Women Leaders’ Forum 2024

Natasa Pilides served as Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus between July 2020 and March 2023. Previously, she was the first Deputy Minister of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus, a role which she took up with the inception of the Shipping Deputy Ministry on 1 March 2018. Natasa has also served as the Director General of Invest Cyprus, the arm of the government responsible for investment promotion, investor support and facilitation of reform. Natasa’s work experience includes more than fifteen years in the private sector. She served as a Director and Regional Chief Operating Officer at Baker Tilly in South East Europe, while for 9 years she worked at PwC, in Cyprus, Milan and London in the areas of audit and tax consulting. Natasa graduated from Oxford University with a first-class honours degree with distinction in Modern Languages and Literature (French and Italian). She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) and a member of the Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC).

Philippa Karsera Christodoulides is the spouse of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Chistodoulides. She is a career diplomat and a mother of four girls. She served at the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in UK, at the Embassy in Athens and the Permanent Representation of Cyprus in Brussels, during the first Presidency of Cyprus to the Council of the EU. She has also headed the General Secretariat of European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as an adviser to the Presiden on European affairs, EU Sherpa. Philippa Karsera Christodoulides studied Political Science, International and European Affairs at the Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens and War Studies at the Kings College in London. Recently she has obtained an L.L.B. Law Degree from the University of Cyprus. She is fluent in Greek and English.n Greek and

Danae Bezantakou holds the positions of CEO of Navigator Shipping Consultants and shareholder of KEFI S.A. & MATILDA HOTEL in Zakynthos Island. One of her biggest accomplishments is the organization of NAVIGATOR – THE SHIPPING DECISION MAKERS FORUM https://navigatorltd.gr/forums/ since 2001 aiming to enhance the open dialogue among the stakeholders of the Greek and International Maritime Clusters. She is the Concept Founder of Young Executives Shipping (YES) FORUM - the platform of open dialogue among principals, executives, school & university students, recent graduates and young executives in Shipping and Sea Tourism Sectors. She also serves as the 1st Vice President of International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus). She is the President of iforU-Greek Mentoring Network, which empowers small and medium women entrepreneurs through mentoring & networking, Head of the Education Committee at ICC Women Hellas, and Head of the HR Committee of WISTA International. Danae was appointed as European Young Leader in 2013 and as Young Global Leader at World Economic Forum in 2015. Danae represented Greece twice in International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of State Dpt. in 2011 and in 2017. She is founding member and President of the Hellenic U.S. Alumni Association of State Department Programs. Her dedication to the growth of Entrepreneurship made her to be named as a Role Model in the campaign #Makingithappen organized by the U.S. Embassy to Greece. In 2020 she was chosen among 225,000 alumni of State Dpt. as one of the 80 #FacesofExchange initiative highlighting 80 years of the IVLP and the impact of her work on the global community. She regularly participates as a speaker, judge or mentor in startup competitions, Shipping fora, school and university lectures and events related to entrepreneurship.

Vassiliki Roussou is a Greek accessories-designer and creator of the fashion brand MARIVEE. From an early age she used to craft various accessories along with her mother, either for personal use or as gifts for their friends, receiving enthousiastic feedback for their creations. Over the years her passion and curiosity for fashion, design and styling kept growing and she decided to kick-start her own company in order to make her own way into the world of fashion. Twice a year since 2015, Vassiliki designs and produces a unique variety of jewelry, hats, clothes and bags. The foundation of MARIVEE’s philosophy is based on the idea “dare to be unique, dream free and spread the love”. A MARIVEE woman is free, liberated, full of confidence and laughter. Our bohemian point of view encourages women to fall in love with their lives. Dare to wear anything you want, combine unexpected colors and fabrics and feel pretty while walking, flirting, smiling, loving and living in it.

