Karina Kupelian
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my son, a teenager who teaches me every day what it means to be a mom. I also love traveling with friends, we usually go on group trips where we share lots of fun moments together.
What was your first job?
My first job was as an accounting analyst at Arthur Andersen, in the Outsourcing department. I was still studying to become a Certified Public Accountant and wanted to gain professional experience at a top-tier accounting firm where I could learn about different industries.
My first assignment was with Chrysler, an American automotive company whose offices were located in the same building where Sunstar is now. Every time I walk into the building, I can’t help but remember those early days of my career.
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
In 2007, I was offered the opportunity to join Sunstar. The company was just beginning operations in Argentina, and I was particularly drawn to the idea of being part of a startup. I knew it would be a big challenge, but I decided to take it, and that decision marked a turning point in my professional path as I moved away from accounting and into the corporate world.
What fuels your passion at work?
Over the 18 years I’ve been working at Sunstar, the company has achieved great success and is now the second-leading Oral Care brand in Argentina. Watching the company grow over the years motivates me to keep giving my best and to continue working as a team toward further growth.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
I’ve learned to be resilient — not only on a personal level but also professionally. Since I joined Sunstar, we’ve faced many challenges such as import restrictions and limited access to the foreign exchange market, among others. However, we’ve developed the ability to adapt to a changing environment, think creatively, and implement new solutions, which has allowed us to keep growing even in adverse situations.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
On a personal level, my greatest achievement is seeing my son grow into an independent and entrepreneurial teenager. Professionally, my proudest accomplishment is having built a strong and committed team.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I enjoy the dynamism that my position requires. Argentina’s constantly changing economic environment demands quick thinking and flexibility in decision-making.
Tell us what you do at Sunstar.
At Sunstar, I am the Controller, overseeing the areas of Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Billing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Human Resources, among others.
What is the best part of working at Sunstar?
The best part of working at Sunstar is the people. We are a small team in Argentina, we all know each other and work collaboratively and as a team.
What would you like Sunstar to look like on its 100th anniversary?
I would like Sunstar to continue developing new technologies for its products, offering the highest quality, sustainable, and consumer-focused solutions.
Meet our people
Read about the backgrounds, current activities and future goals of team members contributing to the spirit of Sunstar around the world.