The Big Day has come...
Leaders of the ESG, responsible finance and sustainability world—renowned experts, CEOs, managers, and sector leads—have prepared exclusive programs just for Sustainability Forum participants. You’ll hear from these industry leaders everything you need to know to take your business growth and sustainability career to the next level. Tune in now!
Thanos Belalidis
Sustainability & Communication Director, GR
Thanos Belalidis has been exploring ways to promote a sustainable and caring world for the past 25 years.
Ηe is a founding member of Sympraxis Team, an agency with 17 years of experience in planning, implementing and communicating Sustainability and Social Contribution projects. Sympraxis has supported more than 400 initiatives, worth more than 30.000.000€, for about 100 businesses, dozens of foundations, the European Commission and other accredited institutions.
Thanos is particularly proud for his contributions to projects such as: The “school that you want” initiative, renovating schools, on behalf of Coca Cola 3Ε. The installation of a recycling program for OTE COSMOTE (Deutsche Telecom Group) used by 10.000 company employees. The “Some forests have their own aura” campaign, reforestating Greek mountains (the overall campaign results exceed 75.000 trees), supported by the AVRA spring water brand. The “1againstracism.gr” campaign for the United Nations Refugee Agency, the first initiative of its kind in Greece. The coordination of the 27th International Symposium of Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, for more than 700 participants from about 90 countries.
Thanos is comfortable with working in multinational projects. He has provided services for projects in Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, the UK and the US. Finally, as a volunteer, employee and board member he has served national and international NGOs such as Amnesty International, GREENPEACE and his all-time favorite, ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society. As a public speaker Thanos has presented for more than 10.000 people in events such as TEDx, Sustainable Brands and the International Fundraising Conference and corporations such as Mondelez, MERCK and TUI. He has also presented in Institutions such as the Universities of Copenhagen, Villabajo and Crete. His interviews have appeared in media such as Frankfurt Allgemeine, the Sunday Times, the National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
Ηe is a founding member of Sympraxis Team, an agency with 17 years of experience in planning, implementing and communicating Sustainability and Social Contribution projects. Sympraxis has supported more than 400 initiatives, worth more than 30.000.000€, for about 100 businesses, dozens of foundations, the European Commission and other accredited institutions.
Thanos is particularly proud for his contributions to projects such as: The “school that you want” initiative, renovating schools, on behalf of Coca Cola 3Ε. The installation of a recycling program for OTE COSMOTE (Deutsche Telecom Group) used by 10.000 company employees. The “Some forests have their own aura” campaign, reforestating Greek mountains (the overall campaign results exceed 75.000 trees), supported by the AVRA spring water brand. The “1againstracism.gr” campaign for the United Nations Refugee Agency, the first initiative of its kind in Greece. The coordination of the 27th International Symposium of Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, for more than 700 participants from about 90 countries.
Thanos is comfortable with working in multinational projects. He has provided services for projects in Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, the UK and the US. Finally, as a volunteer, employee and board member he has served national and international NGOs such as Amnesty International, GREENPEACE and his all-time favorite, ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society. As a public speaker Thanos has presented for more than 10.000 people in events such as TEDx, Sustainable Brands and the International Fundraising Conference and corporations such as Mondelez, MERCK and TUI. He has also presented in Institutions such as the Universities of Copenhagen, Villabajo and Crete. His interviews have appeared in media such as Frankfurt Allgemeine, the Sunday Times, the National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
Stephan Clambaneva
Board Member of IDSA, USA
Design Eco-Innovation Leader, Board Member of the International Designers Society of America (IDSA), USA
Stephan Clambaneva is a design & innovation leader with comprehensive global experience in areas of digital transformation, design and innovation management, and holistic closed loop systems thinking. He is well versed in providing cross-functional leadership and overseeing associated functions to include strategic planning and partnerships, experience design, product lifecycle management, large-scale project management, new business development, global marketing, team building, manufacturing operations and stakeholder engagement.
A thinker and a doer, Stephan has 20 years of experience working for tech giant IBM and enterprise software leader Dassault Systemes leading experience design and innovation project for clients around the world. In addition, he is a strong communicator experienced in directing large teams and managing relationships with diverse clients, colleagues, and international stakeholders at all levels. He has also been accountable for securing and retaining high-level clients and Fortune 500 companies in numerous sectors, spearheading design and innovation services across multiple channels and executing global sales, research, and marketing strategies to facilitate sustainable business growth in highly competitive markets. Further, Stephan is a multifaceted professional capable of leveraging extensive industry experience and executive management skills to drive the continued achievement of organizational objectives. He is known as a versatile contributor with experience in all design and innovation management functions, has exceptional communication and leadership skills, and a continued commitment to implementing industry best practices fueled by an emphasis on sustainability.
Stephan has an active public speaking schedule around the world at conferences including SxSW, Design Management Institute, International Design Conference, Augmented Reality Expo and the Innovation Summit, evangelizing on the strategic value of design and circularity. He was most recently the co-developer and co-EmCee of the Inaugural Sustainability Deep Dive Conference this June. He has published multiple papers on the subjects of Augmented Reality, Design Thinking, Innovation, Product Lifecycle Mgmt., ID, Eco-Design, Environmental Management Systems and Sustainability.
Stephan has been elected Member of the Board & Vice President for the North East District for the Industrial Designers Society of America and Chair of IDSA for New York City since 2010. He serves on the advisory board of numerous startups and on the executive committee for New York Design Week and is a permanent start-up mentor for 3 global accelerators.
He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Stephan Clambaneva is a design & innovation leader with comprehensive global experience in areas of digital transformation, design and innovation management, and holistic closed loop systems thinking. He is well versed in providing cross-functional leadership and overseeing associated functions to include strategic planning and partnerships, experience design, product lifecycle management, large-scale project management, new business development, global marketing, team building, manufacturing operations and stakeholder engagement.
A thinker and a doer, Stephan has 20 years of experience working for tech giant IBM and enterprise software leader Dassault Systemes leading experience design and innovation project for clients around the world. In addition, he is a strong communicator experienced in directing large teams and managing relationships with diverse clients, colleagues, and international stakeholders at all levels. He has also been accountable for securing and retaining high-level clients and Fortune 500 companies in numerous sectors, spearheading design and innovation services across multiple channels and executing global sales, research, and marketing strategies to facilitate sustainable business growth in highly competitive markets. Further, Stephan is a multifaceted professional capable of leveraging extensive industry experience and executive management skills to drive the continued achievement of organizational objectives. He is known as a versatile contributor with experience in all design and innovation management functions, has exceptional communication and leadership skills, and a continued commitment to implementing industry best practices fueled by an emphasis on sustainability.
Stephan has an active public speaking schedule around the world at conferences including SxSW, Design Management Institute, International Design Conference, Augmented Reality Expo and the Innovation Summit, evangelizing on the strategic value of design and circularity. He was most recently the co-developer and co-EmCee of the Inaugural Sustainability Deep Dive Conference this June. He has published multiple papers on the subjects of Augmented Reality, Design Thinking, Innovation, Product Lifecycle Mgmt., ID, Eco-Design, Environmental Management Systems and Sustainability.
Stephan has been elected Member of the Board & Vice President for the North East District for the Industrial Designers Society of America and Chair of IDSA for New York City since 2010. He serves on the advisory board of numerous startups and on the executive committee for New York Design Week and is a permanent start-up mentor for 3 global accelerators.
He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Athina Chatzipetrou
CEO
Athina Chatzipetrou is an experienced CFO skilled in Strategy, Cash Flow, Business Planning, Risk and Internal Audit, ERP and Accounting.
Before managing the newly established Hellenic Development Bank she served as a President of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Fund of Archaelogical Proceeds (TAΠ).
Athina has also been working as a Finance Advisor, consulting with UNECE and RvO on Trade Facilitation. From 2007 to 2011 she has served as Group CFO for Inchcape Toyota Hellas. Prior to this, her role was - a Finance Director for BDF Hellas (Beiersdorf Hellas ) and Region Finance Manager for Coca-Cola HBC.
Her academic skills are profiled at Finance and Operation Research.
Maria Dimopoulou
Communications & Sustainability manager
Μaria is a seasonal Marketing Communications & PR professional, with background in building Brands reputation.
Experienced in Integrated Campaigns, Online & Offline Reputation Management, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Influencers Engagement & Sustainability Programs, she is now accountable for Communications & Sustainability in Papastratos Greece & Cyprus, with the previous role of Business Unit Director at Ogilvy.
Maria has been awarded a M.A. in Communication, Media & Culture (Coventry University) and a B.A. in History of Arts (University of Crete).
Experienced in Integrated Campaigns, Online & Offline Reputation Management, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Influencers Engagement & Sustainability Programs, she is now accountable for Communications & Sustainability in Papastratos Greece & Cyprus, with the previous role of Business Unit Director at Ogilvy.
Maria has been awarded a M.A. in Communication, Media & Culture (Coventry University) and a B.A. in History of Arts (University of Crete).
Dimitrios Dimopoulos
Sustainability Unit Director
Dimitrios Dimopoulos received his bachelor degree in biology and his PhD from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Since 1989, he has been involved in nature conservation and sustainable development working for ARCHELON an environmental organization, currently serving on its Board.
