23rd Leadership and HR Management Conference

Anja Sbanski is a Partner at PwC Germany, specializing in Workforce Transformation, Leadership, and Culture. She collaborates with C-level executives and HR teams to align business strategies with a human-centered approach. Anja is the co-founder of PwC’s global Centre for Transformative Leadership, has been recognized with an HR Excellence Award, and is a certified executive coach. She holds a degree in Management & Leadership and, with her vast experience in international markets, is dedicated to helping organizations thrive in complex, global environments of constant transformation.

Farah Shammas is a dynamic leader and advocate for sustainable living, with a unique background that bridges the worlds of luxury hospitality, education, and veganism. Of Lebanese-British descent and residing in Limassol, Cyprus, she is the Managing Director of the prestigious St Raphael Resort and Marina. She holds a BA in Classical Literature and an MSc in Tourism Marketing. A plant-based nutrition coach and active vegan, she founded 'Farah’s Club' to promote healthy, holistic living. Farah is also a sought-after speaker on women’s empowerment and sustainability. A wife and mother of three, she balances her professional achievements with her personal passions.

Philippos Soseilos is the CEO & Chairman of PwC Cyprus. Prior to becoming CEO in January 2022, he was a member of the Management Board for 13 years and Head of People for 8 years. He has 30 years of experience as a Business Consultant with a focus on strategy issues and implementation of business and digital transformation, in Cyprus and abroad, drawing from his extensive experience in leadership alignment, people consulting, as well as change and culture management. He has also led numerous projects relating to the reform of the public sector in Cyprus. Philippos has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, is a Fellow member of the ICAEW and a member of ICPAC.

Josie Christodoulou holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, USA, and a MA on Racial Equality Studies, from Middlesex University, UK. She is an expert on women’s rights, the promotion of gender equality and trafficking in human beings. She worked as a Policy Coordinator at the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) and served on the board of the Cyprus Women’s Lobby. She contributed to the creation of the European Network of Migrant Women in Brussels. As Advisor to the Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs, from 2019 to January 2022, she worked on mainstreaming gender in foreign policy. In March 2023, she was appointed Presidential Commissioner for Gender Equality. Ms. Christodoulou has contributed to the development and amendment of different legislations on women’s rights and gender equality and has published research reports and book chapters.

Konstantinos Nakos was appointed National Bank of Greece’s Assistant General Manager - Group HR Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness in December 2023. He joined NBG’s Group Strategy Division in 2014 and was subsequently appointed Director of Transformation & Regulatory Projects in 2017. In October 2020, Mr. Nakos was appointed HR Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness Director. Prior to joining NBG, Mr. Nakos worked with the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF) (2012 – 2014), having held numerous managerial positions between 2006 and 2012 for a Greek systemic Bank in the credit policy and credit/operational risk management areas. He started his professional career in 2001 as portfolio risk management IT solutions developer. Mr. Nakos holds a MBA from the University of Virginia (Darden Graduate School of Business) as well as a MSc in Finance from the University of Strathclyde. He is also a graduate of the American College of Greece (Deree College) with an undergraduate degree (BSc) in Business Administration.

Yiannis Ioannou has worked for Bank of Cyprus since November 1998, both in front-line and support functions gaining significant and cross-functional experiences across the organisation. His current role combines the management of the CEO Office and HR Division in a discrete, professional, and confidential manner. He is responsible for supporting the CEO in implementing strategic objectives and at the same time, he oversees the successful delivery of HR’s key  strategic initiatives, such as Talent Management, Employee Engagement. In parallel he serves as Secretary of the Executive Committee. Yiannis graduated from Oxford University in 1998 with an MSc in Applied Statistics and from the University of Bristol in 1997 with a BSc in Economics with Statistics

Marianna Hadjiandoniou holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Surrey, UK, and is an esteemed member of the CIPD. With over two decades of extensive experience, Marianna has successfully formulated and implemented HR strategies for various local and international companies. Marianna is dedicated to combating workplace discrimination and promoting women’s rights through comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Marianna is an active member of BPW Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women and an accredited trainer by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus. She is a certified CSO Professional as of January 2021 and from 2020 to 2023 served as the Secretary of the CSR Cyprus Board. She is a board member of the Limassol Red Cross branch and supports the association "One Dream One Wish," contributing to significant community welfare projects. Her outstanding leadership in HR was recognized in 2023 at the international ‘The Leadership Awards’, in London. She also received the title ‘Woman of the Year’ at the prestigious international awards, Rewards 2024.

