OLGA KEFALOGIANNI

Olga Kefalogianni was born in Athens in 1975.

She is a graduate of the School of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1997) and holds two postgraduate degrees, from King’s College, University of London (LL.M, 1998) and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston (GMAP, 2006).

She has worked in large law firms in Athens and New York, as well as in the Legal Service of the European Commission in Brussels.

From 2004 to 2006 she was an associate of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in legal matters.

She was elected Member of Parliament for the Prefecture of Rethymno (2007 and 2009), and, since 2012, she has been elected to the Athens A’ constituency (2012, 2015, 2019, 2023).

She served as Minister of Tourism in Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ government (2012 – 2015).

She has also served as Head of the Greek parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (I.P.U), ambassador of the Greek Parliament to the Women Political Leaders (WPL) network, and member of the parliamentary committees of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Production and Trade, Institutions and Transparency, European Affairs and Armament Programs and Contracts.

She is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Policy Studies on Gender and Equality – (KEMEFI) of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO).

NIKOS HARDALIAS

Nikos Hardalias was born on 10 November 1968 in the Municipality of Vyronas, Attica and has origins from Granitsa, Evritania.

He graduated with distinction from the Varvakeios Model School (Varvakeion Lyceum).

He studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent, England, specializing in European Integration and Regional Development.

He did his military service in the Hellenic Air Force from 1996 to1998.

He served as Mayor of Vyronas for 3 terms of four years (2003-2014), President of the Union for the Protection and Development of Hymettus Mountain – SPAY (2003-2014), and Chairman of the Civil Protection Committee of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece – KEDE (2006-2012). He was also Executive Secretary of the Region of Central Greece (2014-2016) and Regional Councillor of Attica (2014-2019).

In addition, he was Secretary-General for Civil Protection from 19 July 2019 to 16 March 2020, Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management from 17 March 2020 to 30 August 2021 and Deputy Minister of National Defence from 31 August 2021 to 25 May 2023.

On 27 June 2023, Nikos Hardalias took office as Deputy Minister of National Defence and held the office until 28 August 2023.

On 8 October 2023, Nikos Hardalias was elected as Governor of the Attica Region.

He is married to Ms Panagiota Panagiotopoulou, Physical Education Teacher (graduate of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science, TEFAA, Athens), and has two daughters, Ioanna and Dimitra.

He speaks English and French.

HARIS DOUKAS

Haris Doukas is newly elected Mayor of Athens and Professor at the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering of NTUA.

His scientific and research expertise includes the development of decision support systems for energy and climate policy, placing the human factor at the core of the modelling processes. He has almost 2 decades of working experience in the design of policies and programs for the promotion of renewables, energy efficiency and management at a national, European level as well as in Africa and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

He has more than 150 scientific publications in international scientific journals with reviewers, he co-authored the Greek Book “Multiple Criteria Decision Models for Energy and Environmental Systems”, the English Book “Multicriteria Portfolio Construction with Python” and the open access Book “Understanding Risks and Uncertainties in Energy and Climate Policy: Multidisciplinary Methods and Tools for a Low Carbon Society”.

VASILIKI KOUTSOUKOU

Vasiliki Koutsoukou, with over 20 years of experience in public administration and the tourism sector, was born on March 25, 1977. She holds a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master’s Degree (MBA) in Organization and Management of Sports Organizations and Businesses from the University of the Peloponnese, specializing in the development of sports tourism.

Since 2002, she has been serving as a permanent civil servant. Between 2002 and 2008, she worked in the Administrative Personnel Directorate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2008, she has been working in the International Relations Directorate of the Ministry of Tourism, in the Department of Control and Inspections of Tourism Businesses and Professions of the Attica Regional Tourism Service.

Since 2023, she has served as Director in the Private Office of the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, coordinating, among other things, the ministry’s strategic initiatives and crisis management.

Vasiliki Koutsoukou is fluent in English and has a good knowledge of French. She has administrative skills in strategic planning and team management.

HERCULES P. TSITLAKIDIS

Civil Engineer, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Polytechnic School (1989)

• Founder and Managing Director of Ammos Hotels and Villas
• Founder & CEO of Tsitlakidis and Associates, specializing in civil engineering projects since 1989
• CEO of “Pieria Power Generation EE” specializing in Renewable Energy Sources.
• Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pieria Hoteliers Association.
• Second Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation.
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels.
• President of the Pieria Engineers Association 2000-2003.
• President of the Pieria Branch of the Technical Chamber of Greece 2010-2012.

GEORGE VERNICOS

Born in 1950 in Athens. He comes from a shipping family from Sifnos, which began its business activity in the mid-19th century from Constantinople and moved it to Piraeus in the 1920s.

He studied Economics at the Universities of Athens and London.

George Vernicos has an extensive entrepreneurial and social presence. His professional activities primarily focus on the development of maritime tourism. He is a member of numerous Organizations and Chambers.