In 2006, he joined Piraeus Bank to work in the environment department and coordinate EU co-funded projects. Today he is the Director of the Sustainability Unit. He represents the Bank at UNEP FI, where he is currently serving on the Banking Board.
He was involved in creating the Principles for Responsible Banking as member of a UNEP FI core group. He also participates in the EU Business @ Biodiversity Platform, a forum for dialogue and policy interface to discuss the links between business and biodiversity, as well as in the IUCN Incubation for Nature Conservation project to explore ideas for financing protected areas.
In 2006, he joined Piraeus Bank to work in the environment department and coordinate EU co-funded projects. Today he is the Director of the Sustainability Unit. He represents the Bank at UNEP FI, where he is currently serving on the Banking Board.
He was involved in creating the Principles for Responsible Banking as member of a UNEP FI core group. He also participates in the EU Business @ Biodiversity Platform, a forum for dialogue and policy interface to discuss the links between business and biodiversity, as well as in the IUCN Incubation for Nature Conservation project to explore ideas for financing protected areas.
Mario Giordano
Marketing Manager Greece and Israel, IT
Mario Giordano is Marketing Manager Greece and Israel at Signify, the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things.
Before that, Mario held various Business Development and Product Management positions at Philips, UL and Candy Hoover working in the consumer and professional environment in Europe, South America and Asia. Mario, an Italian national, holds a master’s degree in Industrial Design at the “Politenico di Milano”, Italy.
Before that, Mario held various Business Development and Product Management positions at Philips, UL and Candy Hoover working in the consumer and professional environment in Europe, South America and Asia. Mario, an Italian national, holds a master’s degree in Industrial Design at the “Politenico di Milano”, Italy.
Thanos Belalidis
Sustainability & Communication Director, GR
Thanos Belalidis has been exploring ways to promote a sustainable and caring world for the past 25 years.
Ηe is a founding member of Sympraxis Team, an agency with 17 years of experience in planning, implementing and communicating Sustainability and Social Contribution projects. Sympraxis has supported more than 400 initiatives, worth more than 30.000.000€, for about 100 businesses, dozens of foundations, the European Commission and other accredited institutions.
Thanos is particularly proud for his contributions to projects such as: The “school that you want” initiative, renovating schools, on behalf of Coca Cola 3Ε. The installation of a recycling program for OTE COSMOTE (Deutsche Telecom Group) used by 10.000 company employees. The “Some forests have their own aura” campaign, reforestating Greek mountains (the overall campaign results exceed 75.000 trees), supported by the AVRA spring water brand. The “1againstracism.gr” campaign for the United Nations Refugee Agency, the first initiative of its kind in Greece. The coordination of the 27th International Symposium of Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, for more than 700 participants from about 90 countries.
Thanos is comfortable with working in multinational projects. He has provided services for projects in Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, the UK and the US. Finally, as a volunteer, employee and board member he has served national and international NGOs such as Amnesty International, GREENPEACE and his all-time favorite, ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society. As a public speaker Thanos has presented for more than 10.000 people in events such as TEDx, Sustainable Brands and the International Fundraising Conference and corporations such as Mondelez, MERCK and TUI. He has also presented in Institutions such as the Universities of Copenhagen, Villabajo and Crete. His interviews have appeared in media such as Frankfurt Allgemeine, the Sunday Times, the National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
Ηe is a founding member of Sympraxis Team, an agency with 17 years of experience in planning, implementing and communicating Sustainability and Social Contribution projects. Sympraxis has supported more than 400 initiatives, worth more than 30.000.000€, for about 100 businesses, dozens of foundations, the European Commission and other accredited institutions.
Thanos is particularly proud for his contributions to projects such as: The “school that you want” initiative, renovating schools, on behalf of Coca Cola 3Ε. The installation of a recycling program for OTE COSMOTE (Deutsche Telecom Group) used by 10.000 company employees. The “Some forests have their own aura” campaign, reforestating Greek mountains (the overall campaign results exceed 75.000 trees), supported by the AVRA spring water brand. The “1againstracism.gr” campaign for the United Nations Refugee Agency, the first initiative of its kind in Greece. The coordination of the 27th International Symposium of Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation, for more than 700 participants from about 90 countries.
Thanos is comfortable with working in multinational projects. He has provided services for projects in Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, the UK and the US. Finally, as a volunteer, employee and board member he has served national and international NGOs such as Amnesty International, GREENPEACE and his all-time favorite, ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society. As a public speaker Thanos has presented for more than 10.000 people in events such as TEDx, Sustainable Brands and the International Fundraising Conference and corporations such as Mondelez, MERCK and TUI. He has also presented in Institutions such as the Universities of Copenhagen, Villabajo and Crete. His interviews have appeared in media such as Frankfurt Allgemeine, the Sunday Times, the National Geographic and the Discovery Channel.
Stephan Clambaneva
Board Member of IDSA, USA
Design Eco-Innovation Leader, Board Member of the International Designers Society of America (IDSA), USA
Stephan Clambaneva is a design & innovation leader with comprehensive global experience in areas of digital transformation, design and innovation management, and holistic closed loop systems thinking. He is well versed in providing cross-functional leadership and overseeing associated functions to include strategic planning and partnerships, experience design, product lifecycle management, large-scale project management, new business development, global marketing, team building, manufacturing operations and stakeholder engagement.
A thinker and a doer, Stephan has 20 years of experience working for tech giant IBM and enterprise software leader Dassault Systemes leading experience design and innovation project for clients around the world. In addition, he is a strong communicator experienced in directing large teams and managing relationships with diverse clients, colleagues, and international stakeholders at all levels. He has also been accountable for securing and retaining high-level clients and Fortune 500 companies in numerous sectors, spearheading design and innovation services across multiple channels and executing global sales, research, and marketing strategies to facilitate sustainable business growth in highly competitive markets. Further, Stephan is a multifaceted professional capable of leveraging extensive industry experience and executive management skills to drive the continued achievement of organizational objectives. He is known as a versatile contributor with experience in all design and innovation management functions, has exceptional communication and leadership skills, and a continued commitment to implementing industry best practices fueled by an emphasis on sustainability.
Stephan has an active public speaking schedule around the world at conferences including SxSW, Design Management Institute, International Design Conference, Augmented Reality Expo and the Innovation Summit, evangelizing on the strategic value of design and circularity. He was most recently the co-developer and co-EmCee of the Inaugural Sustainability Deep Dive Conference this June. He has published multiple papers on the subjects of Augmented Reality, Design Thinking, Innovation, Product Lifecycle Mgmt., ID, Eco-Design, Environmental Management Systems and Sustainability.
Stephan has been elected Member of the Board & Vice President for the North East District for the Industrial Designers Society of America and Chair of IDSA for New York City since 2010. He serves on the advisory board of numerous startups and on the executive committee for New York Design Week and is a permanent start-up mentor for 3 global accelerators.
He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Stephan Clambaneva is a design & innovation leader with comprehensive global experience in areas of digital transformation, design and innovation management, and holistic closed loop systems thinking. He is well versed in providing cross-functional leadership and overseeing associated functions to include strategic planning and partnerships, experience design, product lifecycle management, large-scale project management, new business development, global marketing, team building, manufacturing operations and stakeholder engagement.
A thinker and a doer, Stephan has 20 years of experience working for tech giant IBM and enterprise software leader Dassault Systemes leading experience design and innovation project for clients around the world. In addition, he is a strong communicator experienced in directing large teams and managing relationships with diverse clients, colleagues, and international stakeholders at all levels. He has also been accountable for securing and retaining high-level clients and Fortune 500 companies in numerous sectors, spearheading design and innovation services across multiple channels and executing global sales, research, and marketing strategies to facilitate sustainable business growth in highly competitive markets. Further, Stephan is a multifaceted professional capable of leveraging extensive industry experience and executive management skills to drive the continued achievement of organizational objectives. He is known as a versatile contributor with experience in all design and innovation management functions, has exceptional communication and leadership skills, and a continued commitment to implementing industry best practices fueled by an emphasis on sustainability.
Stephan has an active public speaking schedule around the world at conferences including SxSW, Design Management Institute, International Design Conference, Augmented Reality Expo and the Innovation Summit, evangelizing on the strategic value of design and circularity. He was most recently the co-developer and co-EmCee of the Inaugural Sustainability Deep Dive Conference this June. He has published multiple papers on the subjects of Augmented Reality, Design Thinking, Innovation, Product Lifecycle Mgmt., ID, Eco-Design, Environmental Management Systems and Sustainability.
Stephan has been elected Member of the Board & Vice President for the North East District for the Industrial Designers Society of America and Chair of IDSA for New York City since 2010. He serves on the advisory board of numerous startups and on the executive committee for New York Design Week and is a permanent start-up mentor for 3 global accelerators.
He lives in New York with his wife and son.
Athina Chatzipetrou
CEO
Athina Chatzipetrou is an experienced CFO skilled in Strategy, Cash Flow, Business Planning, Risk and Internal Audit, ERP and Accounting.
Before managing the newly established Hellenic Development Bank she served as a President of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Fund of Archaelogical Proceeds (TAΠ).
