Investopia Global Mediterannean

Christina Maria Kyriakidou is an accomplished international journalist and presenter with a diverse career spanning television, sports, finance, and lifestyle. Since 2020, she has served as Head of Global Brand at Errante, following her role as Content Manager & Presenter at PumaPay (2019–2020). She is also the founder of Secrets in Beauty (2018–ongoing) and has hosted major events, including the EOS Energy Project, Fashion TV Event, Sun City Development, and the Cyprus Investing Conference. Her extensive broadcasting experience includes working as a sports writer and presenter for SKY News UK (2004–2014), a journalist and TV presenter for Al Jazeera Sports +3 (2010–2012), a TV presenter for QVC UK (2004–2011), and a sports radio presenter for Sentra 103.3 FM Greece (2010).

George Papanastasiou was appointed Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry on March 1st 2023. He is a mechanical engineer by profession, with an HND in Mechanical Engineering from the Higher Technical Institute of Cyprus, a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from City University London and an MSc in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning from Kings College London. He worked for 26 years at BP in Cyprus, the United Kingdom and other European countries, having held various managerial positions within the company, including Cyprus’ Head of Country. From 1st of October 2011 and until his appointment as Energy Minister, he was Managing Director and General Manager of VTT Vasiliko Ltd (VTTV), a subsidiary of Netherlands based VTTI B.V. Inter alia, during his tenure at VTTV he led a versatile team of professionals tasked with constructing and operating the oil storage terminal of the company at Vasilikos area. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, specifically in the fields of Supply and Logistics, Health, Safety and Environment, Operations and Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Company Governance and Compliance.He has served as President of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS) and the Cyprus Certification Company, President of the Cyprus – Netherlands Business Association operating under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation. Mr. Papanastasiou was born in Nicosia on September 10th 1961. He is married to Glykeria Michailidou, they have a son, Ignatius, and reside in Nicosia.

Stavros Stavrou was born in Alambra (1959) and studied at The English School Nicosia and was subsequently awarded a First Class Honors Degree from Middlesex Polytechnic (London) (BA Accounting and Finance with Hons). Mr. Stavrou is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors of UK. He is also a holder of Diploma for Non-Executive Directors. He served in a number of operational positions including that of Group CFO from 1993-2003 and Managing Director from 2003-2008 in a multinational organization in the Oil and Gas industry. He served as a Member of The Board of Trustees of the International School of Monaco from 1998-2003. He served and/or continues to serve as Non-Executive Independent Director in a number of Boards in various industries including Banking, Insurance, Reinsurance, Mining, Software Development, Property Development, Construction, Shipping and others. He is currently the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With extensive business experience in the hotel industry, Thanos Michaelides has been the owner and CEO of THANOS HOTELS And RESORTS Group since 1993. The group includes the internationally acclaimed five-star resorts Anassa, Annabelle, Almyra, Amyth Super Paradise, and Amyth Agios Stefanos Mykonos, as well as the Antasia Beach Club. Additionally, he is the owner and director of the branded fashion retail company KULT. He was the founder and CEO of the high-end travel services organisation The Mediterranean Experience Ltd, based in London. Since 2017, he has served as Chairman of the Paphos Regional Committee of Cyprus Hotel Association (CHA) and, since 2023, as Chairman of CHA. He holds an M.B.A. from the London Business School And Graduated With Honours From Brandeis University In The USA.

Dr. Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi is a highly accomplished environmental engineer with over 28 years of experience in consulting and the energy industry, holding senior technical and executive roles. With dual master's degrees in science and business administration, he is a certified director and serves on multiple international boards. His research and professional focus have been on governance, leadership, and high-reliability organizations. He has chaired the Energy Institute in the Middle East since 2018 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Logistics and Marine Assurance at Emirates National Oil Company. Additionally, he is Vice Chair of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum and a board member of the Emirates Shipping Association, where he also leads the Sustainability and Leadership Committee. A prolific author with more than 12 international publications, including works with Routledge and Harvard Business Review Arabia, Dr. Waddah is also active in academia as visiting faculty and advisor at several universities across the UAE, Malaysia, and India.