• President of VERNICOS YACHTS, a company founded in 1975 that has been a pioneer in Greek maritime tourism.
• Secretary General of the GREEK TOURISM CONFEDERATION (SETE) and President of the SETE Institute (INSETE).
• Member of the Board of the HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL YACHT OWNERS ASSOCIATION (Honorary President) and Honorary Board Member of the HELLENIC CHAMBER OF SHIPPING.
• Honorary President of the Greek Office of GREENPEACE.
• Served as President of the ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE OF GREECE (October 2015 – February 2021). Since October 2020, he is member in the EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE. He is also an Ambassador for the EUROPEAN CLIMATE PACT of the European Union.

THANOS F. VLACHOPOULOS

Thanos F. Vlachopoulos, serves as General Manager within Corporate & Investment Banking at Piraeus Bank, leading the business lines of Large Corporate Finance with the largest corporate portfolio in the Greek market, Development and Sustainable Banking, FIs & Correspondence Banking, Transaction Banking, Syndicated Loans and Piraeus Factoring SA.

With more than 25 years of diverse experience, he combines extensive management and product expertise, while in the past he held managerial positions in both international and Greek local banks, such as Barclays, HSBC plc, BNP Paribas and ATEBank.  He has served as Non-Executive Director in several BoD’s.

STEFANOS MATAKIS

EDUCATION

• 2001-2008: Doctoral Thesis in Theory and Methodology of Physical Education and Training, National Academy of Physical Education of Sofia, Bulgaria.
• 1998-2003: Degree in Physiotherapy School, Technological Educational Institution of Lamia, Greece, Grade: 7.01.
• 1992-1997: Degree in Physical Education & Athletics School, University of Athens, Greece, Title of qualification: Master of Physical Education, Section: Track, Grade: 6.94.

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/MEETINGS

• 2014: “Balkan Seminar on Anti-Doping”, ABAF, Pravets, Bulgaria.
• 2005: “Local Government & Athletics”, Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece.
• 2004: “Local Government & Athletics”, Central Union of Municipalities & Communities of Greece.
• 2004: “18^th Symposium of Physiotherapy”, Greek Scientific Society of Physiotherapy.
• 2003: “17^th Symposium of Physiotherapy”, Greek Scientific Society of Physiotherapy.
• 2002: “Research for the Scoliosis and other Deformities of the spiral column in High Schools of the 1^st Direction of Secondary Education of Athens”, Committee of the 1^st Direction of Secondary Education of Athens, Greece.
• 2002: “High Level Athletes Training in High Hurdle Race – Diet”, Athletic Association Union of Hellenic Amateur Athletic Association of Piraeus, Greece.
• 1999: “13^th Symposium of Physiotherapy”, Greek Scientific Society of Physiotherapy.
• 1998: “1^st Pan-Hellenic Conference on Hydrotherapy”, Technological Educational Institution of Lamia, Greece.
• 1998: “Medium & Long Distance Training”, Track and Field Greek Trainers Association.
• 1997: “Triple Jump Annual Programming”, Track and Field Greek Trainers Association.
• 1995: “1^st Track Training & Athletic Medicine Seminar”, Municipality of Chaidari, Greece.
• 1995: “3^rd International Congress of Physical Education & Athletics”, School of Physical Education & Athletics, University of Thrace.
• 1995: “2^nd Seminar of Ergophysiology”, Athletic Marine Club Aris of Nikea, Greece.

WORK EXPERIENCE 

• 2012-2022: Finish line venue manager, Panathenaic Stadium, Athens Marathon, The Authentic.
• 2023-2025: Start line venue manager, Marathonas, Athens Marathon, The Authentic.
• 2012 until today: Head of Development Department, National Federation of Greece (SEGAS).
• 2004-2013: Mayor’ s Special Counselor on Youth & Athletics Issues, Municipality of Agia Varvara, Athens.
• Summer 2004: Field of Play Supervisor (Ancient Olympia & Olympic Stadium), Olympic Games “Athens 2004”.
• 2002-2004: Track and Field Team Trainer, Army Navy.
• 2000-2002: Master of Physical Education, Massive Sports Program, Athletic Organization of the Municipality of Agia Varvara, Athens.
• 1999-2003: Track and Field Judge, International Marathon Race of Athens “Grigoris Lambrakis”.
• 1997-2011: Association Trainer, Hellenic Amateur Athletic Association, Athens.
• 1997: Medical Service, Track and Field World Championship “Athens 1997”.
• 1995: Track and Field Judge, Marathon Race World Cup.
• 1994: Gym Instructor, Children Camps “Anagennisi”.
• 1993-1997: Substructure Section Trainer, Track and Field Club of Peristeri City, Athens.
• 1992-1994: Gym Instructor (Muscular Strengthening), “Body Form” Gymnasium.

DR. SOTIRIOS VARELAS

Dr. Sotirios Varelas is  an Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism Studies at the University of Piraeus and Director of the Tourism Excellence Laboratory at the same university.

