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1st Day
3rd Day
Mr Dimitris Taxidis, Partners Network Services Director, Epsilon Net Group of Companies
Dimitrios Taxidis is Epsilon SingularLogic Director of Partners Network Services. Dimitris has many years of experience in software design and implementation for SME, ERP, CRM applications etc. in large companies of the IT industry in Greece. He joined Epsilon Net in 2007 joining the Support team as an ERP consultant. Throughout the years he joined several different Epsilon Net Group’s departments, getting deep knowledge of all solutions and services. Since 2013, when PYLON Hybrid was first created, Dimitris has been a core member of the team serving as a Principal Analyst and leading to its success. Dimitris holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Computing of University of Sunderland, Great Britain, in addition to an MBA at University of Macedonia, Greece.
Mr Philippos Andreou, Business Unit Director North Greece / Head of HR & Payroll BU, SoftOne
Philippos Andreou is a graduate of the Department of Business Administration of the University of Macedonia, specializing in Costing, Payroll and Human Resource Management. He started his career in IT in 1991 at UNISOFT North Greece SA and has 30 years of experience as a manager of business requirements analysis in large software vendors (Unisoft, Altec, Microland). Philippos Andreou joined SoftOne Technologies in April 2019 as a manager of the Northern Greece Division, and since June 2021, he has also held the position of HR & Payroll Business Unit Manager.
Mr Yiannis Filippou, General Manager Epsilon SingularLogic Integrator
Yannis is a seasoned leader with 25+ years of experience in Business Software solutions for enterprises, proven expertise, and a track record in consistently implementing medium and large-scale projects across all market industries. Born in 1972 studied software development and analysis in Control Data and a post-graduated MBA in Business Strategy, Financials, and the Human Element in London School of Economics. Equally strong in tech and sales, new market penetration and vertical solutions. In 2011 has started his international business development journey participating in projects in Romania, Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE and from 2021 he has taken the position to lead INTEGRATOR as the head of sales and services for medium and large-scale Digital Transformation projects in Epsilon Singular Logic member of EpsilonNet Group and until today he has managed to complete complex deliverables, meet customer expectations and maintain an ongoing profitable curve while fostering customer engagement.
Mr Matthieu Graciano, Owner and Director, Aqua'Tec
Matthieu is French man, 42 years old, and his background is mainly technical. He is a computer engineer, but I hasn't worked much in this field, because he had the opportunity to take over the company Aqua'Tec, 20 years ago. Aqua'Tec is a wholesaler company operating in the field of water equipment. They distribute a wide range of equipment, mainly for irrigation and drinking water, in France, and at exports. In addition to his technical skills, he had to develop commercial skills, and set up a distribution strategy. Now they have about a thousand customers who regularly order the products distributed by Aqua'Tec. About his hobbies, he has always been passionate about space, and its technological advances. He is also an aircraft pilot, and he shares that passion as an instructor, teaching others to fly.
Mr Apostolos Hadjiyiannis, Managing Director, G.S. Hadjiyiannis Logistics Ltd
Apostolos Hadjiyiannis is a dynamic businessman with a diverse range of experience across various industries. After completing his Management Science degree at the University of Manchester, he joined his family's paint wholesale distribution business in 2006 and eventually became the sole owner in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has experienced significant growth, expanding also into the distribution of broader building materials. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion for growth led him to expand the group's investments to include a third-party logistics and freight forwarding company in 2021. Alongside his business pursuits, Apostolos is also enthusiastic about property investment.
Ms Vasiliki (Vicky) Loizou, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs
She is a graduate of Political Science and International Studies, and holds a Master’s degree in European Policies and Administration from Panteion University of Athens. She is an expert on strategic planning as well as on market reforms planning and implementation. She has a wide and diverse experience in public administration, having served in senior positions consecutively with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Development. In particular at the Ministry of Development (2012-2015) she was responsible for monitoring and coordinating all market reforms and the cooperation with the European Commission and International Organizations such as the OECD and the World Bank. From January 2016 she served as Deputy Secretary of Strategic Planning for the New Democracy political party. In October 2017 she was appointed as advisor to the President of the “New Democracy” Party in Greece on health policy and reforms. She was offered an honorary position on the nationwide New Democracy ballot for the 2019 parliamentary elections. Following the elections, she was appointed as Secretary General for the Coordination of Economic and Growth Policies of the Government until August 2020 when she assumed the duties of Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development. On December 30, 2022 she was appointed as Secretary General for International Economic Affairs.
Mr Thanos Tziritis, President and Managing Director, ISOMAT S.A.
Thanos Tziritis was born in Thessaloniki in February 1979. In 1996 he graduated from the German School of Thessaloniki. In 2003 he graduated from the Technical University of Berlin, where he studied in the Department of Civil Engineering in the Faculty of Management and Engineering. In 2001, he attended Marketing and Finance courses at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Foreign Languages: German, English. Thanos Tziritis served as Export Manager of ISOMAT S.A. from 2004 to 2006. He then took up the role of Executive Vice President before being promoted to the position of Managing Director and Vice President in June 2013. In 2018 he assumed his current position as President and Managing Director of the company. He was a member of the Greek Exporters Association in Northern Greece (SEVE) for many years, serving in various capacities, including Second Vice-President and General Secretary. Since 2022 he has been the Second Vice - President of the Federation of Industries of Greece (SBE) and a member of the Board of Directors of the German-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mr Alexandros Doufos, Vice Chairman and CEO, Logismos SA
Alexandros Doufos is the Vice Chairman and CEO of Logismos SA since 2010. Logismos SA is a leading IT company based in Thessaloniki and listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Logismos produces, installs, and supports enterprise software systems with clients in more than 20 countries worldwide. Born in 1971, Alexandros Doufos graduated from the school of Civil Engineering of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He specialized in the Hydraulic - Environmental Techniques and Water Resources Management at the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse E.N.S.E.E.I.H.T. France and at the University of Hanover. Before Logismos he served as a Development Manager at Ektipotiki S.A. He is an Emeritus member of the Board at SEVE – Greek Exporters Association.
Mr Vasileios Prassas, CCO, Epsilon Net Group of Companies
Mr. Vasileios Prassas of Gavriil, Economist and Labour Issues Consultant. In 2005 he joined Epsilon Net, as Head of Payroll and HR Application Analysis. During the period 2009- 2011 he held the position of Payroll and HR Applications Manager, and to date he is Epsilon Net’s Scientific Director on labor and insurance law matters. In 2010 he assumed the Epsilon Net’s Support Management. In 2011 he was assigned the Commercial Management of the Epsilon Network & Epsilon Training Business Units. Since mid-2012 he assumed the Sales Management and from March 2014 he is the General Commercial Manager of the Epsilon Net Group. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Epsilon Net, member of the Scientific Team of Epsilon Net and head of the editorial team of the "Epsilon Payroll" insert of the monthly journal Epsilon 7. He is the author of the Book “Legislation & Payroll, from Theory to Practice” (10,000 copies), of the Practical Guide "A Labour Law Specialist at your Service" and of the Electronic Journal “HR Pylon”, that has more than 2.500 visitors. He is the rapporteur of specialized seminars on Payroll & HR subjects, whereas he is the keynote speaker of the seminar “Practical Payroll Department” held by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Mr Harry Vovos, Head of Corporate Transaction Banking, National Bank of Greece
Harry Vovos is the Head of Corporate Transaction Banking since October 2020. He joined NBG’s Corporate & Investment Banking in September 2017, as the Head of Large Corporate. He is also the Chairman of the BoD of NBG Factors S.A. Harry benefits from over 20 years in Corporate Banking, with a diverse sector, product, and transaction expertise. Prior to joining NBG, Harry worked for 13 years at HSBC Global Banking and Markets, where he held various senior positions, the latest being Deputy Head Wholesale Banking Greece and Head of Corporate. Harry holds an MSc in Finance from the University of Manchester and a BSc (Hons) in Economics from Athens University of Economics and Business. He speaks English, German and French. In his current role, he leads a team of experts that offer solutions to corporate clients across: Trade & Supply Chain, Digital, Payments & Cash Management, and Global Markets.
Mr Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Minister of Interior Responsible for Macedonia - Thrace, Member of Parliament ND
Stavros Kalafatis is the Deputy Minister of Interior Responsible for Macedonia - Thrace. He also served as Deputy Minister of Development (2007 – 2009), Minister of Macedonia – Thrace (2009), Alternate Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (2012-2014). He’s been a member of the Greek Parliament since 2003. He’s been reelected as a member of the Parliament in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2019. His political carrier started in 1998 when he was elected into the Municipal Council of Thessaloniki and sworn in as Deputy Mayor responsible for the Environment and the Green Belt in 1999. He served as special advisor of Communications and Public/International Relations to the Municipal Council of Thessaloniki (2000-December 2002). He was born in Thessaloniki in 1965. He’s an Attorney at Law. He studied Law at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and continued his education receiving an MA in International Studies from the same institution in 1991. In 1994, he took a second MA from the University of Maryland, USA, in Sports Management. He worked as a Communications Manager for “Macedonia”, one of the most popular newspapers in Greece. He was a Management and Communications Consultant of the soccer team PAOK. He also taught sports management at private colleges. He’s married to Vicky Moisiadou with whom he has a daughter and a son.
Mr Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Development and Investments, Vice President of Nea Demokratia
Adonis Georgiadis was born on November 6th, 1972, in Athens. He graduated from the Faculty of History & Archaeology of the School of Philosophy of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. In 1993, he took over the management of publications 'GEORGIADIS-LIBRARY OF GREEK'. In 1994, he founded the Liberal Studies Center "GREEK EDUCATION". Elected MP in Athens B region in the elections of 2007 and 2009 with the LAOS political party. In February 2012, he joined the Nea Demokratia political party, having resigned from the parliamentary office. Elected with Nea Demokratia in Athens B in the national elections of 2012 and 2015. In 2011, he was Vice Minister of Shipping in the Government of Lucas Papademos and in 2013 he was appointed Minister of Health in the Government of Antonis Samaras. On January 18th, 2016, he was appointed one of the two Vice-Presidents of the Nea Demokratia by decision of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of Nea Demokratia. On July 9th, Adonis Georgiadis was appointed as Minister of Develpopment and Investments after the 2019 greek elections. He is married to Eugenia Manolidou and they have two children, Perseus and Alcaeus.
Mr Ζoltan Daniel Kurucz, Mechanical & Electrical Engineer CNIM SYSTÉMES INDUSTRIELS, Project Manager BUDAPEST METRO
Zoltan Daniel Kurucz is a Mechanical & Electrical Engineer and has many years of experience in major projects. He works at CNIM Group since 2010 and has been the Project Manager for Elevators and Escalators for the Reconstruction of Line 4 and Line 3 at Budapest Metro.
Mr Anastasios Tzikas, President TIF - Helexpo SA & Technopolis SA
Mr. Anastasios Tzikas is an Electrical Engineer graduate from the Faculty of Engineering of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is the President of Thessaloniki International Fair HELEXPO SA, from 2013 until today and Technopolis Thessaloniki ICT Business Park S.A., from 2001 until today. He is the Vice President of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece, member of the BoD of Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation and of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus. He has been one of the founders of the “Singular Northern Greece SA” and served as the CEO for the “Singular Northern Greece SA” and “Singular Software SA”, companies, the period between 1987 and 2004. During this period, he also served as the CEO of “Singular Bulgaria” and “Singular Romania” and as Executive Director and member of the BoD of “Delta Singular”. Last but not least, he has been nominated as Honorary President of the «Federation of Hellenic Information Technology & Communications Enterprises – SEPE», in which he served as President for 8 years and also Honorary President of “Association of Information Technology Companies of Northern Greece - SEPVE” in which he served as President for 15 years.
Ms Mata Chatzicharalampous, Operations Director PwC Greece
With over 13 years of experience in supply chain optimization and digital transformation projects, Mata Chatzicharalampous is a seasoned professional in the areas of operations management and integrated business planning. Her expertise lies in tactical and strategic supply chain management, business excellence and operational execution. She has gained extensive experience in business transformation, performance optimization, change and risk management and has worked in several industries such as consumer goods, consumer electronics, energy, FMCG, healthcare and logistics. She possesses an MSc in Operations Research from the University of Edinburgh and a BSc in Management Science and Technology from AUEB. On top she is a Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma from the Project Management Institute and has obtained a postgraduate certification in Business Analytics from AUEB.
Mr Panagiotis Tsinavos, President and Managing Director, KRI KRI S.A
The President and CEO of Kri Kri, Mr. Panagiotis Tsinavos was born in 1957 in Serres. He holds a degree in Chemistry from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, while he has attended post-graduate studies in Milan in the Dairy field. Mr. Tsinavos started his activity at Kri Kri (established by his father in 1954) in 1983 as a production manager, while in 1987 he assumed the duties of Commercial Director. His contribution to the development of the company's sales network was essential. In 1992 he attended a two-year postgraduate program in Business Administration. In 1994, he assumed the position of Managing Director of Kri Kri S.A., while from 2003 until today he is also the President of the company. Mr. Tsinavos has received the "Kouros" Entrepreneurship Award, as well as the title of "Dynamically growing entrepreneur of the year" by Ernst & Young, and the title of "Manager of the Year". It is his people-centered philosophy that has created strong relationships of trust between employees and management.
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Moemen Afify, Professor at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University. Chairman & Professor at M A Consultants
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Moemen Afify is a Full-time Professor at the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University. He taught several courses in both undgergraduate and post-graduate studies in several other universities as well, such as architectural design, environmental design and control systems, renewable energy sources, shade and shadow., Dr. Afify is specialized in environmental design and planning as well as energy conservation in buildings. He worked as the Environmental Optimization Coordinator for the new American University in Cairo Project through Sasaki/CDC. Dr. Afify worked in several projects related to environmental studies such as in the cities of Cairo, Aswan and other similar projects. He also developed the environmental strategies for several projects in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Being an architect, Dr. Afify designed several projects taking into account environmental optimization processes. He was also the member of the committee for the Egyptian Code for Energy Conservation, as well as the technical committee for the new Grand Museum of Egypt during the design stage. He is also the member for the Committee of the Building Code for the Disabled. Dr. Afify also is a professional architect and he established M A Consultants, a private consulting architectural firm on 1983. M A consultants were responsible on the design of several large projects in Egypt and overseas. He is specialized in the dsign of public, office, service and industrial buildings as well as retail. He won large number of architectural competitions the latest of which is the new headquarters building of Misr Makasah office building in the Administrative Capital. Dr. Afify also design and supervised a large number of projects whith a sustainable approach among which four of them won United States Green Building Council Certificate – LEED certificate.
