The 22nd Leadership and Human Resource Management Conference

Blair Sheppard joined PwC in 2012 as Global Leader, Strategy and Leadership and he leads the team that is responsible for articulating PwC’s global strategy across 155 countries and the development of the current and next generation of PwC leaders. He is also Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. As Dean, Blair was the primary architect of Duke Kunshan University in China, which opened in 2014. Blair has advised more than 100 companies and governments in the areas of leadership, corporate strategy, organizational relationships and design, and has published more than 50 books and articles. His most recent publications, A crisis of legitimacy and Adapting to a new world in strategy+business magazine, focus on the most acute global challenges facing the world today, including those of the post-COVID-19 landscape. His book Ten years to midnight: four global crises and their strategic solutions was published in August 2020.

Alastair Woods is a Partner in Workforce practice, specialising in performance and reward. His primary focus lies in assisting multinational organisations, particularly in the industrial and energy sectors, in addressing their workforce transformation challenges. Alastair Woods works with clients to develop workforce strategies that reflect the highly complex environment in which we operate, linking business goals, organisational culture and the employee value proposition to contribute to sustainable growth and success.

Costas Kathidjiotis holds a degree in Finance (BSc Finance) and a master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Southern Illinois University, USA. Costas Kathidjiotis professional career comprised of several managerial positions across various industries. For the past 15 years, initially as Business Processing Manager and later undertaking the role of Human Resources Manager, Costas Kathidjiotis is an integral part of the management team of Charalambides Christis Ltd, the largest dairy company in Cyprus.

Athena Neophytou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Aston Business School in Birmingham. Athena 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 she 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.

George Yiannikouris is a passionate passionate and highly motivated HR professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in global HR management, talent strategy and organizational development with proven record of aligning HR initiatives with business objectives. Strategic thinker, leading complex multinational projects in the areas of performance and talent management, change management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training and development and organizational transformation. Leading a global team of HR professionals for the last 10 years, developing, and implementing strategies and policies towards an engaging and inclusive work environment, for a highly regulated, diverse, multinational organisation. Being the Group HR Senior Manager of the biggest pharmaceutical Company in Cyprus, with a diverse workforce of 2,000 professionals in more than 20 countries, George is empowered to strategize for the skills required for tomorrow’s workforce.

Epaminondas Epaminonda is an Associate Professor in the Management Department of the Business School of the University of Nicosia. He is also the Associate Head of the Department and the Coordinator of the Bachelor Program in Business Administration. He has more than 20 years of university teaching experience, having taught courses primarily in the areas of Management, Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour. He also has seven years of industry work experience, having worked in the banking, tourism and market research sectors. His research interests are in the areas of comparative management, values change, job satisfaction and business-society interactions. Dr. Epaminonda holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Cambridge, an MBA from Imperial College and a PhD from Manchester Business School.

Marianna Hadjiandoniou is an expert in HR strategies, and business reorganizations. She is an Executive HR professional and experienced consultant, with a wide exposure to local and international companies. She practices HR Consulting, with a focus on defining and implementing HR strategies, initiating the HR function during start up operations, and managing the HR aspects of large-scale reorganizations. She has a solid background in managing all HR areas and downsizing exercises, as well as mass recruitment and restructuring. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and she holds an MSc in Human Resource Management from Surrey University, UK. She is a certified CSO Professional as of January 2021 and she served as the Secretary of the Board of Directors in CSR Cyprus from July 2020 until July 2023. Marianna is a Trainer accredited by HRDA (Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus). Marianna is currently a board member of Red Cross Limassol branch, since November 2021 and an active member of BPW (Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women). In the past Marianna was also a Secretary at the Federation of Associations of Parents of Public and Community Kindergartens in Limassol area from Sep 2015 until Oct 2016.