He has 16 years of professional experience as a scientific advisor to tourism organizations and is the creator and manager of a start-up company specializing in virtual tourism, www.netourwork.com. In the past, he was a scientific advisor to the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek Tourism Organization, and the Peloponnese Region.

As part of his responsibilities, he has designed and implemented destination management actions at the national and regional level, as well as marketing actions (attracting airlines, digital marketing, participation in B2B events, fam press trips, consultations, experiential products, identity creation, etc.).

He has authored and participated in more than 50 research projects on topics such as tourism observatories, sustainability, destination management, destination strategy, DMMO, destination marketing, and branding.

SPYROS VENETSIANOS

Spyros Venetsianos, General Manager, is heading the Structured Finance Unit within the Group Corporate & Investment Banking division, which entails Hotels & Leisure Finance, Project Finance, Commercial Real Estate Finance, M&A Finance, and Sponsor Solutions, as well as NPL Portfolio Financing Solutions. He is part of credit committees and handles a portfolio of more than €7 billion in performing exposures, as well as a few remaining NPLs.

His teams operate in all countries where the Eurobank Group has a presence (i.e. Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus). Since 2023, lending activities have expanded to other European countries and selected GCC jurisdictions. He joined Eurobank from Bank of America in 2004 to create the Project Finance team, which he led until late 2013.

Spyros holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from NTUA and an MBA from Imperial College, University of London.

GEORGE VILOS

George Vilos has long experience in the fields of strategic, commercial and business development.

For more than fifteen years he was working at Copelouzos Group by holding top management and BoD positions in a number of the Group’s companies in the fields of concessions, renewable energy sources and media.

In the aviation sector, he has been member of the Supervisory Board at Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg in Russia. Concerning the project of the 14 Greek regional airports, he was dealing with the development and execution of the concession agreement with the Greek State and the management of the transition phase until the commencement of the concession. Since 2016, he holds the position of the Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development at Fraport Greece.

George Vilos has completed his studies at City, University of London (Cass Business School) and he holds a BSc in Banking & International Finance and an MSc in Investment Management.

PARASKEVAS PANAGIOTIDIS

Paris Panagiotidis is a strategic B2B Commercial Leader with extensive experience in the energy and consulting sectors. He has a proven track record in driving growth, leading high-performing teams, and managing complex client portfolios across Hospitality, Real Estate, Education & Sports, and Healthcare.

Professional Experience

• Metlen Energy & Metals (2025–present) B2B Sector Sales Manager, responsible for developing Key Account Managers, achieving sales targets, and fostering long-term client relationships.
• Accenture S.A., Athens (2023–2025) Management Consultant, leading transformation projects to improve collaboration, efficiency, and strategic outcomes.
• Watt+Volt S.A., Athens (2016–2023) Held progressive roles from Energy Consultant to Commercial Supervisor, overseeing commercial initiatives, product development, and leading a Sales Support team.

Education

• MSc in Energy, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh (Graduated with Distinction)
• BSc in Geology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Skills & Languages

• Commercial strategy, team leadership, operational excellence, analytical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, communication
• Languages: Greek, English, Spanish

Publications

• Study on Mn-andalusite and related minerals (Geological Society, 2016)
• Article on demand response strategies in microgrids (Energy & Environment, 2018)

ELISSAVET VOZEMBERG

Born in Athens, she studied Law and Political Science at the Law School of Athens University. She has been practicing law since 1982, specialising in criminal and family law. She has participated in many important trials of intense social interest as well as in trials against the criminal organisations of 17 November and ELA (trials against terrorism), where she represented victims and their relatives.

Mrs Vozemberg has particular interest in issues of equality and motherhood and is a member of the women’s organisations Kallipatira and Panathinaiki. She belongs to the Hellenic Criminal Bar Association and has participated in the Legislative Committee of the Greek Ministry of Justice.

She was elected Councillor at the Athens Bar Association for 15 consecutive years and was a member of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE).

She writes frequently in the daily press, and participates in television debates on issues of political and social interest, as well as of scientific interest. She also organised and presented a series of TV political debates in Cyprus on the occasion of the Cypriot Presidential elections.

She was a Member of the Greek Parliament from October 2009 to May 2012.

MEP since 2014.

ELENA KOUNTOURA

Elena Kountoura has been a SYRIZA MEP since 2019.

With her re-election for the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, she was appointed Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) and is a member of the Tourism Task Force.

She is also a member of the Regional Development Committee (REGI) and a member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM).

In her previous term of office 2019-2024, she was the Group’s Policy Coordinator in the TRAN Committee, a member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), a member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) and a member of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age (AIDA).

She previously had an extremely successful tenure as Minister of Tourism of Greece 2015-2019, with international awards, including the award for the Best Minister of Tourism in the World in 2019 at the Berlin International Fair, and the award in Greece as Global Champion in Tourism in 2019 by the World Travel & Tourism Council WTTC.