Maria Spyrides is the Manager of People Experience & Development at Hellenic Bank’s HR Division and the Chairwoman of the Work Harassment Committee of the Bank. Before joining Hellenic Bank in 2016, she was a Senior Manager at Deloitte’s Human Capital Consulting Services and prior to that she worked at the HR Department of EY. Maria holds an MSc in Human Resource Management & Development from the London School of Economics and Political Sciences and a BSc in Operations Management from the University of Lancaster. Maria was accredited as a Chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and as an Investors in People Accredited Specialist Advisor. She is also a Certified Equality Ally. Maria served as a Member of the Board of the Cyprus Human Resource Management Association.

Nicos Savva is a Professor of Management Science and Operations at London Business School. His research applies data science and economic modeling to improve decision-making in business operations, with a focus on healthcare. His work has been published in top-tier peer-reviewed academic journals, and he serves as a Department Editor of Management Science. In his teaching, Prof. Savva focuses on Statistics, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Healthcare Management. He also works with executives to help them navigate the evolving landscape of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, bridging academic insights with practical business applications.

Philippos Mannaris is an experienced consultant and a Certified Board Level Director with Non Executive Director and Chair roles across major Financial Services industry sectors including: a Central Bank, a commercial Bank, an Investment services firm, a cross-border Pension Fund and a Reinsurance company. Philippos graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science with a BSc (First Class Honours) in Actuarial Studies. He is a qualified actuary and a member of the Association of Actuaries of Cyprus and the UK. In 2020, he received a Certificate on Corporate Governance from INSEAD having completed the International Directors Banking Programme. He joined Aon in 1999 and now leads Aon's Wealth solutions for Cyprus and the Middle East. He is a partner of Aon's Global Wealth Practice, and works with institutional clients on the full range of actuarial and investment issues, including investment and funding strategies, fund manager selection and investment governance. He is the lead advisor for a number of large local and multinational companies and institutional investors in Cyprus, Egypt and the Middle East. He has total of 20 years of experience working with GCC clients. He was appointed as a non-executive member of the Board of the Cyprus Central Bank in October 2013 where he served as the Chairman of the Board Investment Committee and a member of the Board Audit Committee. He was also a Board member of the National Resolution Authority for the same period. He is the Chairman of Aon’s DC Multi-employer retirement savings vehicle for Eastern Mediterranean. He is also a Non-Executive Chairman of a Reinsurance company and a Commercial Bank and previously a Board member of the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Dr. Celia Hadjichristodoulou is the Founder and Managing Director of GrantXpert Consulting Ltd and Administrative Director of the Future Skills Hub at the European University Cyprus. She holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield, an MPhil from the Judge Business School of the University of Cambridge, and a BSc in Accounting and Finance (First Class Honours) from the London School of Economics. In 2009, she founded GrantXpert Consulting, a leading EU consultancy firm, currently employing 18 professionals. She received the "Madame Figaro Businesswoman of the Year" award in 2019. From 2004 to 2019, she was a Visiting Lecturer at several Cypriot universities (EUC, UNIC, CIM, CIIM). She specialises in leadership, soft skills, skills of the future, strategy, and team dynamics, and has successfully trained over 8,000 professionals. Recognized as a "Top Leadership Development Voice" on LinkedIn, she continues to share her expertise globally. She recently completed the Executive Leadership Development Program of Stanford University (July 2024).