Mr Antonios Katraouras, General Manager, Head of Commercial Banking, Piraeus Bank
Antonis Katraouras is General Manager, head of Commercial Banking. He has over 30 years of experience in leadership positions in Corporate & Retail Banking. Strategic priorities: - supporting SME enterprises, customer relationships across the country, informing them of market conditions, investment challenges, opportunities, and threats, - financing sustainable business plans in all sectors, - promoting the digital transformation of SMEs and supporting the ESG model of business.
Mr Konstantinos Koukountzos, Managing Director, KLEEMANN Group
Konstantinos Koukountzos is the Managing Director of Kleemann, one of the major elevator manufacturing companies in the European and global market based in Greece, Kilkis, with its distribution network expanding to more than 100 countries. Born in 1973, Konstantinos holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Boston University, USA. Before his current position he has worked as MD in Leistritz in Bochum, Germany, as Kleemann's Plant Director and Kleemann’s General Manager. He is a member of the Managing Committee and the Board of Directors of SBE (Federation of Industries of Greece), a Member of the Northern Greece Committee of AMCHAM, the Vice President of PETAK (Lift Technology Association of Greece) and also a Member of the Board of Directors of ThessIntec SA.
Mr George Milonas, President & Ceo, ALUMIL S.A.
Mr. George Milonas was born in Greece in 1959, in the city of Serres. He is married and has three children. He studied Mathematics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He completed postgraduate studies in Business Research at the London School of Economics (M.Sc. in Operational Research, L.S.E.). He is the President & CEO of ALUMIL S.A. and all the branches of the Group in Greece and abroad (over 30 subsidiaries). He has served as President of the Board of the Federation of Industries of Greece. Today, he is Vice President of ThessINTEC and a member of the Boards of the Aluminium Association of Greece and Alexandria Innovation Zone of Thessaloniki. He speaks English, German and Italian.
Mr Athanasios Psyllos, Chief Corporate Banking Officer, Attica Bank
Mr Athanasios Psyllos has been the Chief Corporate Banking Officer of Attica Bank since March 2020. Before joining Attica Bank, he worked for 17 years (2003-2020) at Piraeus Bank in various managerial positions: he started as Director in the Small Business & Professionals Department and then as Assistant General Manager. He moved to Attica Region Business Centers as Deputy General Manager and later launched the CIB Hotel & Tourism Financing Unit. He started his professional career in 1996 at Citibank N.A., where he worked as a Credit Manager in the Business Banking Division and remained until 2002. He holds an MBA from the University of Indianapolis and a BA from the University of Portsmouth. In the past, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of Piraeus Leasing SA., Cyprus Leasing S.A., and Budget S.A. subsidiary of Avis - Greece S.A.
Mr Nikos Sahinis, International Business Development Director, Entersoft
Nikos has an experience of more than 20 years in the IT & Telecommunication Services sector, having worked for many years, in both Greek and Multinational Companies such as Computer Logic, Sony Hellas, UUNET, Tellas, Totalsoft and Entersoft, mainly in commercial and managerial positions. He graduated from Kingston University and holds a BSc and MBA Degree in Business Administration. On January 2013 he took charge of the commercial department of Retail-Link, having as a vision to broaden the Electronic Invoicing network, therefore increasing considerably the company's market shares, reputation, and clientele, while since January 2020 he is in charge of the General Management of the Niche Markets in Entersoft. From January 2023, he is charge of the business development activities in the affiliate group companies in Greece and Romania.
Mr Panos Martinis, CEO, SOFTONE Group
Panos Martinis is the CEO of SOFTONE Group. SOFTONE is one of the largest cloud based business software providers in Greece and SE Europe, that includes six leading brands (SoftOne, UNISOFT, PROSVASIS, Regate, IMPACT and cosmoONE), currently employing more than 500 technology and business professionals. Prior to joining SOFTONE Group, Panos Martinis was for several years the Chief Financial Officer of UPSTREAM, with additional responsibilities in Strategic Partnership Management and Human Resources Management. During his tenure at the company, Panos Martinis played an instrumental role in establishing UPSTREAM as one of the most successful digital commerce and marketing software companies in the world. Panos Martinis has also held senior positions in technology and consulting firms in Greece and the United States, such as Dell and Deloitte. He holds a B.Sc. degree in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Finance and Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Mr Panayis Manuelides, CEO, Odysea ltd
Panayis Manuelides established Odysea Ltd in 1991 with a belief that Greek and Mediterrenan products and the delights of their cuisine had a place at the British table. From humble beginnings selling Greek olives and homemade dips from a stall on Portobello Road market, Odysea has grown to become one of the largest importers of Greek & Mediterranean products in the UK. Specialising in olives and antipasti, olive oils, feta and other Greek cheeses, Greek yoghurt and honey under the “Odysea” and “Karyatis” brands, as well as private label products for major supermarkets. These products are distributed to a host of retailers from major supermarkets to restaurants, food manufacturers, independent retailers, delicatessens and airlines. The pursuit of the original belief has been recognised by the industry and the market. Odysea is a “Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Producer” and has accrued a total of 78 “Great Taste Awards” across the range. It continues to thrive and in the past 12 months has become the fastest growing olive oil, olive & antipasti brand in the UK. Panayis runs the business and remains very much involved in sourcing and developing new products and agreeing new business ventures. He holds an MSc in Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics, and a BSc in Mathematical Sciences from Queen Mary College, University of London.
Mr Tilemachos Georgakis, Senior Manager, Head of Commercial Banking, Alpha Bank SA
Tilemachos Georgakis was born in Athens in 1971. He studied Mathematics at the University of Athens and holds a MBA in Finance from the University of Wales, Cardiff Business School. He has 25 years of experience in Corporate and Commercial Banking. He joined Alpha Bank in 2005 and in 2014 he was appointed Senior Manager, Head of Commercial Banking supervising SMEs and the Hospitality Division. He is also Chairman of the BoD of Alpha Leasing SA and member of the BoD of ABC Factors SA.
Mr Paris Economou, Head of Wholesale Banking, Optima bank
With more than 15 years of experience in the Financial Sector, Mr. Paris Economou is currently Optima bank’s Head of Wholesale Banking. He joined Cyprus Popular Bank in 2004 as an analyst in the Large Corporate Banking department. In 2006 he undertook the position of Relationship Manager in the Corporate & Investment Banking department of Millennium Bank where he served until 2013 holding different positions. In 2013 and following the merger of Millennium Bank with Piraeus Bank, he was a member of the Large Corporate Department holding the position of Head. He participated in a number of high profile Transactions and Restructurings in different sectors. In 2017 he joined Ernst & Young as an Associate Partner of the Transaction Advisory Department where he run a number of Restructuring and Advisory projects. He joined Optima bank’s management team in March 2019, being responsible for the Wholesale Banking sector. Mr. Economou holds an MA in Economics from the University of Aberdeen and an MSc in Economics and Finance from Warwick University.
Mr Vassilis Karamouzis, General Manager of Corporate and Investment Banking and Member of the Executive Committee, National Bank of Greece
Vassilis Karamouzis (born 1977) was appointed General Manager of Corporate and Investment Banking in February 2020. He joined NBG in September 2017, as Assistant General Manager of Corporate and Investment Banking. He worked for eight years (2009-2017) at HSBC in various managerial positions: he started at HSBC in Greece as Head of Global Market Sales and Debt Capital Markets for Greece and Cyprus. Later on he moved to HSBC in London, where he worked as Head of Structured Finance Origination for Southern Europe and Capital Financing for Greece and Cyprus, and, finally, as Managing Director, Member of EMEA Financing Management and Head of Investment Banking Greece and Cyprus. He started his professional career in 2001 at Deutsche Bank in London, where he stayed until mid-2009. Initially he worked in Hedge Fund Sales, while in the period 2006-2009 he held the position of Head of FX and Commodities Sales for Greece and Middle East. Vassilis Karamouzis holds an MSc in Finance from Birkbeck College, University of London and a bachelor degree of Economics from the University of Piraeus.
Ms Natasha Linhart, CEO, Atlante Srl
Natasha Linhart is CEO, majority shareholder and founder of Atlante Srl. A British national born in Geneva in 1957 to a Czech father and English mother, Natasha’s cosmopolitan professional background has been acquired in the UK, France, the US and Italy. Natasha is fluent in several languages and been resident in Italy for over 30 years. Natasha founded Atlante in 2001 together with her husband, Federico Nanni, who sadly passed away in 2015. She is actively involved in the management of the company and has guided Atlante through years of steady growth. Natasha successfully introduced Atlante Srl to Migros, Switzerland's leading industrial and retail group and subsequently established a special partnership with the British retail giant, Sainsbury's. Today, Atlante employs over 100 people. It has also opened a branch in the UK and supplies retail chains in the USA, Switzerland, the UK, Japan, Korea, South Africa and Israel. In 2022, Atlante had a turnover of over 215 million and expects 250 million in 2023. Atlante's vision is to be a company colleagues love to work for and with whom producers and customers choose to work with, building best in class relationships based on mutual trust and respect. The Company’s Mission Statement is to be a strategic, reliable and competitive global sourcing partner for food and non-food products, developing tailor-made solutions from initial brief to the shelf. Global macroeconomic and geopolitical scenarios have always been a passionate interest for Natasha. In addition to her work, Natasha’s focus is on family and travel consistent with her visions of leading a healthy and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Mr Andreas Chasapis, General Manager, Head of Commercial Banking, Eurobank SA
Andreas Chasapis, General Manager, is heading Commercial Banking, the Business unit responsible for SMEs and mid-caps corporate clients, since July 2014. He is also Chairman of the Board for the subsidiary Eurobank Leasing SA, vice president of Eurobank Factors SA and board member of Business Exchanges SA. Prior to his current appointment, Andreas Chasapis headed the Group Transaction Banking and Large Corporate units and his experience in the Banking & Financial Services industry exceeds 30 years. He holds a Bachelor Degree in International Business & Management and an MBA in Finance & Investment Banking from Pace University, New York. He speaks Greek, English and French.
Mr Symeon Diamantidis, President, SEVE-Greek Exporters Association
Symeon Diamantidis was born in 1963 in Nea Michaniona of Thessaloniki. He is President and CEO of Diopas SA since 1982. Diopas SA is a family business that manufactures nets for aquaculture, fishing, sports, as well as any special construction based on the net. It sells its products throughout Greece as well as in countries of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is an environmentally friendly company and participates with various actions in the circular economy. Diopas SA is very active in research and development with the aim of zero environmental footprint. At the end of 2023, the new investment of 10000 m² of the company will be completed, which will include a research aquarium that will be the largest in mainland Greece. The company fights against unemployment by hiring the unemployed in its area, after being properly trained by its specialized employees. President of the Association of Professionals and Craftsmen of Nea Michaniona 2006-2010 • Vice-President of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Handicrafts 2008-2013 • Financial Supervisor of SEVE-Greek Exporters Association from 2018-2022 • Member of the Board of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Handicrafts • Member of the Board of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce & Industry • Member of the Board of the Professional Chamber of Thessaloniki • Member of the Administrative Committee of KEPA ANEM. From June 2022 he is President of SEVE-Greek Exporters Association.
Mr Gerasimos Tzeis, Managing Director, Atradius Crédito y Caución S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros (Hellenic branch)
He was born in 1970 in Athens. Ηe studied Mathematics at the University of Ioannina (B.Sc. in Mathematics) and he then completed his post-graduate studies in Actuarial Science at the Cass Business School of London / former City University (Diploma & M.Sc. in Actuarial Science). From 1998 to 2003 he worked in various positions at the Hellenic branch of Gerling Konzern Speziale. In 2004 he took over the position of the Managing Director at the Hellenic branch of Atradius Atradius Crédito y Caución S.A., which he holds until now. Memberships: Member of the CEO Clubs, Member of the Association of Chief Executive Officers of Greece, Member of the Association of Representatives and Executives of Hellenic Insurance Companies, Other professional fora.
Mr Daniël Caljouw, Senior Production Engineer, Philips Drachten
Daniël Caljouw B Eng. graduated as a mechanical engineer on the Hanzehogeschool Groningen (2010). He started as production engineer for PHILIPS Drachten on highly automated and complex production lines. During his career he had several roles within Philips including leading a team of maintenance- and production engineers during industrialization. Currently he is working as a senior production engineer and project manager for i4.0 innovations on predictive maintenance.
Mr Ioannis Potamitis, Applications Director, PwC Greece
Ioannis is Director at PwC and responsible for the Applications' team since July 2013. He has been involved in the SAP consulting services since 1995. Primarily he worked as SAP consultant in the area of Financials for various projects and he has been involved in various aspects of SAP implementation including project management, business requirements definition, detailed design, prototyping, configuration, system testing, change management, training and Localization of SAP. He has been involved in several SAP implementation projects in a variety of industries, such as Shipping, Financial Services & Banks, Food and Beverage, Detergent Production, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cement & Concrete Production, Defense Industry, Chemical companies, Professional Services, Communication firms, Construction, Tobacco Industry and Publishing. His experience in Project management at SAP ERP projects, regards the areas of financials, controlling/budgeting, project system, procurement, production, sales and MIS. Ioannis is Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA) Certified in Project Management- IPMA Level D. He holds MBA from Nottingham Trend University, in Business Administration and B.A from University of Piraeus, Department of Business Administration.