Athina has also been working as a Finance Advisor, consulting with UNECE and RvO on Trade Facilitation. From 2007 to 2011 she has served as Group CFO for Inchcape Toyota Hellas. Prior to this, her role was - a Finance Director for BDF Hellas (Beiersdorf Hellas ) and Region Finance Manager for Coca-Cola HBC.
Her academic skills are profiled at Finance and Operation Research.
Dimitrios Dimopoulos
Director, Sustainability Unit
Dimitrios Dimopoulos received his bachelor degree in biology and his PhD from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Since 1989, he has been involved in nature conservation and sustainable development working for ARCHELON an environmental organization, currently serving on its Board. In 2006, he joined Piraeus Bank to work in the environment department and coordinate EU co-funded projects.
Today he is the Director of the Sustainability Unit. He represents the Bank at UNEP FI, where he is currently serving on the Banking Board. He was involved in creating the Principles for Responsible Banking as member of a UNEP FI core group.
He also participates in the EU Business @ Biodiversity Platform, a forum for dialogue and policy interface to discuss the links between business and biodiversity, as well as in the IUCN Incubation for Nature Conservation project to explore ideas for financing protected areas.
Today he is the Director of the Sustainability Unit. He represents the Bank at UNEP FI, where he is currently serving on the Banking Board. He was involved in creating the Principles for Responsible Banking as member of a UNEP FI core group.
He also participates in the EU Business @ Biodiversity Platform, a forum for dialogue and policy interface to discuss the links between business and biodiversity, as well as in the IUCN Incubation for Nature Conservation project to explore ideas for financing protected areas.
Maria Dimopoulou
Communications & Sustainability manager
Μaria is a seasonal Marketing Communications & PR professional, with background in building Brands reputation.
Experienced in Integrated Campaigns, Online & Offline Reputation Management, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Influencers Engagement & Sustainability Programs, she is now accountable for Communications & Sustainability in Papastratos Greece & Cyprus, with the previous role of Business Unit Director at Ogilvy.
Maria has been awarded a M.A. in Communication, Media & Culture (Coventry University) and a B.A. in History of Arts (University of Crete).
Experienced in Integrated Campaigns, Online & Offline Reputation Management, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Influencers Engagement & Sustainability Programs, she is now accountable for Communications & Sustainability in Papastratos Greece & Cyprus, with the previous role of Business Unit Director at Ogilvy.
Maria has been awarded a M.A. in Communication, Media & Culture (Coventry University) and a B.A. in History of Arts (University of Crete).
Maya Hennerkes
ESG Sector Lead for Financial Intermediaries, UK
Maya Hennerkes leads the EBRD’s environmental and social work with financial institutions and private equity funds. She promotes the integration of climate and broader environmental as well as social issues in investment decisions and investment management.
Maya designs and supervises environmental and social risk management and safeguard frameworks. To help clients maximize their positive impact, she supports their design of sustainable finance strategies and identifies sustainability gains and added value opportunities in investment proposals. She is also responsible for EBRDs ESG training programme for financial institutions and funds.
Maya is a sustainable finance expert with over 15 years of experience, with previous positions at the Inter-American Development Bank Group in Washington DC and Bloomberg L.P. in London.
She studied economics, political science and Latin America studies in Germany and Spain and holds an Executive Masters in Public Management from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
Maya designs and supervises environmental and social risk management and safeguard frameworks. To help clients maximize their positive impact, she supports their design of sustainable finance strategies and identifies sustainability gains and added value opportunities in investment proposals. She is also responsible for EBRDs ESG training programme for financial institutions and funds.
Maya is a sustainable finance expert with over 15 years of experience, with previous positions at the Inter-American Development Bank Group in Washington DC and Bloomberg L.P. in London.
She studied economics, political science and Latin America studies in Germany and Spain and holds an Executive Masters in Public Management from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
Ioannis Kallias
Executive Business Director for Business Assurance
Mr. Ioannis Kallias is a Production & Management Engineer and he holds Master of Science in Quality Management from Cranfield University (School of Industrial & Manufacturing Science), UK. His work experience started in 1997 in Chemical Industries.
In 2001 he began his career at TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas as Lead Auditor and Head of the Educational Programs Division. In 2004 he became the Head of the Management Systems Certification Division for the next four years, being responsible for the services offered by the Organization in both Greece and Cyprus.
In 2006 he assumed the position of Director of Development. Since 2010 he is the Chief Executive Officer of TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas. At the same time, he holds the position of CEO in 5 other subsidiaries of the TÜV AUSTRIA Group in Austria (TÜV AUSTRIA Cert) and Middle East countries and has been appointed as TÜV AUSTRIA Group Middle East & Balkans Area Director.
Since 2017 he has also been appointed TÜV AUSTRIA Group Director of Certification, with responsibility for Group certification services worldwide. Since May 2019 he is top representative of TŰV AUSTRIA in the assigned Region and responsible for overall cross Business Field local market exploration and penetration in coordination with the Executive Business Directors or Business Field Managers.
As of March 2020, Mr. Ioannis Kallias appointed as Executive Business Director for Business Assurance business area of TÜV AUSTRIA Group worldwide and he is executive member of the Executive Committee of the Group. Business Assurance consists of the following business streams: Certification, Training, Legal Compliance.
In 2001 he began his career at TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas as Lead Auditor and Head of the Educational Programs Division. In 2004 he became the Head of the Management Systems Certification Division for the next four years, being responsible for the services offered by the Organization in both Greece and Cyprus.
In 2006 he assumed the position of Director of Development. Since 2010 he is the Chief Executive Officer of TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas. At the same time, he holds the position of CEO in 5 other subsidiaries of the TÜV AUSTRIA Group in Austria (TÜV AUSTRIA Cert) and Middle East countries and has been appointed as TÜV AUSTRIA Group Middle East & Balkans Area Director.
Since 2017 he has also been appointed TÜV AUSTRIA Group Director of Certification, with responsibility for Group certification services worldwide. Since May 2019 he is top representative of TŰV AUSTRIA in the assigned Region and responsible for overall cross Business Field local market exploration and penetration in coordination with the Executive Business Directors or Business Field Managers.
As of March 2020, Mr. Ioannis Kallias appointed as Executive Business Director for Business Assurance business area of TÜV AUSTRIA Group worldwide and he is executive member of the Executive Committee of the Group. Business Assurance consists of the following business streams: Certification, Training, Legal Compliance.
Pascalis Kastanas
Sustainable Packaging Manager
Pascalis Kastanas has an extensive management background in a range of Food & Beverage categories (Coffee, Milk, infant Nutrition, Confectionery, Food) in various European Countries (UK, Switzerland, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia).
Pioneer in connecting competences of local Nestle Scientists and Engineers, he has initiated and led a number of innovative projects for new packaging designs in soluble coffee, new functional materials in R&G coffee, improved packaging safety in Infant Nutrition, innovative approaches in Packaging Environmental Sustainability and coach of Circular Economy for Waste Framework EU Directive in the region.
He is Lecturer in Operations & Process Management, for the International Faculty of University of Sheffield. Mentor & Executive Coach to experienced and High Potential technical managers. Mentor of LEAN Early Management philosophy for new packaging and investment projects. Member of Sustainability Committee of the Greek Food Industry Association. Member of Plastic Bottle Waste Collection Working Group of Hellenic Recycling and Recovery Company.
Pioneer in connecting competences of local Nestle Scientists and Engineers, he has initiated and led a number of innovative projects for new packaging designs in soluble coffee, new functional materials in R&G coffee, improved packaging safety in Infant Nutrition, innovative approaches in Packaging Environmental Sustainability and coach of Circular Economy for Waste Framework EU Directive in the region.
He is Lecturer in Operations & Process Management, for the International Faculty of University of Sheffield. Mentor & Executive Coach to experienced and High Potential technical managers. Mentor of LEAN Early Management philosophy for new packaging and investment projects. Member of Sustainability Committee of the Greek Food Industry Association. Member of Plastic Bottle Waste Collection Working Group of Hellenic Recycling and Recovery Company.
George Lambrinos
President & CEO
George is the President and CEO of GEP Group of Companies, the leading firm of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Services in Greece and SE Europe.
George is committed to leading change through people and his core values are anthropocentrism, teamworking and accountability. His passion in delivering far more than what he promises, allowed him to expand GEP’s H&S services portfolio, shape what Health & Safety mean in Greece and develop GEP to the leading H&S company nowadays.
Since its establishment in 2000, GEP Group is activated in 35 countries and holds its position as a major H&S project owner worldwide. As Health & Safety Advisors of the Olympic Games 2004, at the Trans Adriatic Pipeline construction, at the European Commission, the wind park of Saint George island and another 2,500 companies who trust GEP for the safety of their 250,000 people, the Group has now acquired significant knowledge and experience in creating unique Health & Safety responses to every challenging need.
His vision is highly shaped under GEP’s vision of making Health & Safety culture a main strategic pillar of prosperity and sustainable development of the companies around him. He feels honored by his people loyalty and commitment in delivering high end solutions and results to GEP’s stakeholders.
Ensuring that people stay safe at their workplace, is the upper purpose of everyone who is working at GEP and George is focused on this throughout his entire career.