Irene Violari has been with ECOMMBX, a leading electronic money institution regulated by the Central Bank of Cyprus, for the past six years, currently holding the position of Business Development Senior Manager. In this role, Irene is at the forefront of client communication, engaging with potential customers interested in innovative banking solutions tailored to the fintech industry. With a strong background in banking, she expertly promotes ECOMMBX's services to prospective clients and business associates, facilitating key partnerships. Her engaging personality and customer-focused approach are vital in promoting ECOMMBX’s products and services, enabling her to create and nurture valuable business relationships that significantly contribute to the company’s growth.

Evangelia Aspromalli holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, and a Master’s degree in HR & Industrial Relations from the University of Manchester, UK. A graduate member of the CIPD, Evangelia has gained extensive experience in Retail HR in Cyprus since 2009. She has been serving as HR Manager for Zorbas Group since 2021, one of Cyprus’ leading companies, with over 100 points of sale, three production facilities, and a team of more than 3,500 members. In her role, Evangelia is responsible for aligning the company’s culture with HR development strategies, ensuring they effectively support the Group’s growth and operational objectives. She is a fan of Athienitiko Bread and enjoys her Coffee Berry black.

Amy McKeown is everything but your next door health and mental health consultant consultant. Instead you are treated with a powerhouse of impactful knowledge and unparalleled experience from many unique perspectives. Creating and Implemented global strategies and frameworks across industries from multinational organisations, FTSE 100s, to NGOs, international parliaments and more. Working In House as a Wellbeing Lead - Amy created and implemented the first big corporate UK health and mental health strategy in the UK (across 13, 000 people), being a Digital Mental Health Provider for a decade and having a Masters in Digital Health and Information, and Making Data Informed Decisions. She’s frequently referred to as a “Walking Encyclopaedia” of workplace health and mental health, and with full right. Her projects include: reforming the EU Parliament’s mental health strategy, writing the global Wellbeing strategy for a FTSE 100 (across 27 countries), taking a global FTSE 100 through the procurement and implementation of a mental health app, writing the wellbeing strategy for a tech start up, assisting a well-known, clinical eMental Health provider transition from being used across clinical settings into a corporate marketplace and becoming a corporate proposition.

Doreen Demirdjian holds a BA in Business Studies & Marketing with First Class Honours from Middlesex University London and an MSc in International Employment Relations & Human Resources Management from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE). Doreen has been working in the field of Human Resources Management for the past 16 years. Since 2016, she has been working as the HR Manager of Vassos Eliades Ltd. Her focus is on issues related to employment relations management, performance management, training and development, change management, and aligning HR policies with business strategy. Doreen is an accredited user of psychometric tests for recruitment, assessment, and personnel development purposes. She is appointed as an Associate Judge at the Industrial Disputes Tribunal of Cyprus and has been serving with an advisory role since 2018. Doreen is a board member of CSR Cyprus as of March 2024.

Elena Krutova is currently the Chief Administrative Officer at Remedica, responsible for overseeing the functions of People, Payroll, Legal, and Compliance, and driving a transformative culture change by fostering an environment of enhanced collaboration and employee engagement. Prior to joining Remedica, Elena held numerous senior HR positions in big international companies in Moscow and Cyprus, including Kaspersky, IBM, Bureau Veritas and Exness. Elena holds a Bachelor’s degree in HR from the State University of Management of Moscow and an MSc in International HR Management from Kingston University, UK. She has also obtained an Executive Master’s in Change with INSEAD, France.

Athena Neophytou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Aston Business School in Birmingham. Mrs. Neophytou has more than 15 years of experience in strategic human resources management. In 2007 she became the HR Assistant Manager of C.A. Papaellinas Emporiki Ltd (Alphamega Hypermarkets). She holds a Certificate of Industrial Relations issued by the Cyprus Ministry of Labour, Welfare & Social Insurance. In addition, Mrs. Neophytou is an actively member in Cyprus Human Resources Association (CyHRMA) from 2015; in 2021 she became the Vise President of the CyHRMA and holds the same title to this day.