Adital is an industrial designer and impact driven entrepreneur in the field of design for sustainability, specializing in re-engineering the way constructive materials are manufactured and introducing fully regenerative construction products, such as wall tiles and blocks, within a circular economy. Adital is the founder and CEO of CRIATERRA Innovations Ltd. (www.criaterra.com).  CRIATERRA developed the BioGeo stone to fully eliminate kiln firing from the manufacturing process of precast construction products, creating materials that are as strong as concrete, are six times more thermal and yet create a fraction of the environmental imprint. For over 15 years Adital was a senior lecturer in the BA and MA programs at Holon Institute of Technology (HIT). She holds a BA in industrial design and a Masters from the Design Academy Eindhoven.

Celia is the Founder and Managing Director of GrantXpert Consulting. Her company specializes in providing consulting and training services in relation to EU funding programmes, having secured over 40 million euros in funding since 2009. Celia graduated with First Class Honours in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in 2003. She earned her MPhil in Management Studies from the University of Cambridge in 2004. In 2013, she completed her PhD studies at the Management School of the University of Sheffield. Celia is an accredited HRDA trainer and she conducts interactive courses on topics like “Accessing EU and National Funding,” “Boosting Leadership, Employability and Entrepreneurial Skills” and “Developing and Promoting Managers into Effective Leaders”. For the last 16 years, she has served as a Visiting Lecturer at local Business Schools (EUC, CIIM, CIM), on entrepreneurship development, professional career development and strategy. Furthermore, she is the Administrative Director at the Future Skills Hub of the European University Cyprus. Celia received the Madame Figaro “Businesswoman of the Year Award” in 2018. Since is also recognised as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Leadership Development.

Stella Kammitsi is a qualified lawyer and member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 1992. She runs her own law firm and her fiduciary service provider company, Raza Corporate Services Ltd. Her main areas of expertise are Corporate, Banking, Trust and Estate Succession Planning and Commercial Law. She obtained her law degree from the University of Leicester, UK and her LLM in International Banking Law from Boston University, USA. She is member to the boards of various companies and associations including, inter alia, Chairwoman of STEP Cyprus and one of the Deputy Chairperson of the STEP Europe Region, Vice-President to BPW Cyprus, Chairperson of the Standing committee for Legislation of BPW International.

Lena Panayiotou is the Assistant Director General of the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) as of January 2024. She initially joined OEB’s Industrial Relations & Social Policy Department in 2004, of which she is also currently Director since 2017. Ms Panayiotou graduated from the English School, Nicosia and holds a degree in Law and an MA in International Relations, both from the University of Leeds. She has extensive training experience and participates in several international and national bodies including, amongst others, the Administrative Board of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the Labour Advisory Body, the Cyprus Social Insurance Council and the Industrial Disputes Tribunal. She is currently an Executive Committee member of the Cyprus Football Association

Alexander Shkuratov is the founder of the Island Private School of Limassol, licensed K12 school following International Baccalaureate, Waldorf and Montessori curricula. He is also the co-founder and head of finance of Prodly, IT company headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Earlier he was a shareholder, top manager and Board member of Etalon Group, a leading real estate developer that he listed at the main market of the London Stock Exchange valued at US$2.1 bln. Alexander’s career started in Deloitte, EY, the Carlyle Group, Baring Private Equity and AIESEC. He has BA degree in banking and finance from the Finance Academy, passed CPA exams and completed executive education programs at Harvard Business School, MIT and Haas School of Business at University of California Berkeley.

Stavros Ioannou is the CEO of Grant Thornton in Cyprus. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Drawing from his time with Grant Thornton in the UK, Stavros holds over 30 years of experience in advisory services particularly in financial due diligence in connection with acquisitions and fundraising, flotations and public company transactions.  Stavros has led significant projects relating to the banking industry in Cyprus and acts as relationship partner and quality reviewer on complex advisory engagements. He is a mentor and coach supporting individuals from both within and outside Grant Thornton Cyprus to develop and thrive as professionals and in any other area they are passionate about.  Stavros’ approach to leadership and what he considers to be a core part of the firm’s strategy stems from his personal view that in order to achieve growth in any organisation, people have to come first.

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.