George holds a Master of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Patras and an MBA from Nottingham Trent University.
He loves life, the sea, and his beautiful family of four.
George is committed to leading change through people and his core values are anthropocentrism, teamworking and accountability. His passion in delivering far more than what he promises, allowed him to expand GEP’s H&S services portfolio, shape what Health & Safety mean in Greece and develop GEP to the leading H&S company nowadays.
Since its establishment in 2000, GEP Group is activated in 35 countries and holds its position as a major H&S project owner worldwide. As Health & Safety Advisors of the Olympic Games 2004, at the Trans Adriatic Pipeline construction, at the European Commission, the wind park of Saint George island and another 2,500 companies who trust GEP for the safety of their 250,000 people, the Group has now acquired significant knowledge and experience in creating unique Health & Safety responses to every challenging need.
His vision is highly shaped under GEP’s vision of making Health & Safety culture a main strategic pillar of prosperity and sustainable development of the companies around him. He feels honored by his people loyalty and commitment in delivering high end solutions and results to GEP’s stakeholders.
Ensuring that people stay safe at their workplace, is the upper purpose of everyone who is working at GEP and George is focused on this throughout his entire career.
George holds a Master of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Patras and an MBA from Nottingham Trent University.
He loves life, the sea, and his beautiful family of four.
Vassiliki Lazarakou
JSD, Chair
JSD – Chair of the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission
Chair of ESAs Joint Committee’s Securitisation Committee
Dr. Lazarakou has a Doctorate in Law (JSD) from New York University School of Law, New York, U.S.A. She also has an LLM in International Legal Studies from New York University School of Law and Bachelor in Law from the Athens University, School of Law.
She is a lawyer admitted at both the Athens Bar and the New York Bar Association with expertise on capital markets, M&As, privatizations, corporate and commercial law and other similar issues.
She has worked for more than 20 years as a Partner at several law firms and for more than 10 years she was heading the relevant Banking, Capital Markets and Finance Department of such Firms.
From 2012 -2015 she was also a First Vice-Chair of the HCMC and an alternate member of BoS.
Chair of ESAs Joint Committee’s Securitisation Committee
Dr. Lazarakou has a Doctorate in Law (JSD) from New York University School of Law, New York, U.S.A. She also has an LLM in International Legal Studies from New York University School of Law and Bachelor in Law from the Athens University, School of Law.
She is a lawyer admitted at both the Athens Bar and the New York Bar Association with expertise on capital markets, M&As, privatizations, corporate and commercial law and other similar issues.
She has worked for more than 20 years as a Partner at several law firms and for more than 10 years she was heading the relevant Banking, Capital Markets and Finance Department of such Firms.
From 2012 -2015 she was also a First Vice-Chair of the HCMC and an alternate member of BoS.
Mario Giordano
Marketing Manager Greece and Israel, IT
Mario Giordano is Marketing Manager Greece and Israel at Signify, the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and lighting for the Internet of Things.
Before that, Mario held various Business Development and Product Management positions at Philips, UL and Candy Hoover working in the consumer and professional environment in Europe, South America and Asia. Mario, an Italian national, holds a master’s degree in Industrial Design at the “Politenico di Milano”, Italy.
Before that, Mario held various Business Development and Product Management positions at Philips, UL and Candy Hoover working in the consumer and professional environment in Europe, South America and Asia. Mario, an Italian national, holds a master’s degree in Industrial Design at the “Politenico di Milano”, Italy.
Maya Hennerkes
ESG Sector Lead for Financial Intermediaries, UK
Maya Hennerkes leads the EBRD’s environmental and social work with financial institutions and private equity funds. She promotes the integration of climate and broader environmental as well as social issues in investment decisions and investment management.
Maya designs and supervises environmental and social risk management and safeguard frameworks. To help clients maximize their positive impact, she supports their design of sustainable finance strategies and identifies sustainability gains and added value opportunities in investment proposals. She is also responsible for EBRDs ESG training programme for financial institutions and funds.
Maya is a sustainable finance expert with over 15 years of experience, with previous positions at the Inter-American Development Bank Group in Washington DC and Bloomberg L.P. in London.
She studied economics, political science and Latin America studies in Germany and Spain and holds an Executive Masters in Public Management from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
Maya designs and supervises environmental and social risk management and safeguard frameworks. To help clients maximize their positive impact, she supports their design of sustainable finance strategies and identifies sustainability gains and added value opportunities in investment proposals. She is also responsible for EBRDs ESG training programme for financial institutions and funds.
Maya is a sustainable finance expert with over 15 years of experience, with previous positions at the Inter-American Development Bank Group in Washington DC and Bloomberg L.P. in London.
She studied economics, political science and Latin America studies in Germany and Spain and holds an Executive Masters in Public Management from the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin.
Ioannis Kallias
Executive Business Director for Business Assurance
Mr. Ioannis Kallias is a Production & Management Engineer and he holds Master of Science in Quality Management from Cranfield University (School of Industrial & Manufacturing Science), UK. His work experience started in 1997 in Chemical Industries.
In 2001 he began his career at TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas as Lead Auditor and Head of the Educational Programs Division. In 2004 he became the Head of the Management Systems Certification Division for the next four years, being responsible for the services offered by the Organization in both Greece and Cyprus.
In 2006 he assumed the position of Director of Development. Since 2010 he is the Chief Executive Officer of TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas. At the same time, he holds the position of CEO in 5 other subsidiaries of the TÜV AUSTRIA Group in Austria (TÜV AUSTRIA Cert) and Middle East countries and has been appointed as TÜV AUSTRIA Group Middle East & Balkans Area Director.
Since 2017 he has also been appointed TÜV AUSTRIA Group Director of Certification, with responsibility for Group certification services worldwide. Since May 2019 he is top representative of TŰV AUSTRIA in the assigned Region and responsible for overall cross Business Field local market exploration and penetration in coordination with the Executive Business Directors or Business Field Managers.
As of March 2020, Mr. Ioannis Kallias appointed as Executive Business Director for Business Assurance business area of TÜV AUSTRIA Group worldwide and he is executive member of the Executive Committee of the Group. Business Assurance consists of the following business streams: Certification, Training, Legal Compliance.
In 2001 he began his career at TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas as Lead Auditor and Head of the Educational Programs Division. In 2004 he became the Head of the Management Systems Certification Division for the next four years, being responsible for the services offered by the Organization in both Greece and Cyprus.
In 2006 he assumed the position of Director of Development. Since 2010 he is the Chief Executive Officer of TÜV AUSTRIA Hellas. At the same time, he holds the position of CEO in 5 other subsidiaries of the TÜV AUSTRIA Group in Austria (TÜV AUSTRIA Cert) and Middle East countries and has been appointed as TÜV AUSTRIA Group Middle East & Balkans Area Director.
Since 2017 he has also been appointed TÜV AUSTRIA Group Director of Certification, with responsibility for Group certification services worldwide. Since May 2019 he is top representative of TŰV AUSTRIA in the assigned Region and responsible for overall cross Business Field local market exploration and penetration in coordination with the Executive Business Directors or Business Field Managers.
As of March 2020, Mr. Ioannis Kallias appointed as Executive Business Director for Business Assurance business area of TÜV AUSTRIA Group worldwide and he is executive member of the Executive Committee of the Group. Business Assurance consists of the following business streams: Certification, Training, Legal Compliance.
Pascalis Kastanas
Sustainable Packaging Manager
Pascalis Kastanas has an extensive management background in a range of Food & Beverage categories (Coffee, Milk, infant Nutrition, Confectionery, Food) in various European Countries (UK, Switzerland, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia).
Pioneer in connecting competences of local Nestle Scientists and Engineers, he has initiated and led a number of innovative projects for new packaging designs in soluble coffee, new functional materials in R&G coffee, improved packaging safety in Infant Nutrition, innovative approaches in Packaging Environmental Sustainability and coach of Circular Economy for Waste Framework EU Directive in the region.
He is Lecturer in Operations & Process Management, for the International Faculty of University of Sheffield. Mentor & Executive Coach to experienced and High Potential technical managers. Mentor of LEAN Early Management philosophy for new packaging and investment projects. Member of Sustainability Committee of the Greek Food Industry Association. Member of Plastic Bottle Waste Collection Working Group of Hellenic Recycling and Recovery Company.
Pioneer in connecting competences of local Nestle Scientists and Engineers, he has initiated and led a number of innovative projects for new packaging designs in soluble coffee, new functional materials in R&G coffee, improved packaging safety in Infant Nutrition, innovative approaches in Packaging Environmental Sustainability and coach of Circular Economy for Waste Framework EU Directive in the region.
He is Lecturer in Operations & Process Management, for the International Faculty of University of Sheffield. Mentor & Executive Coach to experienced and High Potential technical managers. Mentor of LEAN Early Management philosophy for new packaging and investment projects. Member of Sustainability Committee of the Greek Food Industry Association. Member of Plastic Bottle Waste Collection Working Group of Hellenic Recycling and Recovery Company.
George Lambrinos
President & CEO
George is the President and CEO of GEP Group of Companies, the leading firm of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Services in Greece and SE Europe.