Tryphon Papazoglou is a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Department of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has been working in the technology sector for the last 30 years, holding key positions in the operational leadership and management of various companies.    Since 2017, he is the Country Manager of SoftOne Technologies Ltd, a subsidiary of SoftOne Technologies S.A. -a member of the Olympia group of companies - and one of the largest IT companies in Greece.During the last 14 years, Tryphon has been particularly involved in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) industry and especially in the implementation of Cloud services, always aiming to create sustainable added value for the end customers. His extensive experience in managerial positions and his continuous involvement with processes and flows of large and international organizations are some of the attributes that make him one of the most capable executives in the field of IT in the Cypriot market. Throughout these years, he has dedicated himself to passing on his work passion to the teams he works with. He believes in and supports the concept of teamwork, and this is reflected in the success of each project he undertakes to complete with his team.

ECOMMBX represents the new age of fintech, revolutionizing the way businesses handle their global transactions. We specialize in e-account management, cross- border payments, personal & business cards, acquiring, and multi-currency conversions, all through our ECOMMVERSE, a single, innovative and intuitive platform that gives you instant access to all of ECOMMBX’s services.

Our innovative service model is based on four cornerstones: cutting edge technology designed for the global banking industry; customized connections with banking partners around the world; stringent security; and maximum operational speed.

In short, our ECOMMVERSE is your go-to address for e-accounts and related products as well as a series of other services and benefits that make your business operate smoother and life easier.

Making the most of its technologically advanced networks, Cyta offers a wide range of cutting-edge services and solutions to meet the ever-increasing demands of its residential and business customers for voice, data and content. It sustains a pivotal role in the digital transformation of Cyprus with the deployment of an island-wide, fiber-optic network and the continuous upgrade of its mobile networks. It advances and maintains subsea and satellite networks for international connections of strategic importance that have established our country as a regional telecommunications and connectivity hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better - to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business. Follow Aon on Twitter and LinkedIn. Stay up-to-date by visiting the Aon Newsroom and sign up for News Alerts here.

IMR/University of Nicosia™ is an industry leader in the fields of market research, social impact research and strategic consultancy. It manages one of the largest market portfolios across Cyprus, which includes collaboration with Financial Institutions, ICT Companies, Commercial Enterprises, Government Services and Semi-Government Organizations. The Organization offers its clients an innovating 360o business intelligence solution, which allows for real time data reporting and management. The Organisation’s team of experts begin by comprehensively assessing each client’s unique needs, vulnerabilities, and objectives. ΙMR/University of Nicosia™ excels in providing clients with actionable insights backed by data-driven analysis. By harnessing the power of advanced analytics and industry-specific expertise, the Organization delivers precise recommendations that enable clients to make informed strategic decisions. This data-centric approach not only enhances their competitive edge but also empowers them to adapt swiftly to market dynamics, ensuring sustained growth and success.

GrantXpert Consulting is a Cypriot-based SME, with a cumulative expertise of more than 30 years in adults/VET training and consulting services for the utilisation of European, structural and national funding programmes. The team has so far coordinated more than 20 large-scale EU funded projects and participated in more than 100 projects as partner. Its network of EU partners consists of more than 800 organisations in all member states, enriched on a continuous basis. GrantXpert’s multidisciplinary team consists of 20 experts in proposal writing and project management with expertise in the following areas: • Entrepreneurship & Start-ups • Employability, digital and soft skills development • Business & Innovation • Education & Training • Youth & Culture • Sustainability & Circular Economy

SoftOne is one of Europe’s most dynamic software vendors, focusing in the development of ERP, CRM, Cloud Services, Enterprise Mobility applications and electronic invoicing solutions. SoftOne delivers both on-premise and SaaS solutions for growing midsize and large organizations. Soft1 solutions are powerful, intuitive and simple. They unify business processes across the enterprise, using a single, integrated platform. With more than 32.000 customers in several international markets and a wide Channel Partners Network, SoftOne provides its customers with top quality business software and services. Counting more than 8.500 Cloud installations, SoftOne’s advanced Cloud solutions stand out for their innovation, reliability and effectiveness.