Mr Konstantinos Ouzounis, CEO, ethosGROUP
Konstantinos Ouzounis is the CEO of ethosGROUP, a holding company which controls the ethosMEDIA, ethos EVENTS and ethosBUSINESS divisions. ethosMEDIA is the publisher of the portals banks.com.gr, insuranceworld.gr, virus.com.gr, nplconfidential.com and coffeemag.gr, and of the magazines HRIMA, HRIMA Week, Insurance World and Pharma & Health Business. ethosEVENTS organizes more than 20 conferences and awards, mainly in the insurance, health, exports and coffee industries. ethosBUSINESS is a business development consultancy, offering its services to Greek companies that want to do business in the MENA region. Konstantinos Ouzounis has participated in the BoD of numerous media and new technology companies, the Hellenic Union of Editors of Periodical Press (HUEPP) as well as the Varvakeion Model Experimental High School Alumni Association. He studied Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and at Leicester University (MBA). He has written articles for various financial magazines and newspapers. He represents companies of international acclaim, such as Euromoney Magazine, Euromoney Conferences and Georgeson Shareholders Services.
Ms Betty Alexandropoulou, Executive Director and Member of the Board, ENTERPRISE GREECE
Ms. Betty Alexandropoulou is the Executive Director of Enterprise Greece and Member of the Board, with comprehensive responsibility for foreign trade. Prior to her current role, she served as Special Advisor to the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise Greece. Ms. Alexandropoulou comes with vast experience in senior leadership roles within government as well as private-sector multinational organizations, and several years abroad in countries such as Switzerland, Argentina, and the United States. Formerly a Senior Commercial Advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Embassy in Greece, her portfolio included Healthcare and ICT sectors and the SelectUSA global program which facilitates U.S. foreign direct investment. Before that, she had accumulated over 18 years of experience in senior executive positions with blue-chip companies like AT&T and Vodafone. A seasoned professional in managing global projects and teams, she specializes in international market expansion as related to trade promotion and investment attraction, as well as business transformation. Ms. Alexandropoulou holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Economics & French Literature, with honors distinction, from universities in the United States, and a Professional Certified Coach Credential by ICF (International Coach Federation). She has served in business associations such as the Propeller Club and the American Chamber of Commerce and has participated in various conferences and industry forums as a keynote and panel speaker. Ms. Alexandropoulou is multicultural and communicates in several languages - native English and Greek, as well as fluent French and Spanish.
Mr Manos-Nikolaos M. Papadakis, M.Sc, Applications Executive Standards and Solutions Department, GS1 Association - Greece
Manos M. Papadakis is an Applications Executive in the Standards and Solutions Department of GS1 Association Greece. He holds a B.Sc. on Mechanical Engineering from the University of West Attica as well as a M.Sc. on Supply Chain and Logistics Management from the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Piraeus’ Faculty of Maritime and Industrial Sciences. The past 8 years in GS1 Association Greece, he is consulting and coordinating companies from various sectors (Logistics, Healthcare, FMCGs, Retail, Foodservice, Grocery, etc.) on applying the GS1 Global System of Standards, helping them to achieve key operational and strategic milestones. Additionally, he is an active member of various local and international projects and actively involved in the architecture and development of GS1 Association Greece services thus helping the association’ s companies-members engage in innovation and digital transformation. He is a member of various scientific institutes and organizations (TEE, EEL, ΗΜΑ).
Ms Zoe Palatiana, Director of Marketing & International Exports, PALAPLAST SA
Zoe Palatiana is the Director of Marketing & International Exports at Palaplast pipes and fittings company. As a graduate of Marketing Management & Communication in Toulouse, France, she undertook the full management of Marketing actions and activities in their family business, Palaplast. In addition, applying the knowledge she gained in her undergraduate studies in the Department of Organization and Administration of the University of Macedonia, and also through learning three foreign languages - she speakes English, French, Spanish, while currently learning Turkish - she is now responsible for the actual implementation of all decisions, but also for the realization of the international sales strategy, aiming the development of exports and the image of the company. She believes that the application of new ideas, the continuous training, the guidance of the experienced first generation as well as the discussion with both of them and the company executives, are the necessary supplies that will ensure the development and success of Palaplast.
Mr Konstantinos Christodoulou, CEO, PIRAEUS FACTORING S.A.
Konstantinos Christodoulou took over the duties of Chief Executive Officer at Piraeus Factoring SA. as of December 31, 2020. He joined the Piraeus Bank Group in December 2012, has 27 years of experience in the Financial Sector and in multinational companies. Since April 2020, he has been the Senior Director of Retail Sales, while previously he was the Senior Director of the Small Business Segment. He previously held the position of Head of Distribution Channels in GENIKI Bank Societe Generale Group. He has worked in the Eurobank Group and in FMCG such as METAXA IDV and Bacardi Martini as Sales Director. He is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master in Business Administration from the Athens University of Economics and Business.
Mr Othon Manis, Manufacturing Digitization & Data Management Director, TITAN CEMENT COMPANY
Othon Manis is the Manufacturing Digitization & Data Management Director of Group Digital Center of Competence at Titan Cement Company (2020-Present). Prior to that position he was leading the Process Automation activities of Group Engineering & Technology (2009-2020). He started his career path in Titan working in Thessaloniki’s plant (2001-2009) as Automation Engineer. His background is in Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies, holding master’s degrees in Automation, Robotics, Engineering Systems and in Wireless Telecommunication Systems. Skilled in Cement, Process & Automation Engineering, Data Management and Manufacturing he is a strong business development professional, focused in Digital Transformation, Data Management, IoT and Industry 4.0. He is also member of the registry trainers of the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government (E.K.D.D.A) and member of the registry Instructors for Continuing Vocational Training of the National Accreditation Centre (E.KE.PIS).
Mr Yannis Smirlis, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs / Chairman of the Board, Enterprise Greece
Ioannis Smirlis is a political scientist, graduate of the Department of Political Sciences and Public Administration with a Postgraduate Diploma in International and European Relations from the University of Athens (EKPA). He represented the Ministry of Interior during the rotating Greek Presidency of the EU in 2013-2014. He was Press and Public Relations Consultant of ODIE SA. in 2009-2010, Adviser to the General Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping in 2007-2009 and Adviser to the General Secretary of S.E.P.E. in 2005-2007. He was elected as the first president from Greece of the Youth Organization of the European People's Party (YEPP) 2007-2009, the largest political Youth Organization in Europe. He served as Secretary of International and EU Relations of Nea Demokratia Party and a Member of the Political Bureau of the European People's Party (Epp) in 2013-2019. During that time, he cultivated personal relationships with major stakeholders in Brussels and other European capitals. He was a European fellow of the German Marshall Foundation of the USA and a member of the EU Youth Assembly for the European Constitution (2003), the Hellenic Society of Political Science (E.E.P.E.) and the Hellenic Society of International Law and International Relations of the Aegean Institute for the Law of the Sea and Navigation. He has been a freelancer since 2009 in activities related to catering, trade and import-export. He speaks English and French.
Ms Maria Samolada, Journalist GRTIMES.gr
Maria Samolada is journalist and the general manager of the economic and political online newspaper Grtimes.gr, conducting personality interviews on WebTV and writing articles, is the responsible editor of the revision of the journal of Police alliance of Thessaloniki and is the editor and presenter of the TV show "Blue Moon" with personality profile interviews on TV100. She started her career in 2000 and has worked in all types of journalism and media, including Alter Channel, Radio Thessaloniki 94.5, Real Fm 107.1, reporting, broadcasting and news releases. Since 2015, Maria Samolada, as a journalist, has been recognising the crucial role that it is necessary to hold anyone who serves journalism, devoting much time and having her experience at the disposal of spreading the innovative programme against bullying, www.LiveWithoutBullying.com, an action that has recently lead her to be honoured with the journalist award of the Botsi Foundation. She has been borned, lived and worked in Thessaloniki by choice. She is mother of a son and a member of the Union of Daily Newspaper Journalists of Macedonia - Thrace.
Mr Dimitris Lakasas, CEO, OLYMPIA ELECTRONICS SA
Dimitris Lakasas was born on April 14, 1973 in Kolindros, Pieria. He is the CEO of Olympia Electronics S.A. He is the author of “Anthropos 4.” In 2017 he was announced the "Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year" in the EY -ERNST & YOUNG competition. In addition to his business activity he has been: Chairman on Greek International Business Association (SEVE) 2010-2014 | Chairman on Alexander Iinnovation Zone (AIZ) 2013-2015 | Board Member of Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) 2004-2019 | Βoard Member of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE) since 1999 | Founder of Think Tank SEVE. He has participated in international conferences and publications in financial and sectoral press. He holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) (UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD) and a Bachelor on Economics and Marketing (CITY COLLEGE – UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD)
Mr Dimitris Dimitriadis, Vice President & Managing Director, HELLAS GOLD
Dimitris graduated from the National Technical University of Athens as Mining Engineer-Metallurgist in 1979. He has been working ever since in the Mining Industry, holding key positions in major companies and participating in significant Mining and Infrastructure projects. He is most familiar with the Kassandra Mines project following more than 20 years in management positions in all critical areas, such as: design, permitting, development, implementation, production, in cooperation with all investors of the project (TVX Hellas, European Goldfields, Eldorado Gold). In early 2016 he has assumed the General Management of “Thracean Gold Mining SA” and “Thrace Minerals SA” and in February 2017 he moved into the role of the Vice President and Managing Director of “Hellas Gold SA”.
Mr Panos Menexopoulos, CEO, DRYFO - Menexopoulos Bros S.A
Panos Menexopoulos is the CEO at DRYFO - Menexopoulos Bros S.A since 1988. The industry and its headquarters are located in Kalochori, Thessaloniki and the logistic center of Southern Greece is located in Metamorfosis, Athens. Dryfo is a three generation family business active in trading, processing and packing of Nuts, Dried fruits, Pulses and Spices, importing dry goods from all over the world. The company is exporting to more than 35 countries, having a substantial position in the worldwide nutfruit market. Mr. Menexopoulos over the years has participated as a shareholder in different companies domestically, and abroad. He is actively occupied in organizations such as: General Secretary of the Thessaloniki's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, General Secretary of the Thessaloniki's Traders Union, President of the Northern Greece Nuts Traders Union, Member of the International Nutfruit Organization. Graduated from American College of Thessaloniki - Anatolia in 1978, and studied Economics at Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki.
Mr Alexandros Kontopoulos, CEO, NBG Factors S.A.
Alexandros Kontopoulos has a factoring experience of over twenty years. He is founding C.E.O of NBG Factors S.A, a 100% subsidiary of National Bank of Greece, the oldest banking institution in Greece with over 170 years of history. He has served as Head of Factoring Division in Bank of Cyprus (Greece 2002-2008) and Account Manager in ABC Factors (Greece 1997-2002). He is currently Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Factors Association, which he has served as Chairman for two terms (2016-2020) and member since 2009. He is also member of the Economics and Statistics Committee of EUF and a Board Member of NBG Insurance Brokers S.A. He has lectured a number of conferences and authored various articles on Factoring. He holds a Master’s Degree on Accounting and Finance from the University of Manchester, UK and a Bachelor’s degree in Financial and Banking Management from the University of Piraeus, Greece.
Mr Theodoros Papakonstantinou, Partner, DΕLOITTE
Theodoros is a Consulting Partner in the Strategy, Analytics and M&A practice of Deloitte Greece. Based in the office of Thessaloniki, he is responsible for the development of Deloitte’s services in Northern Greece. He possesses more than 20 years of professional experience, with the last 16 in Deloitte. He has extensive expertise in the areas of strategy development, business analysis and planning, financial and operational restructuring, business and operational model optimization and M&A advisory. Theodoros has led a wide range of projects for small and medium companies, large corporations, the public sector and non-profit institutions in a variety of sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, real estate, transportation and logistics, consumer products, agrofood, manufacturing and technology. He holds a Bachelor degree in Applied Informatics from the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, Greece, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cranfield School of Management, UK and a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.
Mr Georgios Filiopoulos, CEO, ENTERPRISE GREECE
Georgios Filiopoulos is the CEO of Enterprise Greece, Greece's national investment and trade promotion agency. Before serving in the public sector, Mr. Filiopoulos worked as a business executive for various companies and organizations in the U.S. and Greece. He received his MBA from HEC Paris, holds an MA in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, an MA in Journalism from the University of Memphis, and a BA in Advertising from Kansas State University.
Mr Vangelis Apostolakis, Deputy Senior Partner, KPMG in Greece
Vangelis Apostolakis is the Chairman and CEO of KPMG Advisors and the Deputy Senior Partner of KPMG in Greece. He is also the Clients & Markets Head representing KPMG Greece in the global team for developing and implementing the commercial & key accounts strategy in Greece and has recently launched and manages the Family Business Advisory group. Prior to KPMG, he has worked in Greece and abroad at: British Telecom, Ernst & Young, ICAP Hellas. He has advised a plethora of local and international clients primarily in the areas of strategic planning, business processes and systems redesign, restructuring and reorganization, management information systems design, HR systems and policies as well as advising the private client in drafting a family constitution, growth and succession planning strategies. He holds a BsC in OR & Computing and an MSc in Management Science (Leeds Met & Southampton Universities) and is a certified Intelligent Leader coach and a STEP family Business Advisor.
Ms Maria Raikou (Msc), CEO ABC FACTORS, Vice President Hellenic Factors Association
Maria Raikou has a factoring experience of over twenty years. She is C.E.O of ABC FACTORS a 100% subsidiary of ALPHA BANK . Before her employment with ABC FACTORS she worked for five years with BARCLAYS BANK PLC, London(UK) initially in the Private Banking Sector and then in the wholesale Banking sector as Senior Officer of portfolios in the middle sized enterprises as well as the Large Multinational companies areas, while she acquired professional expertise during her Chartered Institute of Bankers training program. She has graduated from the Economics Department of the Law School at the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki and holds a Msc in Money Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham(UK). She served as President of the Board in the period 2009-2011 upon the establishment of the Hellenic Factoring Association and up to date she is Vice President.