George is committed to leading change through people and his core values are anthropocentrism, teamworking and accountability. His passion in delivering far more than what he promises, allowed him to expand GEP’s H&S services portfolio, shape what Health & Safety mean in Greece and develop GEP to the leading H&S company nowadays.
Since its establishment in 2000, GEP Group is activated in 35 countries and holds its position as a major H&S project owner worldwide. As Health & Safety Advisors of the Olympic Games 2004, at the Trans Adriatic Pipeline construction, at the European Commission, the wind park of Saint George island and another 2,500 companies who trust GEP for the safety of their 250,000 people, the Group has now acquired significant knowledge and experience in creating unique Health & Safety responses to every challenging need.
His vision is highly shaped under GEP’s vision of making Health & Safety culture a main strategic pillar of prosperity and sustainable development of the companies around him. He feels honored by his people loyalty and commitment in delivering high end solutions and results to GEP’s stakeholders.
Ensuring that people stay safe at their workplace, is the upper purpose of everyone who is working at GEP and George is focused on this throughout his entire career.
George holds a Master of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Patras and an MBA from Nottingham Trent University.
He loves life, the sea, and his beautiful family of four.
George is committed to leading change through people and his core values are anthropocentrism, teamworking and accountability. His passion in delivering far more than what he promises, allowed him to expand GEP’s H&S services portfolio, shape what Health & Safety mean in Greece and develop GEP to the leading H&S company nowadays.
Since its establishment in 2000, GEP Group is activated in 35 countries and holds its position as a major H&S project owner worldwide. As Health & Safety Advisors of the Olympic Games 2004, at the Trans Adriatic Pipeline construction, at the European Commission, the wind park of Saint George island and another 2,500 companies who trust GEP for the safety of their 250,000 people, the Group has now acquired significant knowledge and experience in creating unique Health & Safety responses to every challenging need.
His vision is highly shaped under GEP’s vision of making Health & Safety culture a main strategic pillar of prosperity and sustainable development of the companies around him. He feels honored by his people loyalty and commitment in delivering high end solutions and results to GEP’s stakeholders.
Ensuring that people stay safe at their workplace, is the upper purpose of everyone who is working at GEP and George is focused on this throughout his entire career.
George holds a Master of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Patras and an MBA from Nottingham Trent University.
He loves life, the sea, and his beautiful family of four.
Dr. Frank Niederländer
Member of the Board
Dr. Frank Niederländer, born in Germany, has enjoyed a Franco-German education, first at a Franco-German school, later during his studies, from which he graduated with a German Master of Business Administration and a French Grande Ecole degree. During this time, he also had the opportunity to live in Lyon, Paris, and Brussels.
In 1991, Dr. Frank Niederländer started his career as an international management trainee at BMW AG. He continued through various positions in the company’s core business areas, such as R&D, corporate planning, product development, and finance/controlling. From 1998, he took over management responsibility as head of product controlling. During this time, he also obtained his PhD in Strategic Management.
Between 2002 and 2007, he was in charge of the BMW advanced development area, first as Vice President of R&D Strategy and later as VP of Innovation Management. In 2007, Niederländer was appointed VP of BMW Brand and Product Strategy Worldwide, in 2009, VP of Product Architecture and in 2010, VP of the Small Car Platform. In 2016 and 2017, he was in charge of restructuring an international Airbag Supplier Case.
In January 2018, Dr. Frank Niederländer was appointed Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.
In 1991, Dr. Frank Niederländer started his career as an international management trainee at BMW AG. He continued through various positions in the company’s core business areas, such as R&D, corporate planning, product development, and finance/controlling. From 1998, he took over management responsibility as head of product controlling. During this time, he also obtained his PhD in Strategic Management.
Between 2002 and 2007, he was in charge of the BMW advanced development area, first as Vice President of R&D Strategy and later as VP of Innovation Management. In 2007, Niederländer was appointed VP of BMW Brand and Product Strategy Worldwide, in 2009, VP of Product Architecture and in 2010, VP of the Small Car Platform. In 2016 and 2017, he was in charge of restructuring an international Airbag Supplier Case.
In January 2018, Dr. Frank Niederländer was appointed Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.
Alexandra Panayotou
Co-Founder
Executive & Personal Mentor, Keynote/Motivational Speaker, Extreme Endurance Runner - Co-Founder of ORAMIQUE
Alex is a changer of lives. She helps corporate teams and individuals set and achieve their goals, develop their strengths, balance, sustainability, and their creativity. In short, she helps others find more stability, happiness, and in doing so achieve more than they dreamed possible.
Her work with senior executives and their teams, professionals in the business and medical world, and also people who find themselves at a crossroads in their professional or personal lives, has made her renowned as an expert in professional and personal sustainability, motivation, positive attitude, and long-term achievement.
Hers is an innovative and unique method; she stands out in her capacity to understand and work with the human element. Alex lives what she teaches and her energy is unparalleled, drawing out the best in the people and groups she works with all over the world.
Alex Panayotou is a charismatic international motivational and TEDx Speaker, and is active around the globe.
“One of the most inspirational guest speakers” according to Jean Francois Dekimpe, (Coca-Cola Eurasia & Africa)
Alex’s story is an inspirational and motivating one. Through it she has become an expert in overcoming obstacles and adversity; her positive attitude and energy stand out.
Having run more kilometres than most people have driven, Alex draws on her exceptional athletic achievements to enrich her professional capability and programs. She started running at 30 years old, and quickly reached championship level. In 2004 she came 2nd in the Barcelona Marathon, 4th in the Greek Championships, and won many races before she turned to solo extreme distance running for charity. This makes her one of only about 5 women in the world who have run distances and challenges as extreme as 2010 km in 31 days, or 400 km non-stop.
These extreme endurance feats have – however – been put in perspective by the physical, mental and emotional obstacles she dealt with from Autumn 2017 to early 2019. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and operated for a malignant tumour. Over the following year she underwent chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Just as with all other great hurdles in the last 14 years, Alex took this in her stride.
She faced this challenge with optimism, strength, and energy: starting to race again at the beginning of chemotherapy, and continuing through all of her treatment. As early as Summer 2018 she was back on the podium again in her age category and as overall winner.
Her work works: she has turned an extremely challenging time into a transformational journey, and is now launching a new campaign, alongside her chosen vocation. This is a wake up call to help people take their lives into their own hands before adversity strikes them, and also to help those going through similarly challenging situations, address them and deal with them in the best way possible.
Alex is an example that if we approach life with a positive attitude, are willing to change and adapt our behaviour, lifestyle, and habits, we can deal with our obstacles much more effectively, achieve more of our goals, and live life to the fullest.
Expert in:
• Executive Endurance / Professional sustainability and balance (Avoiding or dealing with Burnout and Stress Syndrome)
• Overcoming obstacles and adversity
• Courage vs. fears and doubts
• Positive attitude & Motivation
• Personal & professional excellence
• Setting and achieving goals
• Reaching and sustaining top performance
• Personal and professional transformation
Alex is a changer of lives. She helps corporate teams and individuals set and achieve their goals, develop their strengths, balance, sustainability, and their creativity. In short, she helps others find more stability, happiness, and in doing so achieve more than they dreamed possible.
Her work with senior executives and their teams, professionals in the business and medical world, and also people who find themselves at a crossroads in their professional or personal lives, has made her renowned as an expert in professional and personal sustainability, motivation, positive attitude, and long-term achievement.
Hers is an innovative and unique method; she stands out in her capacity to understand and work with the human element. Alex lives what she teaches and her energy is unparalleled, drawing out the best in the people and groups she works with all over the world.
Alex Panayotou is a charismatic international motivational and TEDx Speaker, and is active around the globe.
“One of the most inspirational guest speakers” according to Jean Francois Dekimpe, (Coca-Cola Eurasia & Africa)
Alex’s story is an inspirational and motivating one. Through it she has become an expert in overcoming obstacles and adversity; her positive attitude and energy stand out.
Having run more kilometres than most people have driven, Alex draws on her exceptional athletic achievements to enrich her professional capability and programs. She started running at 30 years old, and quickly reached championship level. In 2004 she came 2nd in the Barcelona Marathon, 4th in the Greek Championships, and won many races before she turned to solo extreme distance running for charity. This makes her one of only about 5 women in the world who have run distances and challenges as extreme as 2010 km in 31 days, or 400 km non-stop.
These extreme endurance feats have – however – been put in perspective by the physical, mental and emotional obstacles she dealt with from Autumn 2017 to early 2019. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and operated for a malignant tumour. Over the following year she underwent chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Just as with all other great hurdles in the last 14 years, Alex took this in her stride.
She faced this challenge with optimism, strength, and energy: starting to race again at the beginning of chemotherapy, and continuing through all of her treatment. As early as Summer 2018 she was back on the podium again in her age category and as overall winner.
Her work works: she has turned an extremely challenging time into a transformational journey, and is now launching a new campaign, alongside her chosen vocation. This is a wake up call to help people take their lives into their own hands before adversity strikes them, and also to help those going through similarly challenging situations, address them and deal with them in the best way possible.