Mark O'Neil is the President and CEO of Columbia Group. Previously an English Army Officer and then a maritime lawyer by profession, as a Partner with Stephenson Harwood LLP and Reed Smith LLP for 17 years, Mark headed up international law firm Reed Smith LLP's German Shipping Team, and also co-lead the firm's Offshore Department. His clients included Ship Owners, Charterers, Insurers, Management Companies, Banks, Oil Companies and Offshore Contractors worldwide with a particular focus on the German, Scandinavian, Greek, Dutch, South American and Cypriot markets. He therefore has an in-depth knowledge of the shipping, ship management, banking and offshore sectors. Mark chairs and/or speaks at numerous maritime and banking conferences and seminars worldwide.  He is a passionate advocate of performance optimisation, digitalisation, crew training and the Human Element within the shipping and ship management industry and regularly speaks on these matters. Mark was elected as President of InterManager from 2020 to 2024, and is also CEO of Schoeller Holdings.

Demetris Skourides serves as the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, leading the nation’s strategic agenda in research, innovation, and technology. He plays a central role in shaping national policy and contributing to international dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation governance. He chairs the National AI Taskforce and the Board of the Research and Innovation Foundation, and participates in international bodies including JRC, ESAF, Ignite Cyprus, and Future4PRIMA. He holds academic and executive credentials from Arizona State University, Henley Management College, Columbia, Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, and has held senior leadership positions at Oracle and Amazon Web Services.

Kostas Koumis holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Media and Communication. He is an experienced professional with 20 years of experience in different industries such as tourism, real estate, education, as well as the public sector. Serving these positions, he acquired extensive knowledge of the country’s public sector processes, including broad skills in national and regional development management. Also, he acquired skills in managing and/or coordinating teams of specialists of different industries. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Cyprus Tourism Organization during the period of 2014 - 2018 and as the Vice Chairman of the Cyprus Telecommunication Authority (CYTA) and President of the Audit Committee of CYTA between January 2019 to December 2020. He also worked as a visiting lecturer at University of Central Lancashire (UCLan Cyprus). From September 2020 until June 2021, he was the editor and presenter of a podcast program dedicated to the Tourism Sector. From July 2021 until February 2023, he was a member of the Public Service Commission.

Andreas Anastasiou is a Partner in the Strategy and Transactions team at EY Cyprus. With a professional experience of more than 20 years, Andreas has delivered a wealth of high-profile advisory services to both private clients and public institutions. He is particularly focused on the sectors of Government & Infrastructure, Real Estate, and Tourism & Hospitality. Andreas advised among others Ministries and other clients on lead advisory and M&As, due diligence exercises, feasibility and market studies, business plan preparations and independent business reviews for capital raising or investment appraisal purposes.

Ali Shehab is a maritime professional actively serving the maritime industry since the past 39years. He is an ex seagoing Marine Chief Engineer (UK) who started his carrier in the 1985 at South Tyneside College (UK) as marine engineer with Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, the National Maritime Transportation arm of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), and to become the company Acting CEO in 2018 and after 32 years of service. During the period, he served in various managerial positions of the Company, including 7+ years as Deputy Chief Executive Officer Fleet Operations where he oversaw KOTC’s Oil Tanker Fleet Operations, Marine Agency, and the main Gas Filling Branches that supply domestic and industrial LPG to the State of Kuwait. In Feb 2021, he completed almost 36 years of service with Kuwait oil Tanker Company, after which he retired from that position and the company.  Presently, he is the DNV Global Director of Special Projects & Services - Maritime, where his role to streamline the regional and global ongoing projects and services, as well as, development of market share and strengthen the position of DNV in the Maritime and Oil & Gas Industries. He is also Member of the Board of Trustees of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and Member of Industry Advisory Board for the Marine Engineering Technology Programme at Sharjah Maritime Academy, he is also an Independent Director on the Montfort Maritime Capital Board of Directors, and ISWAN  Ambassador - Gulf Region.