In her 20-year political career since 2004, she has been elected Member of Parliament six times in the 1st District of Athens with significant work in the parliamentary committees for equality and human rights, environmental protection, tourism, culture and sports.

She is a Faculty of Physical Education and Sports (TEFAA) graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She speaks three foreign languages: English, French, Spanish.

ANNA KARAMANLI

Anna Karamanli was born in Thessaloniki. She is a mother of two children and has worked as a journalist in television and print media. She is a graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Public Administration from “Neapolis” University in Paphos, Cyprus. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Sparta, with her research focusing on “The role of the media in combating violence.” She speaks English and Spanish.

She was first elected as a Member of Parliament for the 2nd Athens District with New Democracy in the elections of May 6, 2012. Since then, she has been consistently re-elected in all subsequent electoral campaigns (June 2012, twice in 2015, in 2019, and twice in 2023).

GEORGE HADJIMARKOS

George Hatzimarkos is the Governor of South Aegean, the Region of Cyclades and Dodecanese island groups.

He has been elected Governor of the South Aegean, one of the thirteen Regions of Greece, for the last three successive regional elections (2014, 2019 & 2023).

In 2020, he was elected President of «K2» the Development Enterprise of South Aegean Region and Chairman of the Solid Waste Management Authority of South Aegean, which is responsible for the implementation of waste management actions, recycling, and circular economy.

In January of the same year, he became member of the National Delegation of Greece in the European Committee of the Regions, in the Commissions of CIVEX (Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External affairs) and NAT (Commission for Natural Resources), until 2025.

In 2019, he became President of the Committee of Tourism in the Association of Greek Regions until 2023, of which he has also been a member of the Board of Directors since 2014.

From May 2016 and for one year, he was the President of the CPMR (Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe).

During his days as Governor, the South Aegean Region achieved the highest growth rate among all European Regions (Eurostat, 2021), it is the only Greek region that notes population growth (Hellenic Statistical Authority, 2021), it is the European Region with the highest employment rate (Eurostat, 2021), the European Region with the highest and faster tourism recovery post covid and the European Region of the highest tourism performance in terms of visits and revenue over the last years.

Committed to promoting sustainable development, green energy and innovation, Region of South Aegean leads or participates in 5 projects (Smart and Sustainable Astypalea, Chalki the first Gr-eco Island, Tilos Just Go Zero, Aegean Innovation Center of Syros, The Rhodes Co-Lab. Sustainable Destination) which aim to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, while promoting sustainable development and green economy coupled to cutting-edge technologies.

Before entering politics, he was President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Dodecanese (2006-2010).

He studied Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens before taking over the family courier business.

George Hatzimarkos is married to Anastasia Ioannidi and they have three children Alexia, Antonis and Stella.

STAVROS ARNAOUTAKIS

Stavros Arnaoutakis was born in 1956 and grew up in Archanes, Heraklion, Crete. He is an Economist. From 1981 to 1991, he worked as an executive in the private sector.

In the 1990 Local Government elections, at the age of 34, he was elected Mayor of Archanes. He served as Mayor until 2004, having been re-elected by his fellow citizens for four consecutive terms.

As Mayor of Archanes, he initiated the implementation of a development plan whose philosophy was based on close cooperation between local authorities and institutions, and on the effective use of the region’s human resources.

Key factors in the realization of this plan included:

• Maximizing the use of European programs
• Collaboration between the municipality and scientific bodies and universities
• Practical application of available know-how to ensure greater effectiveness of interventions

During his tenure, Archanes achieved:

• 2nd Prize in the European Competition “Integrated and Sustainable Development of Exceptional Quality” in 2000
• 1st Prize in the Competition “Local Development with Respect for the Natural Environment and Humanity” in 2002

From 1991 to 2004, he served as President of the Heraklion Development Agency S.A. In this role, he managed the implementation of numerous European programs, the results of which were particularly evident both in the Municipality of Archanes and in other regional municipalities of Heraklion. On his initiative, the Heraklion Development Agency became the first development agency in Greece to establish its own office in Brussels, aiming at better advocacy and more effective implementation of European programs.

In 2004, following a decision by PASOK President George A. Papandreou, he was placed fourth on PASOK’s list of candidates for the European Parliament elections.

From 2004 to 2009, as a Member of the European Parliament, he served on the Committee on Regional Development, the Committee on Fisheries, and the Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China.

In the 2009 national elections, he was elected PASOK Member of Parliament for Heraklion and was appointed Deputy Minister of Economy, Competitiveness, and Shipping.

In the November 2010 elections, he was elected the first directly elected Regional Governor of Crete. He was re-elected in 2014, 2019, and 2023.

He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Union of Regions of Greece (ENPE). He is also a member of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR).