Aleksandra Sulimko is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at TheSoul Publishing where she leads the Human Resources department, bringing her expertise to strengthen day-to-day operations of a global team spread across 70 countries. She also ensures her team supports each business division to drive employee well-being, empowerment, and development. Based at the company’s headquarters in Cyprus, Aleksandra is a Harvard Business School alumna. She joined TheSoul from Exness, an international and award-winning financial brokerage company, where she introduced employee learning programs and supported personal career development across all company levels. Before this, Aleksandra worked for Team Training International and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in positions focused on coaching, employee career path training, and organizational consulting.

Juliet Stuttard has over 35 years of experience within human resource management gained within both line and consulting roles. Currently a Director within PwC’s Workforce practice, she works clients to develop and implement large scale workforce and HR function transformation programmes. Over the last 2 years Juliet Stuttard has led the transformation of PwC’s own People Function in the UK, ensuring that it will support us to continue to attract and retain best talent. Juliet Stuttard has also led of the people aspects of two of the largest government enterprise wide transformation programmes within the UK.

Gianna Driver is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Exabeam, a global cybersecurity company. As CHRO, Gianna manages the strategy and processes related to building, investing in, and retaining top talent. She’s responsible for architecting the company’s people strategy, driving company culture initiatives, and leading the global human resources function. Gianna has been in the HR and tech industry for nearly two decades and is passionate about the intersectionality of people, productivity, and business results. She’s a contributing writer for the Forbes Human Resources Council and a frequent HR industry event speaker.

George Chistodoulides studied Business Administration (B.Sc.) at the American College of Greece and then Banking Management (MBA) at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. He began his career in 1993 at the Bank of Cyprus, worked for the Bank of Cyprus in Greece as HR Manager (1998-2005), for the Bank of Cyprus Group (Cyprus, Greece, UK, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Australia) as a Senior HR Manager (2005-2009) and as a General Manager of HR in 2009-2013, where main responsibilities included culture alignment across the Group and implementation of trademarked Group HR practices, adjusted to every country’s realities. He then proceeded to work as Group HR Manager of Lanitis Group of Companies, where emphasis was given on the Delayering of the Group’s Structure, the development of the Group’s Corporate Culture and the formulation of a Family Succession Planning Program. In 2015-2017, he worked as an HR Director of Baker Tilly and as a Managing Director of the HR Consulting Services of Baker Tilly in South East Europe, providing Human Resources Consulting services to companies from different industries, such as the biggest Cypriot Banking Institutions, insurance companies, retail companies, etc. On 5th December 2017, he joined Hellenic Bank to lead Human Resources.

Marilena Iordanou-Ioannidou is an experienced HR professional with extensive experience across all HR areas, spanning over 20 years in both Cyprus and the UK. She has a demonstrable track record of delivering value-adding HR solutions within a fast moving/developing business environment as well as experience in delivering organisational change projects (including culture and transformation) with a focus on achieving pragmatic solutions to meet business needs within a commercial environment. Through her current role in Bank of Cyprus she is responsible for a multitude of HR areas including, but not limited to, Rewards & Recognition, Organizational Development, Workforce Planning, Employee Relations, Recruitment, Career Management and Employee Wellbeing. Marilena holds a BA and an MSc in Economics from the Universities of Leicester and Bristol respectively, as well as an MSc in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from the University of Oxford.

Theodoros Mitsingas leads a team of maritime professionals in the bunker industry (fuel supply to ships) out of two offices in Limassol and Athens. He was repatriated to his hometown of Limassol in 2016 to open Monjasa’s local subsidiary company after spending 5 years in Denmark working at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus as a European Affairs Consultant and Monjasa AS out of Fredericia and Copenhagen offices. He has a BA in Politics with International Studies from the University of Surrey and an MA in European Studies from University College London (UCL), of which he is also an alumni. Theodoros Mitsingas also studied MA International Studies at the University of Copenhagen School of Social Sciences. He is motivated by people's growth and development. In 2022, he was awarded the Γε’Νεο Επιχειρην award below 40 in the shipping category from the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry as recognition for his efforts in the local business community.