Mr Serko Kougioumtzian, Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, ICAP CRIF
Over 30 years of experience in Sales, Marketing and Business Development. • Joined ICAP Group in 1988; held key positions in the areas of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. • Responsible for the implementation of corporate strategy for Credit Risk Services and Marketing Solutions in Greece and Cyprus. • Successfully established and developed the whole Sales Organization all over Greece. • Brought the company to the top position of the Greek market with a share of more than 80%. • Developed and maintained all collaborations with international customers. • Fully involved in the development of the business in the region (Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Cyprus). • Actively participated in signing and maintaining co-operations with Dun & Bradstreet, Kompass, Google. • MBA in Management, Kingston University, UK. • BSc in Business Administration, Piraeus University, Greece.
Mr Nikos Efthymiadis, Chairman & CEO Thessaloniki Innovation & Technology Center / Chairman REDESTOS Efthymiadis Agrotechnology Group
Education: • Graduate “Anatolia” College, Thessaloniki, 1962. Graduate Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, • Dpt. of Agricultural Sciences, 1967. • Honorary Doctorate, Kingston University, England. Professional career: • Chairman REDESTOS - Efthymiadis Agrotechnology Group, established 1935. A leading business group in Greece and Southeast Europe in the field of Agricultural technology, supplies and services. Social activities: Today: • Chairman & CEO Thessaloniki Innovation & Technology Center – Thess INTEC S.A. • President of the Thessaloniki Technology Park (1994 till today) • Chairman of the Business Information and Clearing Center (BICC) • President of the Association for Democracy in the Balkans. Social activities: In the past: • President of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece • President of the Northern Greece Businessmen’s Cultural Association • Chairman of the STABILITY PACT / Business Advisory Council for Southeast Europe, Brussels • Chairman of the Business and Cultural Development Centre • President of the Hellenic Crop Protection Association • Member by Excellence of the Board of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Contributed to several European think tanks on development and cooperation in Southeast European region. Mr. Efthymiadis is also Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Thessaloniki.
Mr Gregory Stamatopoulos, CEO, Export Credit Greece S.A. (ECG)
Gregory Stamatopoulos is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Export Credit Greece S.A. (ECG). He is a graduate of the Saint - Michel Jesuit College in Brussels. He holds a degree in Investment & Financial Risk Management, in Business Administration and postgraduate studies in International Business Economics and a MBA. He also holds an Executive Management Certificate in Business Strategy in the era of Digital Transformation (MIT). With more than 20 years of experience in the private sector in companies such as E&Y, PwC, Eurobank, etc., he was the co-founder of a start-up company, raising funds from Greek and foreign investors. He has also been a member of Boards of Directors in companies in Greece and abroad. He has many years of experience in finance, financial engineering, restructuring, project finance and mergers & acquisitions and several projects for reorganization and implementation of ERP systems. He was included in the list of Fortune magazine "40 under 40" in 2015, 2016 and 2018, he is married and has a child.
Dr Machi Simeonidou, General Manager & Co-Founder, AGROAPPS
Machi Simeonidou is the General Manager and one of the co-founders of AgroApps. She has more than 15 years of experience in business strategy, corporation management and operational improvement. As an Agroeconomist, passionate about agricultural technologies, in 2015, together with a team of experts she co-founded Agroapps, a company dedicated to the provision of sustainable solutions that help modern farming and agriculture. In 2013, she broke into the environmental and agricultural informatics industry. She led business development at DRAXIS Environmental SA by bringing together diverse teams of researchers, programmers, business people and government officials to design and implement successful projects in the fields of environmental technologies and sustainable agriculture. Over the last years, she has managed projects of more than 30 mEUR, developed stellar teams and effective networks in the domains of agrifood and sustainable development.
Dr Stathis Koutsochinas, President, THESSALONIKI BAR ASSOCIATION
Dr Stathis Koutsochinas was born in Thessaloniki in 1974. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1995. He holds a postgraduate degree, LLM in Commercial Law (University of Kent - UK), while in 2004 he was awarded Doctor of Legal Sciences in the Commercial Law field of the Faculty of Law of Aristotle University, with Distinction. He is author of the book "The protection of the Community trade mark and its limitations", while his articles have been published in Greek and foreign legal journals. Since 1997 he has been a lawyer in Thessaloniki. In 2007 he was promoted to a lawyer at the Supreme Court. In the same year (2007) he has been appointed a legal advisor of the Municipality of Thessaloniki. Following the Bar elections in December 2017, he is currently the President of Thessaloniki Bar Association. He speaks English and French.
Ms Stella Angelopoulou, Principal, Head of Technology Intelligence & Performance, GRANT THORNTON GREECE
Stella Angelopoulou is Principal, Head of Technology Intelligence & Performance of Grant Thornton in Greece and brings more than 16 years of experience. She holds a BSc. from the Open University of Patras in Science & Technology, a BSc. from the American College of Greece in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from University of Leicester. She has also served as an e-Business Tutor in Carriera Business & Computing School. During the course of her career, Stella Angelopoulou has consulted many organizations, significantly improving their efficiency in project planning and helping them achieve high results. Her expertise lies in developing digital strategies, enhancing business operations using AI, creating actionable insights through data and reinventing productivity with smart automation. She has also driven consumer-centric product & service developments and delivered large-scale projects and transformation initiatives for clients in many industries, including banking, telecommunications, media, energy, Public Sector etc.
Μr Yiannis Livitsanos, Export Sales Manager, PYRAMIS METALLOURGIA SA
With a breadth of knowledge in international sales, management and business development acquired over the last 20 years, Yiannis currently holds the position of head of Export Sales at Pyramis Metallourgia A.E. and is responsible for a significant proportion of the total annual sales of the group. He has worked closely with leading multinational companies in the kitchen and bathroom industries and has made a valuable contribution to the international expansion of Pyramis with visits to over 60 countries. His background includes an M.B.A. from the University of Sheffield coupled with strong functional experience in the areas of strategic planning, marketing, and sales. Yiannis has a detailed, results-oriented approach with a track record of success and consistent achievement of KPIs.
Mr George Veliziotis, Commercial Director, EULER HERMES HELLAS
George Veliziotis, Commercial Director of Euler Hermes Hellas, a subsidiary of Allianz. An executive with vast experience from highly reputable companies, in the fields of FMCG, Services, Banking and Technology. Held senior positions in different organization functions at Unilever, Citibank, Eurobank, FDH, from marketing and trade marketing to product management and sales, having an excellent record of accomplishment in diverse, complex, highly competitive industries and led several successful innovative projects. Holds an Honors Degree from York University, Canada with a double major in Economics & Philosophy and an MBA from Boston University. Member of ΕΑΣΕ.
Mr Theodoros Yfantidis, Exports Manager, ISOMAT SA
Theodoros Yfantidis holds a mechanical engineering and an MBA degree. He has been part of the ISOMAT Exports team for the last 14 years and he is currently the company’s Exports Manager. During this time, his goal has always been to drive sustainable international growth for the company on a world scale. Based on the ISOMAT values of being customer centric, sharing a passion for quality, and being creative, he makes sure that the Exports Team provides consistently the ISOMAT partners with peace of mind through adaptability, innovation, integrated technical and marketing solutions, and high-quality products.
Mr Christos Constas, Financial Editor
With a twenty-eight-year career in financial journalism, Christos Konstas is currently the financial commentator for Blue Sky TV News Programs. He is also Editor in Chief for all Ethos Media Publications (i.e. www.banks.com.gr , www.nplconfidential.com.gr , www.insuranceworld.gr, XPHMA (The Money) and Insurance World monthly reviews etc) Born in Thessaloniki in December 1961, he went to high school in Michigan USA, as an exchange student. He received his first degree, with excellent mention in Political Science, in 1983, at the Panteion University of Athens. He completed his three-year post-graduate studies in International Relations in 1986, at Peking University in Beijing, PR of China. He specialised in money and capital markets, taking courses and seminars in Athens, Frankfurt and New York. Christos Konstas has worked for numerous newspapers and radio and TV stations (Ependytis, Exousia, Planet 1045, Star TV, MegaTV, Alpha TV, Alter TV). He was honoured with the Botsi Award for promoting Journalism in Greece in 2005. He speaks English, French, and Chinese.
Mr Gerasimos Tzeis, Managing Director, ATRADIUS HELLENIC BRANCH
He was born in 1970 in Athens. Ηe studied Mathematics at the University of Ioannina (B.Sc. in Mathematics) and he then completed his post-graduate studies in Actuarial Science at the Cass Business School of London / former City University (Diploma & M.Sc. in Actuarial Science). From 1998 to 2003 he worked in various positions at the Hellenic branch of Gerling Konzern Speziale. In 2004 he took over the position of the Managing Director at the Hellenic branch of Atradius Atradius Crédito y Caución S.A., which he holds until now. Memberships: Member of the CEO Clubs Member of the Association of Chief Executive Officers of Greece Member of the Association of Representatives and Executives of Hellenic Insurance Companies Other professional fora
Prof. Dimitrios Vlachos, Chairman of the Board of the Greek Association of Supply Chain Management
Dimitrios Vlachos is Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Director of the Laboratory of Statistics and Quantitative Analysis Methods. He has been deputy president of his Department and member of the Senate of Aristotle University. He conducts research and consulting in the fields of supply chain management, logistics, applied operational research, combined transport systems management, business restructuring and strategy development. He has participated in more than 65 research projects (in 20 of them as a principal investigator) activities in the field of Supply Chain Management, and he has co-authored the respective technical reports. He has published more than 200 papers in scientific journals, conference proceedings and book chapters. He has participated as a consultant or expert in numerous projects funded by public and private organizations. He is a member of the Institute for Operational Research and Management Science, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the Hellenic Operational Research Society (EEEE). He is now President of the Greek Association of Supply Chain Management (EEL) and member of the Management Board since 2007.
Mr Aris Sfakianakis, Greek Regions Manager, DHL EXPRESS HELLAS
Aris Sfakianakis has studied Business Management and holds a MBA from University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki. Aris, has been Greek Regions Manager of DHL Express Hellas since 2004. DHL is present in over 220 countries across the globe, making it the most international company in the world. DHL provides solutions for an almost infinite number of logistics needs and is a major provider for e-commerce. In Greece, the company established its presence 43 years ago. Aris has a work record in Media, e-commerce business, the Hellenic Fashion Industry Association (SEPPE) and training institutes. His professional training experience includes a variety of topics in management, Marketing, e-commerce, Sales management and exports’ marketing. Aris has worked in business consulting as a project leader for national projects and as a conductor for business plans, marketing plans and feasibility studies. Since 2014, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greek Exporters’ Association (SEVE)
Mr Ioannis Mikrogiannakis, Founder, Mind Ithaca Agency
Ioannis Mikrogiannakis is the founder of Mind Ithaca agency, specializing in digital & business transformation. He co-operates with enterprises, guiding & supporting their people to achieve amazing efficiency and operational results. The “Odyssey Method” and the “Telemachus Workshop” are acknowledged as great labs for understanding and implementing business transformation. They are also considered as rare, inspiring experiences for the participants. The "Ithaca miracle" about public speaking and presentations, is the third part of his “Metamorphosis Trilogy” (Inspire - Organise - Transform). For 25+ years he served the major business software companies (Microsoft, Unisoft, Altec, Softone, SingularLogic) as team and general manager, playing an important role - both to his industry and to enterprise’s computerization. Ηis methods, are still considered as a model for many Greek software vendors and partners. Ioannis has studied Business Management at the Athens University of Economics and speaks English & French. He loves outdoor activities, he is a tournament-level chess player and an enthusiastic public speaker.
Mr George Handjinicolaou, Chairman, PIRAEUS BANK
Mr. George Handjinicolaou is Chairman, non-executive member, of the Board of Directors of Piraeus Bank, and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX). He is also Chairman of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation, a non-profit foundation. Mr. Handjinicolaou has also been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Bank Association, the non-profit legal entity that represents Greek and foreign credit institutions operating in Greece. Mr. Handjinicolaou received his PhD in Finance from the graduate school of business at New York University, where he also earned his MBA, and holds a BS degree from the Law School at the University of Athens, Greece. His career in the financial services sector spans over 35 years, the vast majority of which was spent at global financial institutions based in London and New York. Mr. Handjinicolaou held the position of Deputy CEO of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) in London for 6 years (2011-16), where he was also a member of the Board of Directors. Previously and for over 25 years, he held senior management positions in the derivatives and fixed income markets at several global financial institutions including Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and UBS in London and New York, while he started his career at the World Bank in Washington, DC. Mr. Handjinicolaou has also leadership experience in Greece from his roles as CEO of TBANK and as Vice Chairman of the Greek Capital Market Commission.
Mr George Moschovakis, Group Commercial Director, KLEEMANN SA
Mr George Moschovakis having a career that exceeds 20 years, is an experienced International Commercial Director, accountable for the P&L results of all KLEEMANN subsidiaries with Direct Reports of all the General Managers in 15 different countries. He is responsible for the consolidated profitability of a Multinational Group that employs 1450 people and offers solutions to more than 110 countries in all 5 continents. He is one of the top 6 executives of KLEEMANN’s group leadership team. He is also a Member of the Board of Directors at the second largest manufacturing facility of our Group in Serbia, as well as Kleemann Lift Ro in Romania and KLEEMANN Turkey. Among his main responsibilities is the formation of our Strategy with respect to new investments globally. Mobility is one of his main competences as he is travelling extensively spending more than 40% of his working time on international business trips. He is one of the main spokespersons of the KLEEMANN group with live interviews in BBC World news and BBC Radio. Skilled in International Business Development, Business Strategy, Negotiation, Sales and Operations Management. Professional with two Masters of Science ( MSc) focused in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Business Management from University of Warwick.
Mr Panayiotis Hassapis, Executive Vice President, SEVE-Greek Exporters Association
Mr. Hassapis is Corporate Finance & Strategy Advisor and Executive Vice President of SEVE. He is an alumni of American College of Thessaloniki Anatolia. He studied Economics and Business Administration in France (Rouen & Paris) and holds post graduate degrees in Accounting & Management and Money, Banking & Finance (Southampton University & Birmingham University). He worked as CFO at MEVGAL SA, CFO & Legal Representative at ZANAE SA and as Treasurer at PYRAMIS METALLURGY SA following his short occupation at the banking sector. He has been teaching Financial Management & Banking at CITY COLLEGE (Sheffield University affiliated) in Thessaloniki.