Philokypros Roussounides is a senior executive and strategic leader with over two decades of experience across aviation, healthcare, and tourism, with a proven track record in steering complex organizations and advancing economic development. He currently serves as Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), where he oversees the Chamber’s strategic agenda and represents the Cypriot business community in national and international economic forums. Mr. Roussounides holds an MBA in International Business from London South Bank University (UK) and has held several high-impact leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at DHI Global Medical Group, Senior Vice President at COBALT AIR, and General Manager positions at Dubai ETA Group and Cyprus Airways. From 2020 to 2025, he served as Director General of the Cyprus Hotel Association, where he was instrumental in shaping tourism strategy, engaging with government bodies, and driving sector-wide policy reforms. His efforts significantly contributed to the resilience and modernization of Cyprus’s hospitality and tourism ecosystem during a period of global transition.Mr. Roussounides brings deep expertise in tourism policy, regional development, European affairs, and public-private collaboration. He has been an active contributor to economic dialogue as a speaker, moderator, and published commentator. He is also a Member of the Advisory Board of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, supporting cross-border investment initiatives in hospitality and tourism, and a Member of the Parallel Parliament for Entrepreneurship, an advisory initiative by the Cypriot House of Representatives focused on fostering innovation and enterprise.Through his leadership roles, Mr. Roussounides has consistently championed sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and a forward-looking vision for Cyprus’s position in the global economy.

Christina Kokkalou is the founder and Managing Director of IMR/University of Nicosia™, a leading market research and strategic consultancy firm based in Cyprus, with recognized expertise in corporate branding, economic foresight, and investment intelligence. With over 25 years of industry expertise, Christina has partnered with top-tier organizations, including major banking and investment institutions, to deliver high-impact insights that guide investment strategies, inform policymaking, and strengthen competitive positioning in rapidly evolving economic landscapes, establishing IMR as a key player in connecting the private sector with emerging opportunities in new economies. Under her leadership, IMR/University of Nicosia™, has been at the forefront of digital transformation, establishing a Market Business Intelligence unit that streamlines data processing and enhances the delivery of customised, sector-specific intelligence, enabling clients to anticipate shifts, benchmark performance, and respond proactively to emerging challenges.

Haris Hambakis is the Deputy CEO of Hellenic Bank. He holds a BSc in Economics from University College London and an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from City Business School. With over 25 years of experience in the banking sector, he began his career at Laiki Bank in Greece, later holding senior roles within the Laiki Group in Cyprus, including Head of Global Capital Markets and Director of Wealth Management. In 2007, he joined Eurobank Cyprus as Senior General Manager and Head of Private Banking, leading strategic transformation initiatives across the Eurobank Group. Prior to joining Hellenic Bank, Haris held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Eurobank Private Bank Luxembourg from April 2022 to June 2024. In addition to his role as CEO, he also held the position of Head of Group Private Banking at Eurobank Group. In September 2024, he joined Hellenic Bank as Deputy CEO responsible for (i) Operations, (ii) Technology & Digital, (iii) Transformation, Planning & Innovation, (iv) Data & Analytics, (v) Arrears Management and (vi) GGS, NPAs Management & Transactions Advisory.

Petros Christodoulou holds a bachelor's degree from the Athens University of Economics and Business and an MBA from Columbia University. He began his investment banking career in London with Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs, later joining J.P. Morgan as Managing Director for European derivatives. He served as General Manager at the National Bank of Greece and Executive Director of the Public Debt Management Agency, leading Greece’s €206bn debt restructuring. He has held executive and board roles in banking, shipping, and insurance. Since January 2024, he is Chairman of the Board of Hellenic Bank and chairs its Nominations/Internal Governance Committee.

Dr. Chryso Sotiriou has research and consulting experience in the fields of energy and the environment, with an emphasis on climate change mitigation, greenhouse gases, and environmental economics. She has worked as a Research Associate at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in the area of Energy Policy and as a Special Scientist, teaching Environmental Economics and Operational Research. She is a Supervisor and Senior Expert in Energy Policy and Climate Change at ideopsis ltd and a founding member of the NGO KyklOIKODROMIO. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Hydrogen Association and of CYS/TC 29 Climate Neutral Communities. Her qualifications include a BSc in Physics, an MSc in Energy Resource Management, and a PhD in Environmental Economics and Environmental Policy.