ANGELA VARELA

Ms. Varela graduated with a degree in Public Administration from the Panteion School of Political Sciences in 1983. She expanded her expertise through the Postgraduate Program “Tourism Business Administration” at the Hellenic Open University (2006) and later earned a second postgraduate degree in “New Media and Journalism” from the School of International Studies, Communication and Culture at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences (2016).

Her career has been shaped by her long-standing commitment to the Greek National Tourism Organization, which she joined in 1983. Since then, she has held several key positions both in Greece and abroad, with a primary focus on tourism marketing.

She is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

DIMITRIOS P. PTOCHOS

Dimitris Ptochos is a Computer Engineer, with extensive experience in the design, management and monitoring of large and complex projects in many sectors such as privatizations, energy, transport, public administration, complex information systems and construction of private projects both in Greece and abroad.

He holds a PhD from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens with a specialization in operational research and decision and management systems. He holds a diploma in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. In 2012, he completed an advanced management program (AMP) at the Sloan School of Management of MIT with an emphasis on strategy, innovation and leadership.

He has extensive experience and rich knowledge in the development of business strategy, management and leadership, and has published numerous scientific publications.

He served as Secretary General for Government Coordination in the period 2014-2015, with the purpose of monitoring, managing, evaluating and coordinating all government activities as well as actively participating in policy formulation, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Also, in the period 2012-2015, he was Director of the Prime Minister’s Strategic Planning Office, with the purpose of contributing and participating in the design of development policy, structural reforms and, more generally, the development of strategy in many sectors.

Before assuming government duties, Mr. Ptochos was CEO and co-founder of PEOPLE for five years. He created the company immediately after his tenure as a senior executive of TEKA, a company of the VIOHALCO group, with the purpose initially of designing large information systems (SAP ERP) and then of the company’s business development both in Greece and abroad.

Mr. Ptochos began his professional career as a researcher and scientific associate of the decision and management systems laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens, in the framework of which he participated in many large European programs such as TACIS monitoring, MEDA monitoring, FP7 and others with activities in many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Finally, he was a member and technical advisor of many project teams with companies such as Arthur Andersen, Kantor, Planet.

In the Regional elections of October 2023, he was elected Regional Governor of Peloponnese.

CHRISTODOULOS TOPSIDIS

Christodoulos Topsidis was elected Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in the elections of 15 October 2023, leading the “Regional Composition” party and took office on 1 January 2024.

Since March 2024, he has been the President of the Energy, Environment & Climate Change Committee of the Association of Greek Regions.
His involvement with politics and especially with local government had begun in 2018, when he founded the “Regional Composition” faction, with which he served as the major opposition party in the Regional Council of Macedonia during the period 2019-2023.

From 2011 until today he is the President of the Chamber of Evros, serving the chamber institution with dedication. As part of his presidency of the Chamber of Evros, he chaired all the organizing committees of the Alexpo trade fairs, as well as conferences and other major events, always with the theme of strengthening and promoting entrepreneurship, extroversion and support of local products.

He was the chairman of the Regional Council of Chambers of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, under which the six Chambers of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace organized joint actions and claims.

His business activities were mainly in the catering, constructions, retail and service industries. He holds a degree in Economics and Management and an MBA in Business Administration.

He comes from Nea Vyssa in the Municipality of Orestiada, resides permanently in Alexandroupolis, is married and is the father of four children.

DIMITRIS FRAGAKIS

He was born on July 13, 1972. He comes from Platanias, Crete and grew up in Chania.

He has served as General Secretary of the Municipality of Chania, while he has a postgraduate diploma from the School of Law and Political Science of the University of Athens.

He has worked for 20 years, among other things, as a research associate in the Diplomatic Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, as Deputy General Director of the Konstantinos Mitsotakis Foundation as well as as a scientific collaborator in the Greek Parliament. He was an advisor to Kyriakos Mitsotakis when he was Minister of Administrative Reform & e-Government.

In the period 2014-2019 he served as the general secretary of the Municipality of Chania, while in the period 2019 – 2024 he served as the Secretary General at Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO).

He speaks English and Italian.

GEORGE PETRAKOS

George Petrakos is Professor of Quantitative Methods and Information Systems at Panteion University, the Director General of the Research Institute for Tourism (RIT) in Athens, Greece and Member of the Greek Observatory for Tourism. He holds an honoured Ph.D. in Statistics from the Univ. of Wyoming, USA, an M.Sc. in Applied Statistics and Information Systems from the George Washington University and a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Athens.

He taught at George Washington University, University of Wyoming, Panteion University of Athens, Hellenic Open University and the University of Athens. He has been the Instructor of graduate and undergraduate courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Analysis, Informatics, Survey Methodology, Quantitative Methods, Audit Sampling and Applied Econometrics. Dr. Petrakos has published over 50 papers in highly rated scientific journals and international conferences proceeding, subjecting Applied Statistics, Survey methodology, Data Quality, Audit sampling and Biostatistics.