Dr George Konstantopoulos, President, SEVE-GREEK EXPORTS ASSOCIATION
Dr. Georgios Konstantopoulos is President of SEVE - Greek Exporters’ Association, President of Egnatia Odos SA, Vice President of PEMETE - Panhellenic Association of Processing, Standardizing and Exporting Companies of Table Olives and also Shareholder, Member of the Board of Directors and Director of Exports of KONSTANTOPOULOS SA "OLYMP" - Food Industry established in1956. The company processes, standardizes and exports 95% of its sales all over the world, being present in five continets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. It has production facilities in Katerini, Kalamata and Nea Moudania and storage areas in many areas where table olive and extra virgin olive oil are produced in Kalamata. He was Deputy Minister of Health and Social Solidarity, Head of the Interparliamentary Union (IPU), Deputy Chairman of the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs and Assistant Professor of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Dr. Konstantopoulos has graduated from the University of Munich "Ludwig - Maximillian Universität München" and studied at the Medical School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He speaks German and English
Mr Constantinos Constantinidis, CEO, PELOPAC SA
Constantinos Constantinidis is the CEO of PELOPAC since 1996. PELOPAC is one of the leading Greek exporters of table olives and other Greek and Mediterranean specialties. The company specializes in developing and producing top quality food products for leading brands and retailers worldwide, including the USA, Australia, UK and Europe. PELOPAC has received multiple awards, including “Greek Export Awards” for Top Manufacturing Company (Silver) and Top Exporting Company (Bronze) and “Greek Values Awards” for Outstanding Medium Size Company, Export Excellence and Innovation. PELOPAC’s products have received 28 Great Taste Awards (UK) and have been featured at Innovation Expositions at SIAL and PLMA. Since 1988 he has been involved in several new ventures in various segments in Greece. He was a founding partner of Mt.Vikos and Big Picture Foods, both food import and marketing companies in the USA. Since 2020 he is the Chairman of the Board of the AgrοTech Export Cluster in Central Macedonia. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute of Applied Biosciences of CERTH, the Agrotechnology Committee of AmCham, the Executive Committee of SEVE, the Board of FIG, the Board of Trustees of Anatolia College and the Chair of the Oversight Committee of the Anatolia High School in Thessaloniki. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, and a BSc (ENG) in Mechanical Engineering from Queen Mary College, University of London.
Dr Yannis Hajidimitriou, Professor in International Business and Director of the Master's Program in International Business at the Department of Business Administration, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dr. Yannis Hajidimitriou is Professor in International Business and Director of the Master’s Program in International Business. Professor Hajidimitriou served as Rector of the University of Macedonia (September 2010 to August 2014). He has also served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Department of Business Administration, as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Department of Marketing and Operations Management, and as Chairman of the MBA Program. Professor Hajidimitriou is holding a B.A. degree in Economics from Athens Graduate School of Economics and Business, and a M.A. and a Ph.D. in Economics from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, USA. His research interests focus on exporting of family SMEs, international partner selection in exporting family SMEs, internationalization of family SMEs, trust in international strategic alliances, knowledge transfer in international joint ventures and critical success factors in exports. Professor Hajidimitriou also worked for the American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), USA, in the Market Analysis and Forecasting Department and served as Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas, USA, and Visiting Lecturer at the Sheffield University Management School, UK. Since July 2000, Professor Hajidimitriou is an honorary member of the Board of Directors of the Greek International Business Association (ΣEBE – SEVE). He is also member of the Administrative Committee of the Business & Exhibition Research and Development Institute (ΔΕΘ) in Thessaloniki and member of the Board of Directors of Alexander Innovation Zone, representing SEVE.
Prof. Panayiotis H. Ketikidis, BSc, MSc, PhD, Chairperson of the Board of Thessaloniki Innovation Zone (TIZ) & Vice President of Research & Innovation - CITY College, University of York Europe Campus
Professor Panayiotis H. Ketikidis is the Chairperson of the Innovation Zone of Thessaloniki (TIF – AZK); Chairperson of the South East European Research Centre (SEERC) and the Vice President for Research and Innovation of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus. He is an Emeritus member of the Board at SEVE - Exporters Association of Greece; Executive Committee Board Member of EBAN - The European Trade Association for Business Angels, Seed Funds and Early Stage Market Players, (2020-present); Co-founder of HeBAN - Hellenic Business Angels Network (2015-present); Member of the Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee – Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce; President and founder of the Triple Helix Association Chapter of Greece (2013-present) and Expert Evaluator for the European Innovation Council (EIC).
Mr George Karagiannopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, EUROBANK FACTORS & Chairman, HELLENIC FACTORS ASSOCIATION
George Karagiannopoulos is the CEO of Eurobank Factors since 2010, having served as General Manager of the same company since 2007. Previously, he held the positions of Regional Director of Commercial Banking and Senior Manager for Large Corporates in Eurobank coming from respective divisions of Societe Generale and Bank of Cyprus. Mr Karagiannopoulos is also the Chairman of the Hellenic Factors Association and the national delegate at the EU Federation for Factoring and Commercial Finance. Finally, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of Eurobank Ergasias Leasing since 2017. He is a graduate of City University (now Cass) Business School London (MBA Finance) as well as of the University Jussieu of Paris (Maitrise, Applied Mathematics).
Mr Konstantinos Skrekas, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY
Konstantinos Skrekas comes from Megarhi, Trikala. He is married to Eirini Karagouni and has two daughters, Alexandra and Sophia. He holds a Degree in Civil Engineering from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Technology), and an M.Sc. in Construction Management from the University of Birmingham, UK. After completing his studies, he worked in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector in managerial positions. He is the co-founder of a company operating in the FMCG sector and held the posisition of CEO for 15 years. In the general election of 6 May 2012 he was elected Member of the Greek Parliament (MP) for the Constituency of Trikala with the New Democracy Party. He was re-elected on 17th June of the same year. On the 25th of January 2015 he was elected Member of the Greek Parliament (MP), receiving the largest number of electoral votes among candidates from all political parties, in the Constituency of Trikala. He was re-elected in the elections on 20th September of the same year. In the general elections on 7th July 2019 he was elected Member of the Greek Parliament for the Constituency of Trikala. During his terms of office in the Hellenic Parliament he has been a member of the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, the Standing Committee on Production and Trade, the Special Permanent Committee on Research and Technology and the Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection. He was also Shadow Minister for the Environment and Energy Sector for the New Democracy Party from January 2016 – June 2019. He was appointed Minister of Development and Competitiveness from October 2014 until February 2015. On 9th July 2019 he was appointed Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, being specifically responsible for the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). On 5th January 2021 he was appointed Minister of the Environment and Energy. He speaks English and French.
Mr Fotis Kouvelis,
He was born in Volos. He studied Law, Economics and Political studies at the University of Athens. He was President of Athens Bar Association. He is member of both Hellenic Constitutional Experts Union and Hellenic Criminal Bar Association, honorary member of the Non-governmental Organization «SOS Racism» while during the time period 1991-1994, he was also President of Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims. He was member of «Lambrakis Democratic Youth» and «Regas Pheraios » Association. He was also a founding member of Communist Party of Greece (interior) serving on its Executive Office and Central Committee. He was a founding member of the «Greek Left » political party, and was elected its Secretary. During his term office it was decided its inclusion in the «Left and Progress Coalition» political party in which he was a member of the Executive Committee, Standing Committee as well as its Secretary. He was elected as a Member of the Parliament with the political party of «Coalition of Left and Progress » in the parliamentary elections of 1989, 1990, 1996, 2004,2007 και 2009 while after the parliamentary elections of 2009 he was appointed as SYRIZA Parliamentary Representative. In 2010 he founded the political party of «Democratic Left-DIMAR» and was elected its President by its first Congress. At the end of 2015 and after his leaving from the political party of «Democratic Left-DIMAR» he founded, along with other former members of Democratic Left, the political party of « European Left Unified Movement-ΕΚΙΕΑ ». He served as Minister of Justice in 1989 Cabinet in which the political party of «Coalition of Left and Progress» participated and Deputy Minister of National Defense in 2018 Cabinet. Since 29thAugust 2018 he is Minister of Maritime and Insular Policy. He is married to Fotini Palla and father of two daughters.
Dr Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Research Director & Deputy Director, Institute of Transport (HIT) of the Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH)
Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou is Research Director & Deputy Director of the Institute of Transport (HIT) of the Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH). She is the Managing Director of the Thessaloniki Technology Park Management & Development Corporation S.A (TTP). She holds: a Civil Engineer degree of the National Technical University of Athens, with specialization in Transport Engineering, Maitrise Informatic of University of PARIS VII, DEA Transport of the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chausees and Engineering PhD from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Professional and research experience in the fields of: transport systems design, application of new technologies for intelligent transport systems, smart mobility solutions and logistics. Participation and coordination of many research projects and studies. Member of the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum of DG-MOVE.
Mr Thanos Tantanozis, Commercial manager of transaction banking for Northern Greece, EUROBANK
Mr Tantnozis has been working in the Greek Banking Sector since 1989. He started his banking career in the Trade Transactions department of Ergasias Bank, at Leontos Sofou Branch in Thessaloniki, and continued as head of Eurobank’s Trade Finance - Northern Greece. From 2010 until now he works as Commercial Manager of Global Transaction Banking, having the responsibility for the services development of Cash Management, Trade finance and Factoring for Northern Greece.
Mr Anastasios Ntougas, Treasurer, Thessaloniki Bar Association
Mr Ntougas graduated from the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2009, he is a lawyer in Thessaloniki since 2011, today he is an appellate attorney and has a good knowledge of English and Italian. He is specialized in banking and financial law. He is a legal advisor to a well-known banking group. He teaches at Vocational Training Centers legal issues, business management and entrepreneurship. He has a profound impact on economic and social issues concerning Greek society and vulnerable social groups. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Thessaloniki Bar Association, since January 2018 and holds the position of the Treasurer. He is also the Chairman of the Public Relations and Social Awareness Committee of the Thessaloniki Bar Association.
Mr Yiannis Sanidiotis, Group General Manager, Kleemann Group
Mr Yiannis Sanidiotis graduated in 1991 from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as a Mechanical Engineer. He also holds an MBA in ICBS. He started his career as soon as he graduated. He joined Kleemann Group in 2005 as deputy plants director and cabins plant manager. In 2017, he was appointed Group General Manager, a position he holds to this day.
Mr George Kastellanos, Executive Director, Hellenic Ports Association-ELIME
George Kastellanos the Executive Director of ELIME (Hellenic Ports Association) was born and raised in Piraeus. He holds a BA in Business Management from the University of Piraeus and an Msc in Maritime Management from the University of Wales. His long standing experience in Maritime Affairs spreads across most sectors of the industry. George Kastellanos has held key positions in Shipping Companies dealing with Ships and Ports Operations, Dry Cargo Chartering and in Bunkers and lubricants trading. He has acted as Consultant for the management, re-structuring and Operations of ports in Cyprus, Syria, Egypt and Greece. Following a national competition by ICAP Hellas, he was appointed the Executive Director of ELIME in 2003, when the head office was in Thessaloniki and then moved to Piraeus. He is member of the Economic Chamber of Greece and Greek ports representative in ESPO (European Seaports Organization).
Mr Nikos Lygeros, Advisor in strategy
Born 1968 in Greece raised in Lyon France, Nikos Lygeros is a mathematician, linguistics expert, writer, poet, artist, play director, music composer, involved in smart education, history, music, theater archeology, philosophy, energy, management, innovation. He is known for his high intelligence and exceptional giftedness and recognized for the actualization of his work which to date consists of over 43,500 writings and research papers, over 30 world records in number theory, in combinatorics and in algebra, over 2,600 of lectures, seminars over 1,700 interviews, more than 5,900 pieces of artwork and designs, more than 60 books, more than 180 music compositions. As a Master in strategy through geostrategy, topostrategy and chronostrategy he provides on an international level advisory work on crimes against Humanity, advocating for Human Rights and the Rights of the Indigenous people and enhancing the establishment of the Rights of Humanity. He is fluent in French, Greek and English. His official website is: https://lygeros.org/#content2 His official channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoxTAEykhjzXpuCiNnYTluw
Mr Vangelis Asvestas, Distribution Account Manager / Cloud & IoT Lead, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, CISCO
Vangelis is working for Cisco since 2005. Having experience in various sales roles and a solid technical background, Vangelis is currently holding the Distribution Account Manager position and is also the Cloud & IoT Lead for Greece, Cyprus and Malta building and enabling an Ecosystem of partners selling complete IoT and Cloud solutions. In the past, Vangelis has worked as a Channel Account Manager & Territory Business Manager at Cisco, and also as Technical Consultant at Hewlett Packard, Informatics & M. Papasavas AEVE. Vangelis holds a Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science degree from the TEI of Piraeus and an MBA from Hellenic American University.
Mr Andreas Schinas, Manager Sales & Handling Greece, Cyprus Albania, Kosovo, Lufthansa Cargo AG
Starting his career in the airfreight industry back in 1994 in Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport, is currently Country Manager of Lufthansa Cargo AG managing the sales and handling tasks in Greece, Cyprus, Albania and Kosovo. Multi-lingual and with experience of managing people and operations over multiple sites, different culture and knowledge, integrator of Austrian Airlines cargo department in Lufthansa Cargo organization for SE Europe.
