high-profile sponsorship of the Arrows Formula One racing team.

The product range is infinite and includes an array of medical, skincare and beauty products, strikingly designed articles for the home, such as fine bone china, cutlery and cooking equipment, and luxury fashion accessories, such as exclusive jewellery, watches and pens.
But it does not stop there. Zepter is also involved in the provision of services and owns two banks, an insurance company and its own telecommunications operation–Zepterfone–which provides mobile phone technology.
Mr. Zepter admits that there may not appear to be much logic to the range of products offered by his company, but he says the diversity comes as a result of his insatiable appetite for a challenge.

IN THE FRAME Bora Iljovski’s ‘Present 1’ (1942) from the Zepter Gallery.

His present priority is with a product known as Bioptron, a patented light therapy device designed to help in the treatment of wounds, scars and sores, bring relief from pain and contribute to the overall care of the skin.
“I am obsessed with the medical light therapy system,” he admits. “We started it six years ago and have already sold one million units. I really believe in it and have spent a great deal of money trying to develop it.”
Despite its humble origins, Zepter has become a leading global enterprise with sales in over 50 countries across the world. It specializes in demonstrating its products on a personal level through direct sales via a network of 120,000 sales consultants, but it also has more than 50 pavilions in prime locations in major cities such as Paris, Moscow, Monte Carlo, Prague and Barcelona.

Zepter is a truly international business, with the manufacturing of its products taking place in ten of its own high-tech factories located in France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The Zepter name has also received major international exposure through its high-profile sponsorship of the Arrows Formula One racing team and other sporting events, such as the World Basketball Championships, the Monte Carlo Tennis Open, and a number of leading athletics meetings.
Philip Zepter, though, says he has little time to dwell on his success and admits he is constantly on the look-out for new products and new markets that can be added to the company’s extensive portfolio.
He admits that he is proud of his sales staff and feels that they are as committed to the company’s products as he is. “Zepter’s success is not just because of the quality of its products, but also because of its motivated sales force, who believes in the products and inspires enthusiasm amongst our customers.”

Despite the fact that his is a global enterprise, Philip Zepter is still very interested in the fortune of his native Serbia and believes that, after the distress and hardship of recent years, the country has a chance to make a new start.
“We have had a terrible ten years and I don’t think it is going to be easy to solve all the problems,” he says, adding that he wants to see economic reform and help from the international community to accelerate.
“But we are now facing a new beginning and it shouldn’t be forgotten that we are one of the most highly-educated people in the world. We have great intellectual potential... and we can achieve a great deal in sectors where creativity and high skill levels are required.”