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.

Maria Ioannou, as Business Development Junior Director at ECOMMBX, designs and implements strategies with her team to enhance the company’s competitiveness. With many years of experience in the fintech sector and electronic payments, she highlights and promotes ECOMMBX’s advantages by participating in various business events in Cyprus and abroad, simultaneously bolstering activities that contribute to the optimization of the company’s communication and recognition. Her multifaceted responsibilities include attracting new clients as well as maintaining and enriching successful professional relationships with existing customers and partners.

Elena Krutova graduated from the State University of Management in Moscow with a degree in Human Resources, has a Master of Science qualification in International Human Resources Management from Kingston University, UK, and recently obtained an Executive Masters in Change with INSEAD, France. She held numerous HR positions in global companies in Moscow, such as Kaspersky, IBM, Bureau Veritas and others prior to joining Exness. Since being with Exness, she has held key roles in the HR division, first managing a talent acquisition team, then managing the HR division in Cyprus as Chief People Officer, and eventually becoming Chief Administrative Office of the Exness Group.In her current role, Elena oversees the functions of People, Finance, Legal, and Compliance. Moreover, she is responsible for Operational Management, including strategic planning and processes

As an HR professional in the role of Senior HR Officer, boasting an impressive career in Human Resources currently in the hospitality industry. With a track record of strategic workforce management, talent acquisition, training, and employee relations, exceling in creating inclusive work environments while ensuring strict compliance with labor regulations. Proficiency in developing retention strategies and working on creating fair and inclusive work environment, is enhancing employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Drawing on diverse industry experience, is effectively applying problem-solving, data analysis, and change management skills to achieve success in this dynamic hospitality sector, consistently contributing to organizational growth and success.

Irene Loizidou currently the Group HR Manager at PHC Franchised Restaurants, possesses 17 years of progressive experience in HR divisions within local organizations. Her collaborative leadership style, combined with her extensive expertise, acumen, and strategic thinking, empowers her to craft innovative HR strategies that address organizational challenges while seamlessly aligning with strategic objectives. Irene's exceptional track record not only encompasses the delivery of value-adding knowledge in day-to-day HR operations but also extends to her proficiency in managing complex organizational transformations and implementing pivotal change initiatives. Her dedication to people development and empowerment, talent management, and executive coaching serves as the cornerstone of successful organizations, underscoring her crucial role in driving sustainable growth, fostering excellence, and enhancing employee relations. She holds a degree in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology. Further she is certified in Occupational Testing by the British Psychological Society.

Yannis Matsis heads the new MUFG Investor Services office in Cyprus, expected to grow to 400 staff over the coming 3 years. Previously, Yannis served as CEO of Hellenic Bank Group, as Global Head of Credit, Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Derivatives at Mizuho in London, and as Global Head of Credit Derivatives at ING Barings in London. He also co-founded Point Nine, a Financial Technologies company, which was acquired by MUFG in 2019. Yannis currently serves as Chairman of the Boards of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics and Point Nine Data Trust. He previously served as Chairman of the Boards of the Association of Cyprus Banks and of Artemis Bank Information Systems, and as Member of the Boards of Hellenic Bank and the European Banking Federation in Frankfurt.

CNP CYPRIALIFE is one of the leading companies in the life insurance market in Cyprus. The company offers insurance products through an extensive dedicated network of well-trained insurance intermediaries as well as head office and regional personnel, who are always striving to offer exceptional service and the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions to their customers. CNP CYPRIALIFE offers a complete range of personal life insurance, savings and pensions products and personal health and accident insurance. Additionally, it offers life and health products and retirement solutions for the protection and retirement planning of the employees of a business or organization.

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.