Mr Nicolas A. Vernicos, Shipowner, Honorary President & Member of the Board, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-Hellas)
Hon President & Member of the Board, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-Hellas) www.iccwbo.org • Vice Chair Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce, China, www.srcic.com • Member of the Board of Directors (BOD): - Hellenic Chamber of Shipping www.nee.gr - Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry www.pcci.gr With over 30 years cumulative experience in the management of the biggest Greek public companies, he has served among others in the BOD of: Public Power Corporation www.dei.gr, Olympic Airways, National Bank of Greece (France) S.A., Hellenic Shipyards etc. • President of the VERNICOS MARITIME group of companies founded in Constantinople in the 19th century for Tugs & Salvage www.vernicostugs.gr • Vice President VERNICOS YACHTS S.A. www.vernicos.com • Vice President EUROCORP Financial Services SA, Athens www.eurocorp.gr In parallel to his business activities, ΝΑV is very active in the sectors of culture and environment. In addition of having served to the BOD of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens, www.emst.gr, he has been a Member of BOD of: - European Cultural Center of Delphi www.eccd.gr - Elliniki Etairia, Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage www.ellet.gr - The Association for the Creation of a New Building for the National Opera and “Maria Callas” Academy - CEREC, Comite pour le Rapprochement de l’Economie et de la Culture, Brussels - Founding Chairman of the Kastela Centre of Contemporary Art in Piraeus, www.facebook.com/kastelaart?fref=ts The Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce www.hellenicamerican.cc honored NAV as the “2019 Person of the Year” on its 70th Anniversary Gala, held in NY, March 2019. Nicolas A. Vernicos born in Athens in 1945 originates from the island of Sifnos in the Cyclades of the Aegean sea. Married with Barbara Vernicos, they have 3 daughters and 3 granddaughters. He has a M.Sc. in Economics from the Athens University of Economics (ASOEE). www.aueb.gr.
Mr Vassilios Ch. Kampakis, President, Shipping Agents Association of Thessaloniki
Born in Thessaloniki, refugee origin from both parents. Although he did not study in the Maritime field, at a random visit to a shipping agency of that time in the early 1970s, he was tremendously impressed by the way of work and the particular subject. He used every acquaintance and ability to get involved into this business and he made it in the end. Starting out of course as an employee for many years, he managed to set up his own shipping agency, representing vessels, cruise ships and cargo. Further on there was more growth that forced him to engage in logistics, storage, rail transport, handling, loading and servicing of cargo on board vessels. There has been an international recognition of these efforts. The group consists of employees and laborers of 75 people with the ability to offer vertical services to the representing of ships and the handling, loading and forwarding of cargoes. He has been elected President of the Federation of Shipping Agents of Greece and of the Shipping Agents Association of Thessaloniki for many years. He is optimistic and he is struggling for the extroversion of the port and Thessaloniki in general because he believes it can not be second in turn but first in Greece and the East Mediterranean sea. Besides, his profession is based on extroversion.
Dr Ioannis Kaplanis, General Manager, Ηellenic Industrial Property Organisation - OBI
Dr. Kaplanis was appointed as Director General of the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation in 2015. He is an economist with degrees from London School of Economics (Ph.D., BSc) and University of Manchester (MSc). Before joining OBI, he worked as an Economist at the OECD for three years. In the past, Dr. Kaplanis worked for years in academia (London School of Economics; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain), and in the Economic Team of the Mayor of London. He has extensive experience advising national and regional governments on public governance and development policies in order to promote sustainable, inclusive and innovative cities and regions (China, Chile, Mexico, Greece, UK). Dr. Kaplanis is a Research Associate on innovation and entrepreneurship at the Athens University of Economics and Business, as well as the University of Piraeus, and he is also a member of the Committee of Experts on Minimum Wage for Greece.
Mr Nikitas Kladakis, Information Security Director, Netbull
Mr. Kladakis holds a Bachelor in Department of Electronic and has certifications in IBM Security Systems Sales Professional v3, IBM Security QRadar v7.0 MR4 Fundamentals, IBM InfoSphere Guardium Solution Sales Professional v1, IBM InfoSphere Guardium, IBM InfoSphere Guardium Technical Mastery, MacAfee Certified Product Specialist - ePO and the Checkpoint -CCSA, CCSE. It has a lot of experience over twenty five (25) consecutive years as a security officer in projects of private and public sector on the Security of Information Systems.
Mr Theodore E. Veniamis, Union of the Greek Shipowners, President & Managing Director, Golden Union Shipping Co. SA
Mr. Theodore Veniamis was born in Vrontados Chios in 1950. In March 1974 he graduated from the University of Athens (School of Business and Economics) obtaining the extended title/specialization in Economics and Law. Since 1977, he is the founding director of Golden Union Shipping Co. S.A., a dry cargo Ship Management - Operating company of which he is the President/CEO. Golden Union currently operates 44 dry bulk carriers of about 5.6 million dwt, with another 1 vessel on order. He is the head of Golden Union Group, which in addition is actively involved in a growing number of shipping and non-shipping related activities. Since 2009, Mr. Veniamis is the President of the Union of the Greek Shipowners and an elected member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee since 1987. As a recognised leader in the shipping industry, he has often been active in a number of international and national associations and committees. Currently, Mr. Veniamis is President of Otesat Maritel (Telecommunications services provider) and he is also the Honorary Chairman of the DNV GL Hellenic Committee, Chairman of the Hellenic Advisory Committee of Lloyds Register, Member of the Greek National Committee of ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) as well as Member of the Hellenic Committee of RINA (Italian Class Society).
Mr George Xiradakis, President, International Propeller Club of the United States, Founder, Managing Director, XRTC Business Consultants
Mr. George Xiradakis was born in Athens in 1964 and grew up in Volos. He graduated from the Aspropyrgos School of Merchant Marine and after a five-year assignment on Greek ships as a Merchant Marine Officer, he continued his studies in Great Britain by obtaining a Diploma in Commercial Operations from City of London Polytechnic and MSc in Maritime Studies from the University of Wales. He served as Senior Manager in the French bank Credit Lyonnais both in Athens and Paris. In 1999 he founded XRTC Business Consultants, which acts as a commercial representative of foreign banks (Credit Lyonnais, Natexis Banque Populaires, Natixis) and institutions in Greek Shipping Market. Since 2010 XRTC has been an advisor of China Development Bank, while Mr. Xiradakis has been appointed as a member of the Bank's specialized advisory board. Mr. Xiradakis is President of the International Propeller Club of the United States - International Port of Piraeus, Vice President of the Hellenic Chinese Chamber, General Secretary of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping, VicePresident of the Greek-Chinese Association, member of the Mediterranean Committee of the China Classification Society (CCS), member of HELMEPA, Piraeus Shipping Club etc. He is also a BoD member of Paragon Shipping Inc. (NASDAQ: PRGN). In May 2019 he participated in the European elections as a candidate for MEPs.
Mr Grigoris Zarotiadis, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Grigoris Zarotiadis was born on the 23rd of February 1972 in Thessaloniki. He studied economics in Johannes Kepler University of Linz – Austria. During his PhD he spent a year in UMIST (University of Manchester – Institute for Science and Technology). Currently, he is the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is the President of the Association of Economic Universities of South and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region - ASECU. His research covers the fields of international economics, economic development and economic growth, having a plentiful record of international academic publications and relevant citations. Since 2000, he serves as an Independent, Non - Executive Member of the Board of DROMEAS S.A.
Mr Elias Hajiefremidis, President Worldwide Industrial & Marine Association WIMA, General Manager, HAJIEFREMIDIS S.A
Mr. Elias Hajiefremidis BSc, General Manager of HAJIEFREMIDIS S.A., is a 1996 graduate of Plymouth University U.K. with a degree in Shipping Business and Law. Upon graduation Elias joined the family business, HAJIEFREMIDIS S.A., which was established in 1959 by his father, Apostolos, and remains one of the oldest and most respected Shipping Agencies in Piraeus. Starting out as Head of Operations, Elias gradually gained the required experience to reach the position of General Manager which he holds until today.
Mr George Maronidis, Lawyer LL.M- Managing Partner, Maronidis & Associates Law Firm
George Maronidis is the founder and managing partner of “Maronidis & Associates Law Firm” admitted to practice before the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Greece. He studied law at the Law School of the Democritus University of Thrace (LL.B) and holds an LL.M Postgraduate Degree in maritime & combined transport law from the University of Southampton. He also holds an Erasmus Diploma in English Law from the University of Essex. His focus is mainly on shipping law, transportation law, commercial law, company law, export law and logistics. He has established a reputation in litigation and legal counseling in his work, advising and representing domestic and international clients in relation to shipping and trading matters, investments, mergers, commercial negotiations. Over the last 23 years “Maronidis & Associates Law Firm” with offices in Piraeus & Thessaloniki provides high quality legal consulting, arbitration, mediation and litigation services in a wide range of issues, given that the Firm diligently supports its domestic and international clientele in the most effective and profitable ways, through its pragmatic and business-focused approach. The Firm’s clients range from reputable commercial companies & shipowners to Port Operators, forwarders and traders, from commercial joint ventures and shipping companies to import-export enterprises, maritime associations and unions, from blue chip companies to small businesses and private individuals. Furthermore, the Firm represents before the Greek Government, Transporter, Shipping Agent, Forwarder and Professional Associations, Organizations, Unions all over Greece and participates in major relevant Conferences.
Dr George Sarantavgas, Director of Standards and Solutions, GS1 Association Greece
Dr. George Sarantavgas, is the Director of Standards and Solutions at GS1 Association Greece. He holds a B.Eng(Hons) on Electronics & Computer Engineering and an M.Sc on Digital Communications. In 2004 the Royal Academy of Engineering of Great Britain awarded him a scholarship to begin his Ph.D studies on Electrical and Electronics Engineering for medical applications at Cranfield University and graduated in 2009. He worked in multinational companies in the High Technology industry in Europe and Greece and he has participated in projects developing hardware and software, collaborating with companies such as Samsung, Thales, BAE, GE, Carl Zeiss, Philips etc. From 2012 to 2014 he served as an advisor to the Greek Ministry of Health for sectors like technology, information systems and strategic management. He has also served as a substitute member at the Board of Directors of Sotiria General Hospital from 2013 to 2014. From 2014 he worked as a senior auditor in ISO Quality Management Systems in the healthcare sector and also as a CE auditor for medical devices and software. Dr. George Sarantavgas is a member of scientific organisations and institutes (ΙΕΕΕ, ΙΕΤ, ΕΕL, TEE).
Mr Ilias G. Bissias, Director, Naftika Chronika magazine
Ilias G. Bissias is the Director of the acclaimed Greek Shipping Magazine Naftika Chronika (published since 1931) and the educational platform Isalos.net. He is currently also the Press Officer of SuperEco Tankers and Bulkers Management, as well as the Director of Strategy for the Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters (HEMEXPO). Since 2002 Mr. Bissias has regularly lectured on the areas of international maritime policy, strategic management in shipping, corporate communications and contemporary maritime history. Since 2014 he is part time and adjunct lecturer at the ALBA Graduate Business School. In the past he has also worked for the European Commission (1999-2002) and was a legal correspondent for Greece in the areas of air transport law and policy. Mr. Bissias holds a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Law from the University of London. In 2009 he was invited by the US State Department to visit the US on the IV Leadership Program (IVLP).
Mrs Eleni Stathatou, President, Export Credit Insurance Organization (ECIO)
Eleni Stathatou holds, a master’s degree in Marketing Management & Communication with New Technologies from the Athens University of Economics & Business, a master’s degree in Tourism Marketing and Management from the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, a bachelor's degree, in Philosophy from the National & Kapodistrian University of Economics. She also holds International Certification (ICC), e-learning and professional certifications from Hellenic Bank Association (HBA) and other recognized organizations. With 36 years of distinguished performance in the National Bank of Greece, 26 of which in senior positions, she worked in the field of credit operations, foreign operations (imports and exports), transactions and deposits in euro and foreign currency and the last 5 in the position of Deputy Director in the International Trade Division of the Bank for the centralized management of documentary credits, documentary collections, or clear collections and international trade (e.g. forfeiting). She has extensive experience as a seminar speaker since 1988 (in the National Bank and in private institutions), specialized in issues of international trade, operations in euro and foreign currency (trading, deposits). She speaks English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Dr Maria Boile, Associate Professor of “Port and Inland Terminal Policy and Management” and Director of the MSc program in Shipping at the University of Piraeus, Department of Maritime Studies
Dr. Maria Boile is Associate Professor of “Port and Inland Terminal Policy and Management” and Director of the MSc program in Shipping at the University of Piraeus, Department of Maritime Studies, Head of Unit on Transport Economics and Environment, Maritime and Air Transport, at the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT), Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), and Affiliated Faculty member at the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), Rutgers University. She has a diploma in Civil (Transportation) Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University, US, and Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, US. Her research interests and expertise are in the areas of passenger and freight intermodal transport system modeling, freight and maritime logistics, port and inland terminal operations and management. She has participated in over 70 sponsored research projects in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, leading over half of them. She has authored and co-authored over 170 technical articles and 12 book chapters. Her teaching and research work has received prestigious awards. She has worked as a consultant in numerous transport and logistics projects.
Mrs Danae Bezantakou, CEO, Navigator Shipping Consultants
Danae Bezantakou is CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants, shareholder of KEFI S.A. and MATILDA HOTEL in Zakynthos Island. She is also President of iforU-Greek Mentoring Network, which empowers women’s entrepreneurship through mentoring & networking and Concept Founder of YES FORUM - the leading platform of open dialogue in the Greek Shipping and Sea Tourism Industries among principals, executives and university students, recent graduates and young executives. Danae represented Greece twice in International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) “Women in Leadership” organized by Hilary Clinton, in March 2011 & “On Demand Opportunity: Alumni Association Development” in December 2017. She has been nominated to be one of the European Young Leaders (2014), her name was included in the "Purpose Economy Europe 100 List 2014", as well as in the 40under40 list of Fortune Greece. She is founding member and the 1st President of the Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association of State Department Programs during the period 2015-2018. Danae was appointed as Young Global Leader from World Economic Forum for the years 2015-2020, holds Global Dignity's Greek Country Chair and has been nominated to join the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network. Her dedication to the growth of Entrepreneurship made her to be named as a Role Model in the campaign #Makingithappen organized by the U.S. Embassy to Greece. She regularly participates as a speaker, judge or mentor in competitions, school and university lectures and events related to entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Surrey. She has a 10 year old daughter.