He is the author of two academic textbooks in Greek subjecting Everyday Life Statistics and Applied Probability with R. Recently, he edited the classic – Statistics Canada “Survey Methods and Practices” with supplementary chapters on Greek surveys.

He is a member of the Royal Statistical Society, Orbicom/Unesco, the Greek Mathematical Society and the European Survey Research Association.

He is also reviewer for the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, the journal of Applied Statistics and the Journal of Artificial Intelligence and associate editor in Statistical Review and ESRA journal.

During the last 20 years, George has established a close cooperation with Eurostat and other European and International Statistical Organizations providing high quality statistical services in selected areas as Data Validation, Data Quality, Data Analysis, New Indicators, Electronic Data Transfer, Metadata, Paradata, Integration of data sources, Audit Sampling.

He is currently responsible for the design, process, analysis and dissemination of quantitative surveys in tourism from RIT and he is also the designer and the auditor of the continuous daily Audience Rating Survey in Athens and Thessaloniki.

VASILIS KIKILIAS

Vasilis Kikilias was born in 1974 in Athens. He is a graduate of Leonteios School of Nea Smyrni. He studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, pursued postgraduate studies at the National School of Public Health and subsequently earned a PhD in Medicine (Magna cum Laude) by the Faculty of Medicine in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He is a surgeon specializing in orthopaedics.

Alongside his studies, he built a notable career in sports, particularly in basketball, playing for teams such as AEK, Panionios, Ionikos, and Apollon Patras, with his participation in the Hellenic National Basketball Team being a particularly distinguished honor.

His political career began in 2006 when he was elected as a Municipal Councilor of the City of Athens. From 2007 to 2010, he served as President of the Organization for Youth and Sports of the Municipality of Athens.

In November 2010, he ran for Regional Governor of Attica in the local elections and emerged as the leader of the major opposition party. That same year, he was appointed Secretary of Sports for the Nea Democratia political party, and the following year, he was designated as a Deputy Secretary of Program Planning.

The year 2012 marked a milestone in his political career, as he was elected Member of the Hellenic Parliament for the Athens 1st constituency with the Nea Democratia political party, a position he holds still continuously for the past twelve years. Throughout this period, he has participated in various parliamentary committees, including those on National Defense and Foreign affairs, Public Administration, Public Order and Justice, Social Affairs, and Gender Equality, among others.

In June 2014, he was sworn in as Minister of Public Order for six months, during which he achieved significant progress in combating terrorism.

In 2016, he was appointed as the spokesperson for Nea Democratia, and in 2017, he assumed the role of Head of the National Defense Sector for the Nea Democratia political party,.

In July 2019, he was appointed Minister of Health, successfully managing the critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the Greek healthcare system, overseeing the expansion of intensive care units, securing large-scale vaccine procurement and distribution, and implementing public health measures that contributed to controlling the spread of the virus.

In 2021, he was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, serving for two years. During this period, he focused on extending the tourist season, attracting high-value investments, and promoting Greece as a top global destination. His tenure saw record-breaking increases in tourist arrivals and revenues, reinforcing tourism as a key pillar of the Greek economy.

From 2023 until March 2025, he served as Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, effectively addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Till today, he has implemented major reforms to enhance Greece’s preparedness and response mechanism to natural disasters. He has overseen the modernization of the country’s civil protection mechanisms, including the expansion of aerial firefighting capabilities and the reinforcement of emergency response teams. Additionally, he has introduced a more proactive approach to disaster prevention, with an emphasis on climate adaptation measures, improved early warning systems, and the coordination of European resources to combat extreme weather events. His leadership has been focused in strengthening Greece’s resilience against natural disasters like wildfires, flash floods, and other climate-related crises.

A key project under his leadership is the AEGIS Programme, an ambitious EUR 2,1 billion project fund aimed at upgrading Greece’s civil protection mechanism. The programme includes the procurement of state-of-the-art firefighting aircraft, the incorporation of new technologies to emergency response, and the enhancement of disaster preparedness at both the national and local levels. AEGIS focuses on leveraging advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring systems, to improve early warning capabilities and crisis response and management. By implementing AEGIS, the Ministry seeks to establish a comprehensive and modern framework for addressing climate-related threats, ensuring preparedness against natural disasters in the years to come by building resilient communities and reducing the human and economic toll of these catastrophic events.

Since March 2025, he is serving as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.

His involvement in politics stems from a personal need to contribute with faith, persistence, and seriousness to any effort that can create better conditions for all of us and for future generations. In such a challenging period, we all owe it to ourselves to have an active role in the public matters of our country. It is the least we can do. We have a responsibility and duty towards our children, fellow citizens and our nation.

He is married to Jenny Balatsinou, and they have one son.

DIONYSIS THEODORATOS

Mr. Theodoratos has over 30 years of experience in sales and marketing. He joined Attica Group in 1996 and since then he has contributed substantially to the dynamic course and growth of the Group.