Alex is an example that if we approach life with a positive attitude, are willing to change and adapt our behaviour, lifestyle, and habits, we can deal with our obstacles much more effectively, achieve more of our goals, and live life to the fullest.
Expert in:
• Executive Endurance / Professional sustainability and balance (Avoiding or dealing with Burnout and Stress Syndrome)
• Overcoming obstacles and adversity
• Courage vs. fears and doubts
• Positive attitude & Motivation
• Personal & professional excellence
• Setting and achieving goals
• Reaching and sustaining top performance
• Personal and professional transformation
Constantine Panayotou
Founder
Constantine has over twenty years’ experience in developing businesses and successfully managing people and teams, mainly based in London and Zurich with leading finance firms including JP Morgan Chase and latterly Credit Suisse. Leading roles over the past two decades include heading investment management, institutional client advisory as well as corporate strategic partnership businesses, involving working closely with and advising senior management and principals of client and partner firms as well as establishing and fronting major partnership forums and events on behalf of respective employers.
Constantine is a founding partner of Oramique (oramique.com) and works closely with senior management teams of the firm’s corporate clients in this capacity, and is separately the principal of Athens property firm Fioreal IKE (fioreal.com). He has a Masters’ degree in economic and social studies from Trinity College Dublin as well as an MBA from London Business School where he continues to support MBA recruitment, and is a dual Irish and British citizen.
Constantine is a founding partner of Oramique (oramique.com) and works closely with senior management teams of the firm’s corporate clients in this capacity, and is separately the principal of Athens property firm Fioreal IKE (fioreal.com). He has a Masters’ degree in economic and social studies from Trinity College Dublin as well as an MBA from London Business School where he continues to support MBA recruitment, and is a dual Irish and British citizen.
Dimitris Pontikakos
Green Economy Financing Facilities
Dimitris Pontikakos is part of the Energy Efficiency and Climate Change team at the EBRD. He is working in the Green Economy Financing Facilities (GEFF) unit, supporting businesses and homeowners wishing to invest in green technologies.
Among other things, he is currently focused on the implementation of GEFF credit lines, works closely with EBRD’s trade finance team towards upscaling the technology transfer for climate change mitigation & adaptation, and supports the development of innovative tools that foster the transition to a greener economy.
Prior to his work at EBRD, Dimitris was working as a Consultant specialized in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy finance, supporting the implementation of green credit lines of international financial institutions (EIB, KfW, FMO, Green Growth Fund). He has more than 5 years of experience in the field of climate finance and has delivered trainings and workshops for financial institutions in the EU, Southeast Europe, Central Asia, Turkey and countries in the SEMED region. He holds a MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and an MSc on Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh. Apart from his mother tongue Greek, he is fluent in English, French, Spanish and German.
Prior to his work at EBRD, Dimitris was working as a Consultant specialized in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy finance, supporting the implementation of green credit lines of international financial institutions (EIB, KfW, FMO, Green Growth Fund). He has more than 5 years of experience in the field of climate finance and has delivered trainings and workshops for financial institutions in the EU, Southeast Europe, Central Asia, Turkey and countries in the SEMED region. He holds a MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and an MSc on Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh. Apart from his mother tongue Greek, he is fluent in English, French, Spanish and German.
Wayne Sharpe
Founder & CEO
Wayne Sharpe is the Founder and CEO of Global Environmental Markets (GEM) and its subsidiary Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX), the first global electronic exchange for the voluntary carbon market with 24/7 web based electronic trading which Wayne designed and developed in 2007. Prior to CTX, Wayne founded Bartercard in 1991, which he sold in 2008. CTX launched in 2009 in London, interfacing with Westpac Banking Corporation in 2010. Since then Wayne designed and built multiple new exchanges across various markets including EUETS, California, RGGI (USA), Australia, as well as exchange platforms for water, renewable energy and the regulated Stock Exchange 4 Africa Exchange South Africa, designed by GEM in 2015. GEM technologies have interfaced with multiple banks globally and up to 8 carbon registries simultaneously.
Bartercard was and is the world’s largest non-cash marketplace (registry/exchange/bank) where B2B members exchange goods and services on credit units (not cash) via a unique “alternative virtual currency”. Under Wayne’s 21 years of leadership, Bartercard had 136 offices in 20 countries, 3500 staff and turned over in excess of $ AUD 50 billion.
Wayne began studying the imminent impact of climate change in the late 1990s and became increasingly concerned about the lack of action on behalf of corporates and governments alike to deal with it. After identifying a gap in communication and transaction capability between the private and environmental sectors, he became committed to provide the technology to deliver financial resources to a wide array of projects aimed at solving the challenge of climate change.
He sold Bartercard to management to dedicate his time designing and building Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX) in 2007 and GEM in 2010. For the past 12 years, he has devoted himself to bridging the nexus between financial markets and the environment, creating marketplaces and platforms that make financing environmental outcomes simple, secure and transparent. In early 2019 he identified the need to create the world’s first ITMO Registry®, to originate and trade carbon credits under the Paris Agreement, designed and built by GEM and linked this registry to CTX for trade.
He is a global leader in the industry attending and speaking at key global events such as World Climate Summits, Carbon Expo’s, NACW (USA), Climate Leadership Conferences and the UN Climate Change Conference (he attended seven conferences and was invited to be a speaker at five).
With homes in London and Gold Coast Australia, he is an active sportsman, outdoorsman and adventurer, and considered a visionary leader by his peers.
Bartercard was and is the world’s largest non-cash marketplace (registry/exchange/bank) where B2B members exchange goods and services on credit units (not cash) via a unique “alternative virtual currency”. Under Wayne’s 21 years of leadership, Bartercard had 136 offices in 20 countries, 3500 staff and turned over in excess of $ AUD 50 billion.
Wayne began studying the imminent impact of climate change in the late 1990s and became increasingly concerned about the lack of action on behalf of corporates and governments alike to deal with it. After identifying a gap in communication and transaction capability between the private and environmental sectors, he became committed to provide the technology to deliver financial resources to a wide array of projects aimed at solving the challenge of climate change.
He sold Bartercard to management to dedicate his time designing and building Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX) in 2007 and GEM in 2010. For the past 12 years, he has devoted himself to bridging the nexus between financial markets and the environment, creating marketplaces and platforms that make financing environmental outcomes simple, secure and transparent. In early 2019 he identified the need to create the world’s first ITMO Registry®, to originate and trade carbon credits under the Paris Agreement, designed and built by GEM and linked this registry to CTX for trade.
He is a global leader in the industry attending and speaking at key global events such as World Climate Summits, Carbon Expo’s, NACW (USA), Climate Leadership Conferences and the UN Climate Change Conference (he attended seven conferences and was invited to be a speaker at five).
With homes in London and Gold Coast Australia, he is an active sportsman, outdoorsman and adventurer, and considered a visionary leader by his peers.
Vassiliki Lazarakou
JSD, Chair
JSD – Chair of the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission
Chair of ESAs Joint Committee’s Securitisation Committee
Dr. Lazarakou has a Doctorate in Law (JSD) from New York University School of Law, New York, U.S.A. She also has an LLM in International Legal Studies from New York University School of Law and Bachelor in Law from the Athens University, School of Law.
She is a lawyer admitted at both the Athens Bar and the New York Bar Association with expertise on capital markets, M&As, privatizations, corporate and commercial law and other similar issues.
She has worked for more than 20 years as a Partner at several law firms and for more than 10 years she was heading the relevant Banking, Capital Markets and Finance Department of such Firms.
From 2012 -2015 she was also a First Vice-Chair of the HCMC and an alternate member of BoS.
Chair of ESAs Joint Committee’s Securitisation Committee
Dr. Lazarakou has a Doctorate in Law (JSD) from New York University School of Law, New York, U.S.A. She also has an LLM in International Legal Studies from New York University School of Law and Bachelor in Law from the Athens University, School of Law.
She is a lawyer admitted at both the Athens Bar and the New York Bar Association with expertise on capital markets, M&As, privatizations, corporate and commercial law and other similar issues.
She has worked for more than 20 years as a Partner at several law firms and for more than 10 years she was heading the relevant Banking, Capital Markets and Finance Department of such Firms.
From 2012 -2015 she was also a First Vice-Chair of the HCMC and an alternate member of BoS.
Alexandra Panayotou
Co-Founder
Executive & Personal Mentor, Keynote/Motivational Speaker, Extreme Endurance Runner - Co-Founder of ORAMIQUE
Alex is a changer of lives. She helps corporate teams and individuals set and achieve their goals, develop their strengths, balance, sustainability, and their creativity. In short, she helps others find more stability, happiness, and in doing so achieve more than they dreamed possible.
Her work with senior executives and their teams, professionals in the business and medical world, and also people who find themselves at a crossroads in their professional or personal lives, has made her renowned as an expert in professional and personal sustainability, motivation, positive attitude, and long-term achievement.
Hers is an innovative and unique method; she stands out in her capacity to understand and work with the human element. Alex lives what she teaches and her energy is unparalleled, drawing out the best in the people and groups she works with all over the world.
Alex Panayotou is a charismatic international motivational and TEDx Speaker, and is active around the globe.