Mr Sotirios Theofanis, President & CEO, Thessaloniki Port Authority SA
Sotirios (Sotiris) Theofanis is currently the Chairman of the BoD and Chief Executive Officer of the privatized Thessaloniki Port Authority SA and Member of the BoD of the South Europe Gateway Thessaloniki (SEGT) Ltd. An internationally acknowledged expert, academic and manager in the fields of freight transportation; logistics; and ports. Former Expert; Head of Unit; and acting Director for Ports with the Ministry of Merchant Marine, Greece (1985-1999). Former Chief Executive Officer of Thessaloniki Port Authority SA, Greece (1999-2002) and Chairman of the BoD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Piraeus Port Authority SA, Greece (2002-2004), he led the efforts for the restructuring and listing of the two port companies in the Athens Stock Exchange. Former Director, Freight and Maritime Program (FMP) and Director of Strategic Planning (2006-2012) at the Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA, he is currently Fellow and Visiting Professor with the same University. He is also Senior Visiting Lecturer with Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI), Israel, Chairman of the National Port Training Institute and member of the ESPO (European Sea Ports Organization) Executive Committee, where he has been selected as the Port Professional of the Month in April 2019.
Dr Antonis Kalis, Head of R&D activities, SignalGeneriX Ltd
Dr. Antonis Kalis is working with SignalGeneriX Ltd, as head of its R&D activities. He has previously been employed as an adjunct professor in Carnegie Mellon University, an Associate Professor in Athens Information Technology, and a visiting scientist in the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya. He has numerous journal and conference publications, IEEE tutorials and invited talks (e.g. in Bell Labs, Princeton University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Trento, University of Piraeus, etc.), a US patent, a Marconi paper award nomination, and the 2000 Chester Sall Memorial award of the Consumer Electronics Society. From May 2012 to November 2018 he has served as the technical director of Lynceus and Lynceus2Market, two EU projects on large passenger ship safety, coordinating research, development, manufacturing and integration activities, and acting as the projects’ spokesman in several occasions, including a Euronews Futuris documentary and a TEDx invited talk. The system developed through these projects was awarded the prestigious Lloyd’s List Global Innovation Award in 2014 and is in operation in one of Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships since May 2018.
Mr Roberto Karahannas, General Manager Domestic & International Retail HELPE & Chief Executive Officer EKO SA
An economist specialized in Finance and Accounting. A Fulbright scholar, he studied in the United States and holds a post graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Lehigh University, Pennsylvania. He is a member of ΦΒΚ (Phi Beta Kappa), ΒΓΣ (Beta Gamma Sigma) and ΒΑΨ (Beta Alpha Psi) honorary societies. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he is a member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) with extensive experience in management positions in several sectors of the economy such as financial information, maritime and energy. His professional career begins in 1992 working in Cyprus as an auditor for Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). In 1995 he moves to Greece as an Area Finance Manager for Dow Jones Telerate, where he also held the position of the President of the Board of Directors. In 2001 and for the next 5 years, he works in the marine sector for Royal Olympic Cruises and Capital Maritime & Trading. Since 2006 he works for the Hellenic Petroleum Group, originally as the Group Controller, later as the Finance General Director of EKO ABEE, and the Retail Finance Manager. Today he is the General Manager of Domestic and International Retail for the Hellenic Petroleum Group, Chief Executive Officer for Hellenic Fuels and Lubricants and Chairman at the Hellenic Petroleum Marketing Companies Association (SEEPE).He participates actively on several BoD’s of Hellenic Petroleum companies in Greece and abroad as well as on a number of group committees regarding investments, credit assessment and remuneration.
Mr Vassilis Kechagias, Cofounder & CEO, SUPERALLOYS Company
Vasileios Kechagias, Mechanical & Materials Engineer with MSc and PhD in Materials Technology from Aristotle University, cofounder and CEO of SUPERALLOYS Company, was born in Thessaloniki in 29-7-1971. He is specialized for many years in the field of large-scale industrial maintenance projects and machine elements manufacturing, using advanced materials and processes for Marine Cement, Power Generation, Oil and Defense Industry. Due to his particular expertise and know-how in the urgent Mechanical Maintenance sector, he developed a strong extroverted activity with special technical projects and direct export of mechanical products, to the wider Balkan region, Europe, America, Middle East and Asia. He is also participating and managing R&D programs in advanced materials and processes, in cooperation with research teams of universities. He is member in the board of directors of SEVE, in the board of directors, in the Chamber of Small & Medium sized Industries of Thessaloniki while in the period 2013-2016 he was member in the board of directors in Alexander Innovation Zone.
Mr Kostis Achladitis, Managing Director, Golden Cargo
Being already 40 years in shipping industry. Since 1977 working in Golden Union Shipping Group. In 1984 was appointed as Purchasing Manager. In 1989 was appointed to set up and develop Golden Cargo as Managing Director. Jan 2018 elected 2nd Vice President at Piraeus Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Propeller Club member and Chios Marine Club board member. Born and raised in Vrontados- Chios. Graduate the City of London Polytechnic (London University). Holds a BSc in Maritime Economics and MSc in Logistics.
Dr George D. Pateras, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, Chairman, Contships Management Inc
George D. Pateras, born in London, UK and the father of 3 adult children, is the Deputy Chairman, Contships Management Inc. and since 2016 the Chairman of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. He studied Engineering and Economics and holds a BSc in Marine Engineering from Newcastle University, MS in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MIT and a PhD from Plymouth University. He is a Board member of the Hellenic War Risks Association and the Bahamas Shipowners Association, Chairman of the Hellenic Shipping War Risks Insurance S.A., Vice Chairman, NATO, PBOS now TG(OS) (2000-) and permanent advisor (AMSCC) of the Hellenic Ministry of Defense. Dr. Pateras has also served as the Chairman of the Bahamas Shipowners’ Association (20112015) and as a Board member of the Hellenic Seamen’s Pension Fund (1984-1993), Olympic Aviation (1991-1993), the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (1986-2015), the Union of Greek Shipowners (1983-2004), HELMEPA (1996-1998), the BSA representative on International Chamber of Shipping (2011-2015) and Managing Director of Aegeus Shipping S.A. (1981-2018)
Mrs Helen Polychronopoulou, President Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters – HEMEXPO, Executive Vice President of Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE) SA & Business Development Manager of ERMA FIRST ESK ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SA
Helen Polychronopoulou, is currently the Executive Vice President of Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE) SA and the Business Development Manager of ERMA FIRST ESK ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SA, designing and producing the ERMA FIRST ballast water treatment systems. She is also the co-founder and co-owner of HELENGI ENGINEERING Ltd, with expertise in a range of applications for the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Directors of GLOBAL NAVIGATION SOLUTIONS GREECE. She has studied chemistry and has more than 20 years of experience in the field of environmental protection, marine equipment, shipping and ship parts industry. She has been the Director of the Research and Development department of EPE SA, where she has developed innovative equipment for the management and treatment of liquid waste and potable water. Then, she moved to the Business Development department where she successfully undertook projects for the expansion of the company in new markets, by introducing new products and services. Currently, she is involved in expanding the new markets being the President of the Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters – HEMEXPO. She is also a member of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), member of the Mediterranean Committee of China Classification Society (CCS) and member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology (HIMT). Helen has recently been honored as the “Greek Pioneer Entrepreneur of the year 2015”, awarded by Ernst & Young. Finally, she has been a member of the Greek IMO Delegation at MEPC and D&E sub-committees, the Vice President of the Association of Environmental Protection Companies in Greece (PASEPPE) and the national representative for the European Business Environment Awards.
Capt. Dimitrios Mattheou, CEO, Arcadia Shipmanagement & Aegean Bulk, Chairman, Green Award Foundation
Dimitrios Mattheou (https://www.dimitriosmattheou.com/) is the CEO of Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd & Aegean Bulk Co Inc, highly recognized for his contribution as an active member of International Organizations. In particular, he is the Chairman of the Green Award Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Hellenic Mediterranean Panel in INTERTANKO, Governor of the International Propeller Club of the United States, and Executive Committee Member in Norwegian Hull Club, INTERCARGO, HELMEPA and ALBA Graduate Business School. Dimitrios is an inspiring Leader, committed to his job tasks, innovative in his roles and loyal to the corporate spirit. Through his actions he has earned the respect of the maritime community and has been awarded three times as a Best Manager and as a Significant Personality.(Exceptional Personality of Shipping Award / Vaporia Marine Awards 2018, Best Manager award / Efkranti Awards, Personality award / GREEN4SEA Awards, Personal award / Masters & Mates Union of Greek Merchant Marine). As an experienced sailor, he has never neglected the new generation of the seafarers. Therefore, he provides frequent Industry-based tuitions for Post-graduate students as a guest Lecturer at various Academic Institutions for Maritime studies, such as the Piraeus Maritime University, the ALBA Graduate Business School and the Metropolitan College. Inspirational personal quote: ‘Leading through Vision. Inspiring through Actions’.
Mr Athanassios Daflos, Head of i-Services, Global Transaction Banking, Eurobank
Athanassios serves as Head of i-Services at Eurobank Global Transaction Banking Sector. He has served as Chief Information Officer and member of the Eurobank Factors SA Executive Committee. Before joining Eurobank S.A. (2004), he has served as Technology Consultant at Scientific Institutions and as Chief Information Officer at financial & technology companies. He holds a degree in Physics along with an MSc in Information Technology from the University of Athens, and an MBA from the Athens University of Economics & Business. He has been engaged in several scientific projects in the areas ofTechnology at the University of Athens.
Mr Nikos Ypofantis, Journalist, SKAI Medai Group
Nikos Ypofantis works fors SKAI TV, radio SKAI 100,3, as well as for www.skai.gr, www.marketnews.gr and www.eea.gr . He is the presenter of Ready Business programme at SKAI television, and he also broadcasts on the radio of SKAI 100.3. He specialises in the sectors of business, energy, trade, innovation, technology and the "real" economy. He works as a communications consultant to energy companies, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurship and the Athens Business Chamber and he is Pr Specialist in expense Reduction is a cost management services company VERALLIS. He has studied communication, media and advertising. He speaks Spanish and English, as well as Greek.
Mr Konstantinos Ouzounis, General Manager of Ethos Media S.A
Konstantinos Ouzounis is the General Manager of Ethos Media S.A., publisher of banks.com.gr portal, HRIMA magazine, HRIMA Week online newspaper, Insurance World magazine, insuranceworld.gr portal, , Pharma & Health Business (Ph.B) magazine, virus.com.gr portal, aλive newspaper, as well as organizer of Ethos Events & Ethos Awards. Konstantinos Ouzounis has participated in the BoD of numerous media and new technology companies, the Hellenic Union of Editors of Periodical Press (HUEPP) as well as the Varvakeion Model Experimental High School Alumni Association. He studied Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and at Leicester University (MBA). He has written articles for various financial magazines and newspapers. He represents companies of international acclaim, such as Euromoney Magazine, Euromoney Conferences and Georgeson Proxy Solicitation.
Mr Frank Zervos, Sales Consulting Director in Oracle Hellas
Frank Zervos is Sales Consulting Director in Oracle Hellas. He has over 25 years experience in Oracle Technology and IT and has held several managerial positions in both sales and service delivery. He has managed several sales consulting teams in Greece and South Eastern Europe over the last decade and worked with several customers from various industry sectors and countries, orchestrating the presales and bid management teams to propose technology solutions that meet customers’ business needs and generate business value. He is currently managing the Cloud Platform Solution Engineers team for Central Europe, driving the Oracle Cloud Platform Services portfolio and supporting Cloud Platform sales. He holds a BSc in Mathematics with specialization in Applied Mathematics and Information Technology.
Mr Makis Tzeis, Managing Director, Atradius Crédito y Caución S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros (Hellenic branch)
He was born in 1970 in Athens. Ηe studied Mathematics at the University of Ioannina (B.Sc. in Mathematics) and he then completed his post-graduate studies in Actuarial Science at the Cass Business School of London / former City University (Diploma & M.Sc. in Actuarial Science). From 1998 to 2003 he worked in various positions at the Hellenic branch of Gerling Konzern Speziale. In 2004 he took over the position of the Managing Director at the Hellenic branch of Atradius Credit Insurance N.V., which he holds until now. Memberships: Member of the Association of Chief Executive Officers of Greece Member of the Association of Representatives and Executives of Hellenic Insurance Companies Member of the CEO Clubs Other professional fora
Mrs. Vasiliki Paraskeva, microSTARS Credit Officer, KEPA
Mrs. Vasiliki Paraskeva is an economist, graduate of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Political Sciences, by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with significant experience in the Greek banking sector upon issues related to finance, deposits, customer service, credit, recently microcredit as well. Being KEPA’s executive, she acted as an evaluator of investments projects that were under CSF II and NSFR 2007-2013, by the Department for managing co-financed by EU programs, while from the beginning of 2016 as a Credit Officer by "microSTARS" Business Development Services Center in Thessaloniki.
Mr Panos Papazoglou, Country Managing Partner, EY Greece
Panos Papazoglou is the Managing Partner in Greece since July 2010. Effective January 2011 he also holds the role of the CSE South Cluster Leader, effective January 2015 the role of Central & Southeast Europe Markets Leader and effective July 2018 the role of the Central, Eastern and Southern Europe and Central Asia Markets Leader. He has served as Head of Assurance in Ernst & Young Romania for two years and focused on the energy and technology sectors. He has also served as CMP and Head of Assurance in Bulgaria for three years. Panos Papazoglou joined Ernst & Young in 1988 and is based in the Athens office. He is a Qualified Accountant in Greece and Romania. He is a member of the BoD of American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, member of the BoD of the Institute of Economic and Industrial Research and also member at the CEO Clubs and Endeavor.
Mrs Dimitra Papandreou, Principal Manager at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Dimitra Papandreou is Principal Manager at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). She joined EBRD in the beginning of 2018 and she is leading the ‘Advice for Small Businesses Programme’ in Greece, which aims at supporting small and medium enterprises grow by connecting them with local consultants and international advisors. Dimitra has 15 years of professional experience in the provision of advisory services to businesses and organisations in various industries on business strategy and operations. In the past she has worked as a management consultant for Deloitte and Planet SA in Greece. Dimitra holds a BSc in Financial and Banking Management from the University of Piraeus and an MSc in International Development from the University of Bath (UK).