Parimatch Cyprus is a leading company in the iGaming and entertainment industry. The company combines technology, business and sports, providing seamless entertainment based on innovation. Parimatch brand was founded in 1994 in Ukraine, it has grown into one of the largest betting companies in the world. The company’s headquarters are located in Cyprus. In Cyprus, Parimatch has been active since October 2017 through the website www.parimatch.com.cy and holds a relevant license from the Cyprus National Betting Authority, license no. B013. The basic principles of the Company are safety and responsibility throughout the entire spectrum of the organization’s operation and the full implementation of the Responsible Gaming rules of the National Betting Authority. Parimatch Cyprus has demonstrated its commitment to staying at the forefront of HR practices and excelling in corporate culture, workplace wellbeing practices and benefits towards its employees.

IMH is a leading Corporate Events, Media, Business Intelligence and Networking organisation with a large 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.

Together with its partners, the Columbia Group has 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 its People, together with state-of-the-art technology and optimisation systems, the Columbia Group brings considerable added-value, synergies and dynamic energy to its partners and partnerships.

ImarComms is the first company that specializes in all fields of Interactive Marketing Communications in Cyprus bringing over a decade of experience in online marketing strategies and digital advertising campaigns. ImarComms specializes on E-commerce Strategy, Social Media Management & Content Marketing, Digital Advertising and Mobile Marketing among others. ImarComms has been awarded with the internationally recognizable Marketing Excellence Award for the Best Interactive Campaign of the year, and is also the creator of ‘The I Report’ – the first interactive tool to report online sales and internet consumer behavior on a regular basis. ImarComms is a Global Partner of the Digital Marketing Institute offering its full deck of Professional Programs and Global Certifications in classroom and online modes around the globe.

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.

YGIA Polyclinic was founded in 1983, while it started its operation in 1987. With a network of associate doctors from all specialties, 9 operating rooms, 2 additional delivery rooms, a fully equipped Catheterization Unit, its Intensive Care Unit, the 24-hour Emergency Department and its state-of-the-art Diagnostic Department, YGIA Polyclinic, has been established since its foundation as the first choice, both for patients and for doctors. Having joined GESY from the 25th September 2023, we continue on our commitment for patient-centric high quality health services in a safe environment.

The Project “University Labor Market Liaison Offices” which is co-funded from the Structural Funds of the European Union and from national resources, aims to improve the association between Universities, the labor market and its needs. The Project’s focus is on placing students in businesses and organizations, as a part of their curriculum, with a view to gaining professional experience. Eight Universities participate in the Project, which is coordinated by the University of Cyprus.

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

The English-speaking community in Cyprus has been growing rapidly in recent years, now comprising over 60,000 entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals. These professionals, based in Cyprus, work across various sectors such as shipping, financial services, IT, betting, media, communications, trade, insurance, and logistics. Building on the success of GOLD magazine - the only monthly English-language business magazine in Cyprus - IMH launched CBN (Cyprus Business News), an English-language portal with a specialised newsletter focused on business and investment. This new and dynamic portal has quickly established itself as the daily go-to source for business news in Cyprus, catering to English-speaking professionals based in the country, as well as to hundreds of thousands of executives globally who seek to develop business ties with Cyprus. Through strategic partnerships with relevant organisations and entities, CBN provides up-to-date coverage of corporate news from foreign-owned and investment-related companies operating in Cyprus, delivering this information to its entire readership. The CBN Daily Newsletter is the only daily financial and business newsletter in English within the Cypriot market. It serves as the primary news source for thousands of businesspeople, reaching over 60,000.

The English-language business magazine GOLD was launched in 2011 as the first monthly publication of its kind in Cyprus. Today, it has established itself as a key medium promoting Cyprus as an international business hub. GOLD boasts a unique readership comprising high-net-worth individuals, executives of international companies, and English speaking entrepreneurs—both Cypriot and foreign, male and female.

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 TV is a leading nationwide Media Outlet in Cyprus producing and broadcasting news and TV programs on a daily basis. Its activities combine the use of multiple and diverse mass communication technologies as a main TV Broadcast Media, Digital Media and Online Media with a broad and dynamic audience. 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.