“One of the most inspirational guest speakers” according to Jean Francois Dekimpe, (Coca-Cola Eurasia & Africa)
Alex’s story is an inspirational and motivating one. Through it she has become an expert in overcoming obstacles and adversity; her positive attitude and energy stand out.
Having run more kilometres than most people have driven, Alex draws on her exceptional athletic achievements to enrich her professional capability and programs. She started running at 30 years old, and quickly reached championship level. In 2004 she came 2nd in the Barcelona Marathon, 4th in the Greek Championships, and won many races before she turned to solo extreme distance running for charity. This makes her one of only about 5 women in the world who have run distances and challenges as extreme as 2010 km in 31 days, or 400 km non-stop.
These extreme endurance feats have – however – been put in perspective by the physical, mental and emotional obstacles she dealt with from Autumn 2017 to early 2019. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and operated for a malignant tumour. Over the following year she underwent chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Just as with all other great hurdles in the last 14 years, Alex took this in her stride.
She faced this challenge with optimism, strength, and energy: starting to race again at the beginning of chemotherapy, and continuing through all of her treatment. As early as Summer 2018 she was back on the podium again in her age category and as overall winner.
Her work works: she has turned an extremely challenging time into a transformational journey, and is now launching a new campaign, alongside her chosen vocation. This is a wake up call to help people take their lives into their own hands before adversity strikes them, and also to help those going through similarly challenging situations, address them and deal with them in the best way possible.
Alex is an example that if we approach life with a positive attitude, are willing to change and adapt our behaviour, lifestyle, and habits, we can deal with our obstacles much more effectively, achieve more of our goals, and live life to the fullest.
Expert in:
• Executive Endurance / Professional sustainability and balance (Avoiding or dealing with Burnout and Stress Syndrome)
• Overcoming obstacles and adversity
• Courage vs. fears and doubts
• Positive attitude & Motivation
• Personal & professional excellence
• Setting and achieving goals
• Reaching and sustaining top performance
• Personal and professional transformation
Alex is a changer of lives. She helps corporate teams and individuals set and achieve their goals, develop their strengths, balance, sustainability, and their creativity. In short, she helps others find more stability, happiness, and in doing so achieve more than they dreamed possible.
Her work with senior executives and their teams, professionals in the business and medical world, and also people who find themselves at a crossroads in their professional or personal lives, has made her renowned as an expert in professional and personal sustainability, motivation, positive attitude, and long-term achievement.
Hers is an innovative and unique method; she stands out in her capacity to understand and work with the human element. Alex lives what she teaches and her energy is unparalleled, drawing out the best in the people and groups she works with all over the world.
Alex Panayotou is a charismatic international motivational and TEDx Speaker, and is active around the globe.
“One of the most inspirational guest speakers” according to Jean Francois Dekimpe, (Coca-Cola Eurasia & Africa)
Alex’s story is an inspirational and motivating one. Through it she has become an expert in overcoming obstacles and adversity; her positive attitude and energy stand out.
Having run more kilometres than most people have driven, Alex draws on her exceptional athletic achievements to enrich her professional capability and programs. She started running at 30 years old, and quickly reached championship level. In 2004 she came 2nd in the Barcelona Marathon, 4th in the Greek Championships, and won many races before she turned to solo extreme distance running for charity. This makes her one of only about 5 women in the world who have run distances and challenges as extreme as 2010 km in 31 days, or 400 km non-stop.
These extreme endurance feats have – however – been put in perspective by the physical, mental and emotional obstacles she dealt with from Autumn 2017 to early 2019. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and operated for a malignant tumour. Over the following year she underwent chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Just as with all other great hurdles in the last 14 years, Alex took this in her stride.
She faced this challenge with optimism, strength, and energy: starting to race again at the beginning of chemotherapy, and continuing through all of her treatment. As early as Summer 2018 she was back on the podium again in her age category and as overall winner.
Her work works: she has turned an extremely challenging time into a transformational journey, and is now launching a new campaign, alongside her chosen vocation. This is a wake up call to help people take their lives into their own hands before adversity strikes them, and also to help those going through similarly challenging situations, address them and deal with them in the best way possible.
Alex is an example that if we approach life with a positive attitude, are willing to change and adapt our behaviour, lifestyle, and habits, we can deal with our obstacles much more effectively, achieve more of our goals, and live life to the fullest.
Expert in:
• Executive Endurance / Professional sustainability and balance (Avoiding or dealing with Burnout and Stress Syndrome)
• Overcoming obstacles and adversity
• Courage vs. fears and doubts
• Positive attitude & Motivation
• Personal & professional excellence
• Setting and achieving goals
• Reaching and sustaining top performance
• Personal and professional transformation
Constantine Panayotou
Founder
Constantine has over twenty years’ experience in developing businesses and successfully managing people and teams, mainly based in London and Zurich with leading finance firms including JP Morgan Chase and latterly Credit Suisse. Leading roles over the past two decades include heading investment management, institutional client advisory as well as corporate strategic partnership businesses, involving working closely with and advising senior management and principals of client and partner firms as well as establishing and fronting major partnership forums and events on behalf of respective employers.
Constantine is a founding partner of Oramique (oramique.com) and works closely with senior management teams of the firm’s corporate clients in this capacity, and is separately the principal of Athens property firm Fioreal IKE (fioreal.com). He has a Masters’ degree in economic and social studies from Trinity College Dublin as well as an MBA from London Business School where he continues to support MBA recruitment, and is a dual Irish and British citizen.
Constantine is a founding partner of Oramique (oramique.com) and works closely with senior management teams of the firm’s corporate clients in this capacity, and is separately the principal of Athens property firm Fioreal IKE (fioreal.com). He has a Masters’ degree in economic and social studies from Trinity College Dublin as well as an MBA from London Business School where he continues to support MBA recruitment, and is a dual Irish and British citizen.
Dimitris Pontikakos
Green Economy Financing Facilities
Dimitris Pontikakos is part of the Energy Efficiency and Climate Change team at the EBRD. He is working in the Green Economy Financing Facilities (GEFF) unit, supporting businesses and homeowners wishing to invest in green technologies.
Among other things, he is currently focused on the implementation of GEFF credit lines, works closely with EBRD’s trade finance team towards upscaling the technology transfer for climate change mitigation & adaptation, and supports the development of innovative tools that foster the transition to a greener economy.
Prior to his work at EBRD, Dimitris was working as a Consultant specialized in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy finance, supporting the implementation of green credit lines of international financial institutions (EIB, KfW, FMO, Green Growth Fund). He has more than 5 years of experience in the field of climate finance and has delivered trainings and workshops for financial institutions in the EU, Southeast Europe, Central Asia, Turkey and countries in the SEMED region. He holds a MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and an MSc on Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh. Apart from his mother tongue Greek, he is fluent in English, French, Spanish and German.
Prior to his work at EBRD, Dimitris was working as a Consultant specialized in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy finance, supporting the implementation of green credit lines of international financial institutions (EIB, KfW, FMO, Green Growth Fund). He has more than 5 years of experience in the field of climate finance and has delivered trainings and workshops for financial institutions in the EU, Southeast Europe, Central Asia, Turkey and countries in the SEMED region. He holds a MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and an MSc on Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Edinburgh. Apart from his mother tongue Greek, he is fluent in English, French, Spanish and German.
Wayne Sharpe
Founder & CEO
Wayne Sharpe is the Founder and CEO of Global Environmental Markets (GEM) and its subsidiary Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX), the first global electronic exchange for the voluntary carbon market with 24/7 web based electronic trading which Wayne designed and developed in 2007. Prior to CTX, Wayne founded Bartercard in 1991, which he sold in 2008. CTX launched in 2009 in London, interfacing with Westpac Banking Corporation in 2010. Since then Wayne designed and built multiple new exchanges across various markets including EUETS, California, RGGI (USA), Australia, as well as exchange platforms for water, renewable energy and the regulated Stock Exchange 4 Africa Exchange South Africa, designed by GEM in 2015. GEM technologies have interfaced with multiple banks globally and up to 8 carbon registries simultaneously.
Bartercard was and is the world’s largest non-cash marketplace (registry/exchange/bank) where B2B members exchange goods and services on credit units (not cash) via a unique “alternative virtual currency”. Under Wayne’s 21 years of leadership, Bartercard had 136 offices in 20 countries, 3500 staff and turned over in excess of $ AUD 50 billion.
Wayne began studying the imminent impact of climate change in the late 1990s and became increasingly concerned about the lack of action on behalf of corporates and governments alike to deal with it. After identifying a gap in communication and transaction capability between the private and environmental sectors, he became committed to provide the technology to deliver financial resources to a wide array of projects aimed at solving the challenge of climate change.
He sold Bartercard to management to dedicate his time designing and building Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX) in 2007 and GEM in 2010. For the past 12 years, he has devoted himself to bridging the nexus between financial markets and the environment, creating marketplaces and platforms that make financing environmental outcomes simple, secure and transparent. In early 2019 he identified the need to create the world’s first ITMO Registry®, to originate and trade carbon credits under the Paris Agreement, designed and built by GEM and linked this registry to CTX for trade.
He is a global leader in the industry attending and speaking at key global events such as World Climate Summits, Carbon Expo’s, NACW (USA), Climate Leadership Conferences and the UN Climate Change Conference (he attended seven conferences and was invited to be a speaker at five).