Mr Paris Panagiotidis, CEO LineGroup & Global Service Partner Alibaba
Paris Panagiotidis is an economist with a Master’s degree in Strategic Product Design. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chinese Chamber of Commerce and founder of six successful companies operating in various sectors such as energy, construction, yachting and consulting services. The Group of companies (Line Stoves, Stand Line , Euphoria Yachting, Yacht A yachting, Mr.Buy και Line Group), have a multinational presence and operates in four continents and more than 30 countries. Line Group, was selected by Alibaba Group, the Chinese giant of eCommerce, as the Global Service Partner of Alibaba.com in Greece. Mr. Panagiotidis and his associates consult businesses of all sizes to expand their exporting activity worldwide. He has been collaborating with some of the biggest Greek manufacturers while he has helped many SME’s to build their success stories and transform to major export units in a very short time. He is distinguished for the innovative and tailor made services he has designed for Line Group, while he is the certified Lecturer of alibaba.com for Europe.
Mr Lefteris Ntouanoglou, Cofounder & CEO at Schoox Inc.
Lefteris Ntouanoglou is the main founder and CEO of Schoox Inc., an Austin based company, originated from Greece, which developed Schoox, a disruptive Learning and Talent Development Platform. In a crowded market with over 500 competitors Schoox stood out in just a few years to become one of the fastest growing Talent Development Systems with over 1,000 customers and 5M employees. During his PhD he developed computer algorithms for fast computation of holographic patterns and graduated with Honor. In 1998 he was praised with the Award of Innovation from the Association of Holographic Techniques. A high skilled engineer and a visionary entrepreneur who raised $6.5M funds so far from US based investors and built one of the most successful Greek startup companies. Lefteris was born and grew up in Germany and speaks fluent Greek, German and English. He resides in Greece with his wife and his two children.
Mr Grigoris Moutafis, President & General Manager,Export Credit Insurance Organization (ECIO)
Grigoris Moutafis, President & General Manager,Export Credit Insurance Organization (ECIO), is a graduate of the Department of Financial, Statistics & Insurance Studies, University of Piraeus and holder of the executive diploma of the Annual Course for Insurance Executives, Greek Institute for Insurance Education (EIAS). He has also attended a great number of seminars, related to the Financial, Insurance and Management issues. He has been a Member of the Board of Directors of AIGAION INSURANCE S.A. With over 24 years working experience in the Insurance Industry, he had worked as Finance & Administration Manager for reputable companies such as AIGAION INSURANCE S.A, MAPFRE ASSISTENCIA CO S.A. as well as in BRITISH PROVIDENCE and INCHCAPE GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY (TOYOTA HELLAS Group of Companies). He is Member of the Greek Economical Chamber and the Association of Representatives & Executives of Insurance Companies. Since August 2017, Mr. Moutafis is the President & General Manager of Export Credit Insurance Organization (ECIO)
Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Opposition Leader & President of Nea Demokratia
Kyriakos Mitsotakis was born in Athens in March 1968. He graduated Salutatorian from Athens College in 1986. Kyriakos obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies, summa cum laude, from Harvard University in 1990. During his studies at Harvard, he was awarded the Hoopes & Tocqueville prizes. Kyriakos also earned an MA in International Relations from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Kyriakos worked in London as a financial analyst with Chase Investment Bank and as a consultant with McKinsey and Company. In 1997, he returned to Greece where he joined Alpha Ventures as a senior investment officer. In 1999, Kyriakos joined the National Bank of Greece as CEO of NBG Venture Capital. In January 2003, he was nominated by the World Economic Forum as a Global Leader of Tomorrow. In April 2003, Kyriakos resigned from NBG Venture Capital in order to pursue a career in politics. He was elected to Parliament with Nea Demokratia in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2015. Until June 2012, Kyriakos was the shadow-minister for the environment and climate change for Nea Demokratia. Between 2007 and 2009, he served as Chairman of the Environment Committee of the Hellenic Parliament. Kyriakos served as Minister of Administrative Reform and e-Governance from June 2013 until January 2015. From February 2015 until November of the same year, he was the first-in-order Parliamentary Representative of Nea Demokratia in Parliament. Kyriakos Mitsotakis was elected president of Nea Demokratia on January 10th, 2016.
Mr Panagiotis Milis, Head of Operations, DK Consultants
Mr Panagiotis Milis has excellent analytical skills and proven ability in the development of innovative strategies by taking business decisions in real time. He has graduated from the Economic University of Athens with specialization in Marketing and has gained deep knowledge in the computer science as well. During his career he has worked in senior and top management positions in Greece and abroad, by implementing totally successful penetration and positioning strategies that have led to high market shares for the companies he worked for. As an expert in Marketing and computer science he is developing the evolution of the theory of Marketing from the 4Ps to the 4Is (Imagination, Innovation, Integration, Inner Play, IT). As the Head of a small group, he managed to place his team at the top two positions in the list for the 10 best paid apps of all time in the Greek Apple App Store. He is married with 2 children and works at DK Consultants, as the Head of Operations & Development Director.
Mr Chris N. Konstas, Financial editor for “FILELEFTHEROS” (“Liberal”) daily and financial commentator in television and radio stations
With a twenty-seven-year career in financial journalism, Christos Konstas is currently financial editor for “FILELEFTHEROS” (“Liberal”) daily and financial commentator in television and radio stations. He is also Editor in Chief for www.banks.com.gr. and Content Manager for Ethos Media Publications. He has worked as Editor in Chief for the Paraskinio newspaper and also is currently a columnist for the Sunday newspaper Vradyni. • Born in Thessaloniki in December 1961, he attended last year of high school in Michigan USA, as an exchange student. • He received his first degree -with excellent mention- in Political Science, in 1983, at the Panteion University of Athens. • He completed his three-year post-graduate studies in International Relations in 1986, in Peking China at Beijing University of the People’s Republic of China. He specialised in money and capital markets, taking seminars in Athens, Frankfurt and New York. Christos Konstas has worked for numerous newspapers and radio and TV stations (Ependytis, Exousia, Planet 1045, Star, Mega, Alpha, Alter, Thema Radio 104,6, Action 24 tv). He was honored with the Botsi Award for promoting journalism in Greece in 2005. He speaks English, French, and Chinese.
Mr Tassos Konstantelos, Business Development Manager of Frontline Insurance Brokers
Tassos Konstantelos is the business development manager of Frontline Insurance Brokers. Following his studies in the UK, he has worked as an insurance broker with a very wide spectrum of businesses, from services to heavy manufacturing companies in all lines of insurance. He has a passion for the insurance industry and technologies so with the cybercrime insurance he combines both. He has been dealing with the Cyber risks for 6 years now, both in Greece and abroad and he believes in the merit of this type of insurance especially now that the threats are still mostly underrated. He uses a risk management approach in order to identify threats and provide solutions, safekeeping the insured companies.
Mr Apostolos Kenanidis, President of Hellenic Federation of Road Transport (OFAE)
Having started his career as an electrical engineer in one of the leading group of companies in Greece, Mr Kenanidis very soon got deeply involved into politics both on a regional and a national level. At the same time he started his own business as an international road transport operator. As soon as he recognized the challenges and the opportunities there are in this sector, he took advantage of his experience in politics and got personally involved in the Hellenic Federation of Road Transport (OFAE), where he serves as a President during the last ten years. Being a leader and a visionary, Mr Kenanidis is working hard for the development of the Greek road transport sector.
Mr Dimitris Gkikas, Digital Marketing & Artificial Intelligence Researcher in the Department of Business Administration of Food & Agricultural Enterprises at University of Patras
Dimitris Gkikas is a Digital Marketing & Artificial Intelligence Researcher in the Department of Business Administration of Food & Agricultural Enterprises at University of Patras where he is conducting consumer behavior analysis based on Artificial Intelligence. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Informatics Engineering. His Master’s degree focused on Artificial Intelligence & Robotics. He is working as a Digital Account Manager at Oweb Digital Experience focusing on delivering solutions for startups and medium corporations. He is also an IT lecturer at Department of Business Administration at TEI of Western Greece teaching IT courses. Led by the passion for technology he is constantly following any upcoming digital marketing trends which affect organic or paid results on search engines and social media. Data Mining, Machine Learning, SEO and PPC are some of his areas of expertise. He has been participating in several international competitions and research programs like HFRI, Horizon, European Capital of Culture etc.
Mr George Daniolos, Managing Director of HERON Group
George Daniolos is the Managing Director of HERON Group of companies (Heron I & II) since 2017 and is also the Managing Director of ENGIE Hellas S.A. since 2006. Mr. Daniolos prior to his engagement with ENGIE was employed by VODAFONE in various positions in Greece and abroad for more than 10 years. George Daniolos has a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Patras and an MSc in Management Science from the University of Warwick. He is married, father of two children and speaks Greek, English and German.
Mr Dimitris Christou, Director, Market Development, GS1 Association-Greece
Dimitris Christou has a great experience in commercial activities working as an individual but also as manager, in Greece and Europe, in sales departments, for more than 30 years. He was born in Athens and holds a Batchelor degree from Department of Mechanical engineering, School of Engineering from University of Peloponnese. Since 2015, holds the place of Director in Market Development dpt. in GS1 Association Greece. He speaks English and German, and he is married with 3 kids.
Mr Nikolaos Botinis, Regional Sales Manager Enterprise, Commercial & Partners Greece, Cyprus, Malta Cisco
Nikos has more than 19 years’ experience in the local IT channel industry. He is now responsible for sales in Enterprise, Commercial (Mid & SMB) business sector and managing the relationship of Cisco Systems with the Cisco Partners in Greece, Cyprus & Malta. Nikos, joined Cisco in 1999 as a reseller account manager. Prior to his current position he has held various other roles within Cisco, including Distribution Account Manager, Partner Account Manager and Area Manager. Prior to joining Cisco he has worked for Unicom, InfoQuest and Altec in several positions responsible for sales goals. He was honored as "Channel Account Manager of the year for Greece" in 1999 and also "Cisco Channel Account manager of the year for EMEA" in 2003. He has also played a key role in ensuring continuous business growth, profitability and increase market penetration through direct coverage and network of Channels. Nikos has studied Electrical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens and graduated from the Post Graduate in Business Administration programme of the Hellenic Management Association (EFQM, EFDM). He has also attended several specialized seminars on management process, finance, negotiations and marketing business methodologies.
Mr Leonidas Babanis, Founder and CEO of NORTH EVENTS
Leonidas Babanis has been active in the promotion of the Greek tourism industry as well as the Greek products sectors for a long period, over which he gained substantial experience and know-how in a highly competitive international arena. Following his studies in Canada for Mechanical Engineer at the Concordia University he returned to Greece in 1986 in order to found one of the pioneering software houses in Central Greece, LOGISMIKO, while a few years later, in 1990 he took over as Commercial Director in one the country's fastest growing website houses, HELLAS NET. His successful course over a span of 5 years, led him to FORTHNET - again from the position of Commercial Director. In year 2001 he joins the Vardinoyannis Group of Companies and leads in the newly founded company CHOOSE MEDIA as General Director - with a core objective for the promotion of Greece in major international markets abroad. Since 2007 Leonidas Babanis is Founder and CEO of NORTH EVENTS, as visioner of the only large scaled national exhibitions for Greece in important markets such as the USA, Scandinavia, Poland, and more upcoming, novel markets."
Mr Elias Athanasiou, CEO of Enterprise Greece
Elias Athanasiou was appointed CEO of Enterprise Greece in May 2017. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the private sector in various industries. During his professional career he has worked for major corporations and has been involved in complex international transactions, mergers & acquisitions, fund raising through local and international capital markets (equity, straight & convertible bonds), business development and exports internationally, spanning through all continents. He holds a B.Sc. in Marketing from ULV California, an M.Sc in Finance from the University of Strathclyde and the international professional investment accreditation, CFA.
Mr Anastasios Katsiris, Management Consultant for COFACE in Greece
Anastasios Katsiris is currently Management Consultant for COFACE in Greece having more than 30 years’ experience in the field of Insurance and has been Director of the Credit Insurance division of ETHINIKI ASFALISTIKI for 20 years. He has also been member of the Board of directors of companies in various industries and has lectured in many seminars. He is a graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Economics and has followed Training courses Greece and Abroad in Insurance, Reinsurance, Auditing, Risk Analysis and Finance. He is married with two children.
Mr Andreas Spyridis, Founder and Managing Director of iTrust
Andreas Spyridis is the founder and Managing Director of iTrust; an award-winning performance marketing agency. What started as a one-man-show during his studies at the Technical University of Berlin, begun taking shape in 2006, in Thessaloniki. He built iTrust on a simple premise; “Anything can be done, if you get the strategy right.” He turned an ambitious vision into an energetic, data-driven marketing agency with a hand-picked roster of Greek and international clients. Today, he consults with clients, and brings insights & fresh ideas to conferences across Greece. Thanks to his business acumen, iTrust has become a key player in Digital, forming partnerships with the likes of Google, Facebook and Searchmetrics and executing successful strategies for its international clients.
Mr Dimitris Karavasilis, International Strategy Consultant, founder and CEO of the DK Consultants firm
Dimitris Karavasilis is an International Strategy Consultant, founder and CEO of the DK Consultants firm, which operates in the field of Business Consulting specializing in the areas of International Marketing and Strategic Development of International Activity and CEO of the IDEA MONKEYS marketing and creative agency based in New York and London. He has studied Business Administration and International Marketing at University of Sheffield. He has been participating as an invited speaker in many local and international conferences concerning export trade and International Marketing and he has also attended several specialized seminars internationally in marketing, export and sales. He is a member of the Administrative Committee and of the Board of Directors of the Greek International Business Association (SEVE) and an Executive Consultant on international trade issues at the American - Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in Athens. He has also participated in the core team of the Dutch experts of Task Force, contributing in establishing the Trade and Promotion Roadmap as the key source for reforming the Greek Export Strategy; he is also a member of the Hellenic Institute of Marketing and active member of International Organizations. Prior to the foundation of the Business Consulting firm «DK Consultants» he had been working as a senior executive in industrial and commercial enterprises in Greece and abroad (SATO, Toshiba, Sunair, Premierotel, Pointgroup, Axon Inc., D&B group). Since 1999 he has been assisting significant Greek and foreign firms by providing them with consulting services, and by designing and applying internationally orientated marketing and sales strategies.