Established in 1993, Titan Office is a leading presence in the office furniture industry in both Cyprus and Greece. Our commitment is to deliver customized, innovative solutions prioritizing functionality, efficiency, and employee well-being. Our services include Optimization, Office Space Planning, Partitioning & Acoustics, Project Management, Customization and Aftersales Support. We continually invest in production facilities, ensuring high standards of reliability, quality, and trust. Our mission is to enhance workplace productivity and satisfaction through premium, cost-effective office furniture.

PPA PADELPRO ACADEMY LTD is a Cypriot company established to create multiple Padel clubs across Cyprus. Owned by prominent Cypriot business leaders, PPA aims to promote Padel for societal benefit and youth development. Over the past two years, the company has researched the European and Cypriot Padel markets, analyzing tennis and related sports penetration to estimate market potential. PPA launched Cyprus’s first specialized Padel store on Nikis Avenue, securing exclusive distribution rights with “Padel Nuestro” ( www.padelnuestro.com) and E N D L E S S (endlessport.com) supplying gear to clubs through its wholesale division. Partnering with leading court manufacturer Portico Sports ensures all courts meet international tournament standards. Collaborations with top coaches and professional players, including a top-20 global ambassador, position PPA as a premier academy and professional center. The first site in Kentro Polis, launching in September 2024, will offer a vibrant, sustainable environment for playing, events, and community engagement, supported by a comprehensive media strategy and growing sponsorships.

With more than 50 years of experience in the coffee sector, Starbucks is considered as the supplier of the most exquisite coffee worldwide. Currently, with over 35.000 stores in more than 80 countries, Starbucks holds the first place in coffee roasting and retail sales of high-quality coffee, all over the world. A perfect coffee is just the beginning of the Starbucks Experience. This experience also includes the “connection” with customers, as well as Starbucks’ effort never to cease offering unique services.

IMH is a leading Corporate Events, Media, Business Intelligence and Networking organisation with a vast annual agenda of over 300 conferences, business forums, exhibitions, investment summits, client events and business awards ceremonies. Organised by IMH in Cyprus and abroad, these are considered to be Cyprus’ largest business and professional networking platforms. Our Business Media Department publishes Cyprus’ two most popular monthly business magazines– IN Business and GOLD –and two digital media platforms, IN Business News and CBN (Cyprus Business News) with their Daily Newsletters providing executives with news and updates on the local business and economic landscape, in Greek and English respectively. Our Consumer Media Department operates REPORTER, one of the country's most popular news portals, as well as SUPER FM, Cyprus’ Number 1 Greek music radio station. IMH also participates in Cyprus Government, EU and other international organisations’ projects and programmes www.imhbusiness.com

In a world that is constantly evolving, our aim at PwC Cyprus is to find the right solutions to complex problems. We focus on quality and build strong relationships based on trust, creating value for our clients, stakeholders and society. Based on PwC’s new global strategy, “The New Equation”, we look at problems from different angles and present innovative solutions that make a difference and lead to sustained outcomes. More than 1100 people in Cyprus join forces with 370,000 professionals of our global network in 149 countries and create an experienced team that combines intelligent approaches, experience and technological innovation. Visit www.pwc.com.cy to discover the benefits we can bring to you.

Carierista.com is Cyprus's first professional social network, combining an engaging job portal with a streamlined platform for employers and candidates to connect. Established four years ago, Carierista has quickly become a leader in the job search industry, attracting over 170,000 unique visitors each month. Our dedicated team of young professionals brings extensive experience in business, HR, IT, marketing, and sales, ensuring top-tier services for both companies and job seekers. Current offerings include job listings, social media promotion, banner advertising, push notifications, newsletters, native articles, a comprehensive C.V. bank, podcasts, and video testimonials, making Carierista a go-to platform for recruitment and brand promotion.