With homes in London and Gold Coast Australia, he is an active sportsman, outdoorsman and adventurer, and considered a visionary leader by his peers.
Bartercard was and is the world’s largest non-cash marketplace (registry/exchange/bank) where B2B members exchange goods and services on credit units (not cash) via a unique “alternative virtual currency”. Under Wayne’s 21 years of leadership, Bartercard had 136 offices in 20 countries, 3500 staff and turned over in excess of $ AUD 50 billion.
Wayne began studying the imminent impact of climate change in the late 1990s and became increasingly concerned about the lack of action on behalf of corporates and governments alike to deal with it. After identifying a gap in communication and transaction capability between the private and environmental sectors, he became committed to provide the technology to deliver financial resources to a wide array of projects aimed at solving the challenge of climate change.
He sold Bartercard to management to dedicate his time designing and building Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX) in 2007 and GEM in 2010. For the past 12 years, he has devoted himself to bridging the nexus between financial markets and the environment, creating marketplaces and platforms that make financing environmental outcomes simple, secure and transparent. In early 2019 he identified the need to create the world’s first ITMO Registry®, to originate and trade carbon credits under the Paris Agreement, designed and built by GEM and linked this registry to CTX for trade.
He is a global leader in the industry attending and speaking at key global events such as World Climate Summits, Carbon Expo’s, NACW (USA), Climate Leadership Conferences and the UN Climate Change Conference (he attended seven conferences and was invited to be a speaker at five).
With homes in London and Gold Coast Australia, he is an active sportsman, outdoorsman and adventurer, and considered a visionary leader by his peers.
Michael Spanos
Managing Director and Founder
Michael Spanos is the Founder & Managing Director of Global Sustain, an Expert Advisor to the European Commission on the Sustainable Development Goals, an AHC Group Senior Associate (USA), a member of the secretariat of the United Nations Global Compact Network and of the Advisory Board of the CEO Clubs in Greece and a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Council of FMC Corp (USA).
Michael leads projects in sustainability strategy, non-financial reporting, sustainability activities, performance and recognition through indices, awards and initiatives. He presents in international events and produces global publications on responsible investments, sustainable leadership and innovation, collaborating with organisations such as the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Global Compact, GRI, European Commission and Parliament. He has held senior positions in a venture capital firm, an investment fund and in ICAP Group, the largest business information and consulting firm in South-East Europe.
Michael is also a visiting lecturer at the International MBA program of the Athens University of Economics and Business and the Cyprus International Institute of Management. He holds an MBA and a diploma in Production Engineering and Management and speaks English, French and Greek.
Michael leads projects in sustainability strategy, non-financial reporting, sustainability activities, performance and recognition through indices, awards and initiatives. He presents in international events and produces global publications on responsible investments, sustainable leadership and innovation, collaborating with organisations such as the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Global Compact, GRI, European Commission and Parliament. He has held senior positions in a venture capital firm, an investment fund and in ICAP Group, the largest business information and consulting firm in South-East Europe.
Michael is also a visiting lecturer at the International MBA program of the Athens University of Economics and Business and the Cyprus International Institute of Management. He holds an MBA and a diploma in Production Engineering and Management and speaks English, French and Greek.
Aris Vrettos
Director, Centre for Business Transformation
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Aris Vrettos
Director, Centre for Business Transformation
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Aris leads CISL’s Centre for Business Transformation, which develops and integrates new thinking, tools and strategies that enable business to play a transformative role toward a sustainable economy. The Centre contributes to CISL’s research and thought leadership in sustainable business, purpose, culture, governance and innovation and also houses our Advisory Services, Business & Nature work and the CISL Accelerator and SME Hub.
Aris advises business leaders and speaks on global trends, business leadership and performance. Between 2012 – 2020 he was the Global Director for The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme and was responsible for the growth of CISL’s executive programmes and partnerships in the Middle East, China & South East Asia, Latin America and Australia. Previously he was a Senior Advisor at the think-tank AccountAbility, focusing on materiality and engagement and delivering projects with corporate clients and international agencies in Brazil, India and the US.
Aris is a member of the Ethical Corporation advisory board, a member of the EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development advisory council, a non-executive director at Global Sustain, a European sustainability NGO, a member of the Cambridge Global Challenges initiative and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a trained economist and journalist and began his career writing for international news and reporting on social issues in Greece.
Aris leads CISL’s Centre for Business Transformation, which develops and integrates new thinking, tools and strategies that enable business to play a transformative role toward a sustainable economy. The Centre contributes to CISL’s research and thought leadership in sustainable business, purpose, culture, governance and innovation and also houses our Advisory Services, Business & Nature work and the CISL Accelerator and SME Hub.
Aris advises business leaders and speaks on global trends, business leadership and performance. Between 2012 – 2020 he was the Global Director for The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme and was responsible for the growth of CISL’s executive programmes and partnerships in the Middle East, China & South East Asia, Latin America and Australia. Previously he was a Senior Advisor at the think-tank AccountAbility, focusing on materiality and engagement and delivering projects with corporate clients and international agencies in Brazil, India and the US.
Aris is a member of the Ethical Corporation advisory board, a member of the EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development advisory council, a non-executive director at Global Sustain, a European sustainability NGO, a member of the Cambridge Global Challenges initiative and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a trained economist and journalist and began his career writing for international news and reporting on social issues in Greece.
Michael Spanos
Managing Director
Michael Spanos is the Founder & Managing Director of Global Sustain, an Expert Advisor to the European Commission on the Sustainable Development Goals, an AHC Group Senior Associate (USA), a member of the secretariat of the United Nations Global Compact Network and of the Advisory Board of the CEO Clubs in Greece and a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Council of FMC Corp (USA).
Michael leads projects in sustainability strategy, non-financial reporting, sustainability activities, performance and recognition through indices, awards and initiatives. He presents in international events and produces global publications on responsible investments, sustainable leadership and innovation, collaborating with organisations such as the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Global Compact, GRI, European Commission and Parliament. He has held senior positions in a venture capital firm, an investment fund and in ICAP Group, the largest business information and consulting firm in South-East Europe.
Michael is also a visiting lecturer at the International MBA program of the Athens University of Economics and Business and the Cyprus International Institute of Management. He holds an MBA and a diploma in Production Engineering and Management and speaks English, French and Greek.
Michael leads projects in sustainability strategy, non-financial reporting, sustainability activities, performance and recognition through indices, awards and initiatives. He presents in international events and produces global publications on responsible investments, sustainable leadership and innovation, collaborating with organisations such as the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Global Compact, GRI, European Commission and Parliament. He has held senior positions in a venture capital firm, an investment fund and in ICAP Group, the largest business information and consulting firm in South-East Europe.
Michael is also a visiting lecturer at the International MBA program of the Athens University of Economics and Business and the Cyprus International Institute of Management. He holds an MBA and a diploma in Production Engineering and Management and speaks English, French and Greek.
Aris Vrettos
Director, Centre for Business Transformation
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Aris Vrettos
Director, Centre for Business Transformation
Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Aris leads CISL’s Centre for Business Transformation, which develops and integrates new thinking, tools and strategies that enable business to play a transformative role toward a sustainable economy. The Centre contributes to CISL’s research and thought leadership in sustainable business, purpose, culture, governance and innovation and also houses our Advisory Services, Business & Nature work and the CISL Accelerator and SME Hub.
Aris advises business leaders and speaks on global trends, business leadership and performance. Between 2012 – 2020 he was the Global Director for The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme and was responsible for the growth of CISL’s executive programmes and partnerships in the Middle East, China & South East Asia, Latin America and Australia. Previously he was a Senior Advisor at the think-tank AccountAbility, focusing on materiality and engagement and delivering projects with corporate clients and international agencies in Brazil, India and the US.
Aris is a member of the Ethical Corporation advisory board, a member of the EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development advisory council, a non-executive director at Global Sustain, a European sustainability NGO, a member of the Cambridge Global Challenges initiative and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a trained economist and journalist and began his career writing for international news and reporting on social issues in Greece.
Aris leads CISL’s Centre for Business Transformation, which develops and integrates new thinking, tools and strategies that enable business to play a transformative role toward a sustainable economy. The Centre contributes to CISL’s research and thought leadership in sustainable business, purpose, culture, governance and innovation and also houses our Advisory Services, Business & Nature work and the CISL Accelerator and SME Hub.
Aris advises business leaders and speaks on global trends, business leadership and performance. Between 2012 – 2020 he was the Global Director for The Prince of Wales's Business & Sustainability Programme and was responsible for the growth of CISL’s executive programmes and partnerships in the Middle East, China & South East Asia, Latin America and Australia. Previously he was a Senior Advisor at the think-tank AccountAbility, focusing on materiality and engagement and delivering projects with corporate clients and international agencies in Brazil, India and the US.
Aris is a member of the Ethical Corporation advisory board, a member of the EPLO Institute for Sustainable Development advisory council, a non-executive director at Global Sustain, a European sustainability NGO, a member of the Cambridge Global Challenges initiative and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is a trained economist and journalist and began his career writing for international news and reporting on social issues in Greece.