Invest Cyprus (Cyprus Investment Promotion Authority) is the investment promotion authority of the Government of Cyprus, dedicated to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment into the country. In close collaboration with all governmental authorities and public institutions, as well as the private sector and international experts, Invest Cyprus is the country’s lead agent in establishing Cyprus as a world class investment destination. Invest Cyprus’ mandate, is to raise awareness of Cyprus as a location certainty around all aspects of operating a business in Cyprus and supporting potential investors in developing their business case for investment into the country.

https://www.investcyprus.org.cy/

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a private corporate body functioning under special law and is financially independent, free of any influence by the state. The Chamber is funded by its members’ subscription fees and through income generated from a number of services it provides. The CCCI is the umbrella organization of Cypriot business people, the interests of whom it promotes by submitting to the government and the Parliament the members’ positions on matters in which they are involved, while, through its participation in tripartite bodies and committees, it conveys and promotes the views of the business community

https://ccci.org.cy/

The Eurobank Group, consisting of Eurobank SA and its subsidiaries, is a robust financial organisation. The Group develops financial products and services, focusing on customers and their needs. It offers sophisticated choices and well-rounded services to individuals and businesses. The Eurobank Group operates with transparency, builds credibility and applies modern corporate governance practices. With presence in Greece, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Bulgaria and UK (London), the Eurobank Group counts (data as of 30 September 2024):

• €99.6 billion in total assets
•  604 branches network in Greece and abroad
• 12,880 employees

Altia, the fastest-growing real estate company in Cyprus, manages a diverse portfolio of more than 1,500 properties, offering a wide range of residential, agricultural, and commercial real estate options.The company consists of 70+ industry experts with extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Cyprus’s real estate market. Altia’s team facilitates the entire transaction process, from property identification to final sale; including all the procedural and legal tasks that form part of the process. More info at com.cy

At Columbia Group we have developed a comprehensive and integrated maritime, logistics, leisure, energy and off-shore services platform. Clients within these sectors are able to obtain modular, turn-key services of the highest quality and tailored for their specific needs. Harnessing the “can-do” and “project-led” approach of our People, together with state-of-the-art technology and optimisation systems, at Columbia Group we bring you, our partners, considerable added-value, synergies and dynamic energy.

Finvasia - Re-Engineering Traditional Businesses

Finvasia is a global enterprise that uses engineering and technology to innovate across various sectors such as financial services, technology, healthcare, blockchain, and real estate.

We have served over 5 million clients in more than 190 countries that have transacted trillions of USD worth in value through its 10+ brands combined.

Vision:  We aim to leverage engineering and technology to redefine the status quo, and create solutions that solve real-life problems in all the industries we operate in, changing the way businesses have traditionally operated.

Mission: Our mission is to create ethical, sustainable products that benefit stakeholders, leveraging economies of scale and scope to drive positive change in every industry we engage with.

Value: We invest in cutting-edge research and development, harnessing the power of engineering and technology to build solutions that drive progress, disrupt industries, and set new benchmarks for excellence.

Athlos Capital is an independent boutique investment firm regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. It specializes in wealth management, bond trading, institutional solutions, and premium custody services, with a strong focus on fixed-income instruments. Through its innovative platform, Sophic, the firm provides easy access to Treasury Bills globally. Backed by a skilled team and a network of over 260 investment bank counterparties, Athlos Capital leverages advanced digital technologies to deliver high-quality investment services to its clients.