Since 2016 he has held the position of Executive Director of Commercial Operations of Attica Group and in 2024 he was appointed Deputy CEO. He is a member of the Boards of Directors of the Group’s subsidiaries, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), vice president of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chambers and Business Transport Association (EESYM), member of the Board of Directors of Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), member of the Board of Directors of Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (ΝΕΕ), member of the Board of Directors of the Seamen’s Pension Fund, as well as he is a member of the Council of Maritime Shipping Transport of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.

STAVROS KATSIKADIS

Stavros Katsikadis is the President of the Greek Marinas Association and Managing Director of LAMDA Marinas Investments.

Stavros is the Head of LAMDA Development marinas, currently Flisvos, Agios Kosmas and Corfu Marina. With 25 years of experience in the Marine Industry, he gained significant maritime experience as an engineer on seagoing ships of Bilinder Marine Corp. (Latsis Group) and later as technical superintendent at Consolidated Marine Mgt. In 2004 he moved to the field of Maritime Tourism as General Manager of Flisvos Marina during its development and later as CEO of LAMDA Flisvos Marina S.A.

Stavros is a graduate of the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department of the National Technical University of Athens. He has taken part in an EU postgraduate program, and he also holds MBA degree from the ALBA Graduate Business School.

Elected President of the Board of the Greek Marinas Association consecutively since 2011 to offer services in a critical sector of the Hellenic Sea Tourism.

Member of: ICOMIA Marinas Group, CEO Clubs Greece, Technical Chamber of Greece, Association of Chief Executive Officers, Hellenic Institute of Marine Technology, Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers and St’ Nicholas Business Club.

DIMITRIS TRYFONOPOULOS

Dimitris Tryfonopoulos was born in Athens in 1969.

Since June 2017, he is the Chairman & CEO of TRYFON LEISURE AND LUXURY VILLAS S.A., the developing & operating company of Desiterra 5\ Resort & Hotel*.

He has served as General Secretary of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and has long‑standing experience in senior management positions in Greek and multinational companies, as well as banking and insurance institutions.

He holds an MBA from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and is fluent in English and French.

APOSTOLOS KAMARINAKIS

Apostolos Kamarinakis, Rear Admiral (Rtd) of Hellenic Coast Guard – Civil Engineer (NTUA), is specialized in the Management and Development of Seaports.

He is President of the Hellenic Ports Association, Secretary General of Board of Directors of the Hellenic Chambers & Βusiness Τransport Αssociation, Μember of the Board of Directors of the Elefsina Port Authority S.A. and Member of Board of Directors of the Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation (HERRCO).

He is also the Representative of Greek Ports in the General Assembly and the Executive Committee of the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO).

He has served as Director of Ports and Port Development, Director of Port Policy, Head of Merchant Ships Inspection at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Managing Director of Igoumenitsa Port Authority S.A., as well as Executive Director of the National Port Development Center.

He has been a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece since 1978.

He holds a Civil Engineering degree from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), postgraduate studies at the University of Swansea Wales and a postgraduate specialization in Port Management and Development at the French public company ACTIM (Agence pour la Cooperation Technique, Industrielle et Maritime) as Port Development Engineer.

PANAGIOTIS TSONIS

Panagiotis Tsonis is a Civil Engineer and, since June 2023, has been serving as the Deputy CEO of the Piraeus Port Authority. He has extensive experience in the management of complex technical projects and in the strategic development of port and other critical infrastructure.

From 2019 to 2023, he served as CEO of the Patras Port Authority (OLPA S.A.), where he led major modernization initiatives, including the upgrade of infrastructure in the North and South Ports of Patras, the alignment of the border crossing point with the requirements of EU Regulation 2017/2226, and the energy modernization of the Authority’s operational systems.

He has also served as the founder and CEO of a construction materials quality control company in Patras, contributing to several of Greece’s most emblematic national projects, as well as to numerous major technical interventions across Western Greece.

Mr. Tsonis possesses proven expertise in the design, supervision, and implementation of civil engineering works, as well as in the management of strategic infrastructure projects. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Services Organization and Administration from the University of the Peloponnese and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from the University of Patras.

He currently serves as Vice President of the Technical Chamber of Greece and the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), playing an active role in shaping policies for the sustainable development, resilience, and modernization of the Greek port system.

ANGELOS FRANTZETIS

Angelos Frantzetis is an experienced professional in the field of cruising and port operations, with extensive experience in Greece and Cyprus. Since April 2022, he has been the Head of Cruise & Ferry at ThPA S.A. – Port of Thessaloniki, where he is responsible for monitoring the activities of the Cruise and RoPax terminal, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) and security regulations, coordinating vessel and passenger operations, manages operating costs and contributes to development, promotion of the brand and expansion projects, in collaboration with senior management and key stakeholders.