The CPMA was founded in late 2019 by recognized industry professionals with the main objectives, among others, to study, research as well as the continuing education of its members in the Payroll Management Sector, such as Taxation, Social Insurance, Human Resources issues and other labour matters directly related to payroll. An important objective of CPMA is to promote recommendations and good practices to the decision-making centres, in cooperation with the competent state authorities and other relevant bodies, building long-term growth conditions in the Payroll Management sector

In its more than 50 years of presence in Cyprus, apart from the significant profits it has distributed to thousands of lucky people, it has managed to offer a large number of jobs and to establish itself as a leader in social responsibility actions.

OPAP has been operating in Cyprus since 1969. Through its 202 betting stores across Cyprus, it offers the games TZOKER, LOTTO, PROTO, SUPER 3, EXTRA 5, KINO, PROPO and PROPO Goal.

National Betting Authority is a regulatory body and is governed by the Betting Law of 2019. The NBA is responsible for the licensing, regulation and supervision of the betting activity which is conducted within the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, the Authority has the responsibility for collaboration and discussion with competent agencies, public services and international organisations for issues relating to the betting industry. Also, it is responsible for the implementation of specific measures to be taken for the protection of young people, vulnerable groups from addiction to betting. For more information, see the website www.nba.gov.cy

Wolt for Work is your all-in-one platform for ordering tasty food, fresh groceries and essential office supplies. Anything from gifts and flowers to fresh fruit and office snacks. It’s easy to use and all expenses are settled with a monthly invoice payment. Wolt for Work offers companies a fresh way to order delicious food from the best places in town and enables them to focus on the important daily tasks.Create a thriving work environment by offering employees food benefits and more – for any occasion and any budget.

The English-speaking white-collar communi­ty of Cyprus, which includes well over 50,000 entrepreneurs, managers and professionals, has been growing fast in recent years. Its members work­ in diverse sectors, including Shipping, Financial Services, ICT, Gaming, Media, Communications, Trading, Insur­ance, Supply Chain, etc. In 2023, building on the success of GOLD, the only monthly English-language business magazine in Cyprus, IMH launched CBN (Cyprus Business News), a new English-language portal, app and newsletter focused on business and investment. This new and ex­citing portal aims to become the daily source of information on business in Cyprus for all English-speaking professionals based on the island, as well as for hundreds of thousands of professionals all over the world wishing to do business with Cyprus. Through strategic collaborations with relevant bodies and organisations, CBN gathers the corporate news of all foreign companies and investments in Cyprus and disseminates it to the broader reading public.

The CBN Daily Newsletter is delivered daily via e-mail.

GOLD was first published in 2011 as the first monthly English-language business magazine in Cyprus. Today, it not only consistently promotes good business practices, focusing on the promotion of Cyprus as an international business centre, but has a unique readership, comprising High Net Worth Individ­uals, executives of international companies, and English-speaking Cypriot and non-Cypriot busi­nessmen and women.

As the flagship publication within IMH’s media brands, IN Business magazine, has a 16-year history, during which thousands of examples of good business practices by businesses and businesspeople, brands, commercial practices and developments have been showcased. The aim of IN Business was – and continues to be – the promotion of good Cypriot business. www.inbusinessnews.com

Omega Channel is not just a TV Station but it is one of the biggest media groups in Cyprus. The group includes two radio stations with their respective websites in sports entertainment, news portal and a daily newspaper. This amplifies the transmission and promotion of the inhouse productions of the channel, which are promoted in various ways covering a huge spectrum of the local audience. Furthermore, one of the biggest partnerships of the channel it’s cooperation with two of the biggest Tv stations in Greece, which increases its variety of both informative and entertaining shows. Through this cooperation there is a direct communication especially on daily news that take place in both countries with the exchange of primary content. This has enabled us to have one of the most diversified and successful tv program in Cyprus. Our digital strategy which is underway allows us to exploit new media channels through social media, therefore communicating with new audiences that prefer this means as a source of information and entertainment, thus reaching hundreds of thousands people on a daily basis from all age groups.