Argyrides & Associates LLC is a premier Cyprus-based law firm known for excellence, transparency, and client commitment. Specializing in real estate, litigation, probate, and private client matters, we provide meticulous due diligence and strategic legal solutions. Our results-driven approach ensures seamless transactions and strong advocacy. Whether safeguarding investments or resolving disputes, we combine expertise with integrity. At Argyrides LLC, precision meets dedication – because our clients’ peace of mind is our priority. Perfect Circle Trust Ltd is a leading provider of corporate, fiduciary, and migration services in Cyprus. From company formation and trust management to banking support, compliance and migration matters, we help businesses and individuals establish a secure and efficient presence. Our expertise simplifies complexities, ensuring seamless operations and long-term success. At Perfect Circle, we don’t just support businesses—we empower them. Ok

EY Cyprus, with over 90 years of practice, has been a trusted business advisor and auditor to a broad range of clients, from private individuals and entrepreneurial businesses to major public companies and large multinationals. We are part of EY EMEIA area, the largest multicounty region in the global EY organization. Cyprus is one of the 29 countries that comprise the Central, Eastern and South-eastern Europe, and Central Asia (CESA) region. In this Transformative Age, EY teams have to stay ahead of new trends. We need to help maintain and improve the quality through our four service lines (Assurance, Tax and Legal, Consulting and Strategy and Transactions), while making greater use of emerging technologies and different skills to create new and innovative offerings. Our industry specializations in Cyprus cover banking and capital markets, insurance, government and public sector, technology, shipping, telecommunications, consumer products and retail, automotive and transportation, hospitality, real estate, asset management, oil and gas, and power and utilities.

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 innovaive 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.

STI Taxand, established in 2006 and headquartered in Cyprus, specializes in international tax and transfer pricing services. As a proud member of Taxand, a global network of top-tier independent tax advisory firms in 50 countries, we deliver conflict-free, tailored tax advice. With over 700 partners and 3,000 tax professionals worldwide, Taxand combines local expertise with global reach to provide practical, customized solutions. Recognized as a Tier 1 firm by ITR World Tax, we empower clients with innovative strategies to navigate complex tax challenges and drive business success.

Established in 1985, K. Treppides & Co Ltd has grown to become the largest independent consultant based in Cyprus, with a robust international presence. With offices located in Nicosia and Limassol, Malta and the United Kingdom. The group delivers a range of audit, tax, accounting, consulting, and financial advisory solutions to a wide array of industries. With 40 years of excellence and a well-established international presence, K. Treppides & Co Limited remains proudly a trusted strategic partner for businesses navigating the complexities of global operations

IMR/University of Nicosia™, a pioneer in the fields of market research, social research, and consultancy services in Cyprus since 2002, offers specialised services to businesses and organizations operating in various sectors. By constantly monitoring market trends, it provides businesses and organizations with the necessary data to maintain and enhance their competitive advantages, improve their product and customer experience, and gradually develop their turnover through an integrated strategic planning.

IMH, a pioneer in event organisation and business communication, hosts more than 300 events annually, covering the full spectrum of the market. From conferences, forums, and workshops to training seminars, trade exhibitions, and corporate award ceremonies, IMH connects thousands of professionals and organisations both in Cyprus and abroad, creating valuable opportunities for networking, growth, and collaboration. At the same time, the company specialises in business award events and in participating in projects and tenders issued by the public sector, the European Union, and other international institutions, solidifying its position as one of the leading providers of services in the industry. IMH’s Business Media stand out for the quality, precision, and relevance of the information they offer to the Cypriot market. With the flagship publications IN Business and GOLD, as well as the news portals InBusinessNews and Cyprus Business News (CBN), IMH is a point of reference for business journalism and analysis in Cyprus. In the Consumer Media space, IMH leads with the news portal REPORTER and the radio station SUPER FM, both of which play a central role in informing and entertaining the Cypriot public. The year 2026 marks a new chapter for IMH, with the launch of the Gen Z & Millennial Project — a strategic initiative dedicated to highlighting Cyprus’ new generation of business leaders. Through its media and events, IMH gives these emerging professionals a voice, visibility, and an active role in shaping the future of Cypriot entrepreneurship. Through this wide range of activities, IMH provides businesses and professionals with exceptional opportunities to grow, connect, reach new audiences, and explore innovative strategies for a more sustainable, outward-looking, and dynamic future.

Investopia is advancing global prosperity by cultivating a dynamic investment ecosystem focused on new economies. We convene the world’s most influential stakeholders to explore the key trends shaping the global economy, unlock investment opportunities, drive collaboration, and build a foundation for a brighter future.