His previous roles include the role of Operation Manager Greece at TUI Hellas/Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, Piraeus (2019–2021), where he managed shore excursions, turnarounds, port agency services, and customer relations in all Greek ports, as well as the same position at Destination Services Greece/ Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services (2016–2019), where he was responsible for national cruises and tourism activities. Previous positions include Cruise operations & Product Executive at Destination Services Greece/ Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services (2012–2016), Cruise Operations Supervisor at Inchcape Shipping Services (2008–2012) and Cruise Operations at Intermed Travel Consultants (2005–2007). He also acted as Station Manager for the Kanellos Terminal during the 2004 Olympic Games, liaising between Queen Mary 2 cruise vessel, the Olympic Committee, and the Port of Piraeus.

Mr. Frantzetis is currently pursuing an MBA in Tourism Management at the Hellenic Open University and has a degree in Economics from the University of Piraeus.

KONSTANTINOS CHRYSANTHOPOULOS

Mr. Konstantinos Chrysanthopoulos is a Chemical Engineer, graduate of the National Technical University of Athens, and holds a postgraduate MSc degree from the University of Leeds, UK.

He began his career in the Food Industry as a Quality Control Engineer before joining the HELLENiQ ENERGY family.

Currently, he serves as Marine Fuel Sales Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in marine bunker sales and supply, covering all market segments across every Greek port.

NIKOS CHATZINIKOLAOU

Nikos Chatzinikolaou was born on October the 9th 1962, in Alexandroupolis, Evros. He started working as a journalist in 1983 covering education topics in the newspaper “MESIMVRINI”.

In 1984, he received the “Botsi” award for journalism. He then started to cover political issues. Meanwhile, he started his collaboration with the Sunday edition of the newspaper “Akropolis”, the newspaper “Ethnos” and the magazines “ENA” and “STATUS”.

In 1987, he started working for the newly founded radio “ATHINA 9,84”. At the same time he became member of the founding committee of the station. He also temporarily worked at the radio stations “ERA”, “SKY 100,4”, “PLANET” and “STATUS FM”.

In 1989, he started his collaboration with MEGA TV station. From 1998 until 2003 he was General Director of News and Information department of the station.

From 2003 until 2007, he collaborates with ALPHA TV Station, as Executive Vice President and General Director of News and Information department and later, as Chairman and CEO.

From April 2007 until October 2011 he collaborates with ALTER TV station.

In September 2007 he founded along with Andreas Kouris the «Real Group», which owns the radio station “Real Fm 97.8” in Athens, “Real Fm 107.1” in Salonica, “Ellinikos 93,2” in Athens, the weekly (every Sunday) newspaper “Real News” and the news portal “Real.gr”.

In 2012 Nikos Chatzinikolaou created his own personal site-blog “Enikos.gr” and the financial news blog “Enikonomia.gr”.

From September 2013 until June 2016, he collaborates with STAR Channel TV Station.

Since January 2017, he is the anchorman of the main news edition of ANT1 TV Station.

Nikos Chatzinikolaou is board member of European Newspaper Publishers Association (ENPA).

MARIANA PIRGIOTI

She studied Political Sciences at the Department of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and media training at the BBC Academy. She is a journalist, political analyst, TV anchorwoman until 2011 and General Manager of the think tank Institute of Democracy, Konstantinos Karamanlis until 2014.

She is an experienced and distinguished media trainer for “tradional” and cyber crisis management in companies such as: PETROLA HELLAS, HELLENIC PETROLEUM (ELPE), LAFARGE BETON, HALYPS BUILDING MATERIALS, ITALCEMENTI GROUP, REGENCY CASINO THESSALONIKI, HSBC, CREDIT AGRICOLE LIFE, DELTA, KATSELIS, GOODY’S, EVEREST, CARREFOUR, GENESIS FARMA and others.

DIMITRIS CHRISTOULIAS

*1998 – 2008: Journalist – Economic Editor at Ethnos tis Kyriakis.

*2008 – 2009: Economic Editor at Eleftheros Typos.

*2009 – present: Economic Editor at Realnews, Realfm, Real.gr

*2019 – present: Economic Editor at the show “Kalimera Ellada” on ANT1

*2023-present: Editor-in-Chief at enikonomia.gr

*Member of the Athens Daily Newspaper Editors Association since 2007

PANAGIS GALIATSATOS

Panagis Galiatsatos was born in Athens in 1959. He studied History and Political Science in Darmstadt University, Germany. Α journalist since 1996, he worked as a political and diplomatic editor for the newspapers ΤΑ ΝΕΑ, Eleftheros Typos and Kathimerini.

He was correspondent for the Swiss newspaper NZZ during the financial crisis. Since 2017 her is editor in chief in the political department of Real News

ALEXANDROS KONTIS

Alexandros Kontis has studied Political Science and History and has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Governance and Sustainable Development. He is a journalist since 2002. He has worked for leading daily and weekly newspapers, in magazines and radio boradcasters.

Today he is the Editor in Chief in Realnews and hosts a news radio show at RealFM 97,8.