Maria Germanou has amassed over 15 years of valuable experience, serving in key leadership roles such as Chief Operations Officer and Chief Retail Officer. Her tenure in these positions underscores her strategic acumen and operational expertise. With a strong background in Operations, Sales, People & Organizational Development, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge to her current role as Chief Transformation Officer. In this capacity, she drives business transformation initiatives, aligning strategies with organizational goals, fostering sustainability growth, and nurturing cultural development within PAPAELLINAS GROUP. She holds an MSc in Human Resource & Organizational Behavior from Cyprus International Institute of Management (CIIM) and an MBA from Cyprus University.

Georgia has held to position of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of ECOMMBX Ltd since 2017, directly reporting to the Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director. As a founding member of the company’s senior management, she actively participated in the digitization genesis of the company. She also set up the company’s accounting and finance departments, as well as the management Risk Committee, and Investment Committee, and is a member of all. Other key responsibilities include ensuring that the business meets its budgetary targets and minimum capital requirements as per Central Bank Directives, while safeguarding clients’ funds in accordance with the regulatory guidelines and EU Directive. In general, Georgia focuses on maintaining the healthy financial profile of ECOMMBX, in the interest of both the company and its clients. Her diligent budgeting, analysis, reporting and projecting skills were honed over many years in both auditing firms and banks, giving her the credentials to fulfil her duties to perfection.

Nicos M. Stylianou holds a BSc degree in Maths & Operations Management and an MSc in Management Science & Operational Research from the University of Warwick. He is currently the COO of CYTA leading a number of departments including the Human Resources department. He has extensive work experiences or more than 2 decades from several positions in different industries. He has been a motivational speaker, trainer, and coach for more than 15 years, always placing the individual at the centre. He has trained more than 8,000 business professionals from all around the world. He was also a lecturer at a private university,  since 1997, at both under and post graduate levels. He has been an active board member in numerous organisations both in Cyprus and abroad. He is also a member of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal of the Cyprus Republic and the European Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (EuT).

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.

With a history spanning almost a century, the PAPAELLINAS GROUP enjoys a leading role in the sectors in which it operates. These include the distribution of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer products, and a strong network of stores, as well as integrated distribution services. Through its longstanding relationship of trust with the Cypriot consumer, the Group implements the strategy of its systematic expansion and opens new paths of quality and reliability, having already established itself as the leading Health and Beauty Product Group in Cyprus. After almost a century since its establishment, the Group continues to look forward. Its timeless mission is to make more and more people live and feel better.

Hellenic Bank, a leading financial institution in Cyprus and a member of the Eurobank Group, is strategically positioned to provide a wide range of tailored banking products and services for both businesses and households. With a strong capital base and robust liquidity, the bank plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of the Cypriot economy. Through its accelerated digital transformation and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, Hellenic Bank ensures a seamless and customer-centric banking experience, always prioritizing the evolving needs of its clients

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.

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

Founded in 1988, Business and Professional Women Federation -BPW Cyprus is dedicated to empowering Business and Professional Women to develop their full potential in their professional capacity and networking. Our vibrant community spans across various cities, boasting regional clubs including Young BPW for dynamic women under 35 and the English-Speaking Club. As a proud member of BPW International, our organization actively engages with influential bodies such as the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), European Council, and European Women's Lobby. Being part of a Regional Club opens doors to national and international opportunities, fostering empowerment, advocating for rights, promoting equal opportunities, and nurturing international cooperation among women. Come join us as we work together towards a brighter and more inclusive future for all women.www.bpwcyprus.org.cy

Since its first day of operation in April 2016, ALPHA Television Cyprus has been implementing and maintaining a high level of quality both in production and operation mode. By choosing Alpha Cyprus, the viewer can watch the biggest TV names from Cyprus and Greece as well as informative and entertaining productions high in quality and presentation. Strategically, ALPHA Cyprus continues to invest and create content by setting high goals on the three key pillars of news, entertainment and fiction, with a strong emphasis on quality and variety in content.

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

Owned and operated by IMH, Super FM has been on air since 1998, broadcasting from Nicosia. It is the number one music radio station in Cyprus, focused on playing the latest and most popular tracks. With live radio shows and perfect playlists that specialize in contemporary mainstream Greek music, Super FM celebrates music at its annual Super Music Awards ceremony.