Speakers

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  Demetrios M. Kalaitzidakis Operations Director, Grecotel Hotels & Resorts
  

  Demetrios M. Kalaitzidakis

  Operations Director, Grecotel Hotels & Resorts

  Group Operations Director at Grecotel Hotels & Resorts – Cornell, School of Hotel Administration – Florida International University, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, B.Sc, M.Sc.
  Awarded hospitality management executive with over 48 years of experience across 5* beach resorts and life – style hotels, at hotel level as well as multi location – corporate level with demanding international clientele. Grecotel operates 40 beach resorts and city hotels.
  My personal goal was and always will be to influence and develop the hospitality business in a positive way towards sustainability with respect to the environment.
  Support and promote the local traditions and culture through the employment of well-trained local personnel that provide services and products much appreciated by guests, colleagues and external collaborators.
  Passionate about creating an environment that delivers memorable experiences for guests and employees.
  Improve operational efficiency and boost revenue through strategic planning and innovative high – end products and services while delivering financial success for the business.

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  Katerina Panagopoulou President of KALLIPATEIRA, Panhellenic Women’s Association, Ambassador at Large of the Hellenic Republic, National Ambassador of Greece to the Council of Europe for Sport, Tolerance & Fair Play
  

  Katerina Panagopoulou

  President of KALLIPATEIRA, Panhellenic Women’s Association, Ambassador at Large of the Hellenic Republic, National Ambassador of Greece to the Council of Europe for Sport, Tolerance & Fair Play

  Katerina Nafplioti Panagopoulou is an Ambassador at Large of the Hellenic Republic and National Ambassador of Greece to the Council of Europe for Sports, Tolerance, and Fair Play, a role she has held voluntarily since 1998. Since 2005, she has been the President of the Hellenic Women Association “Kallipatira” which holds Special
  Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the UN. She is also the founder of the International Center for Sciences and Greek Values and Honorary President of the Hellenic Association of Political Scientists (HAPSc). She has been honored with prestigious international awards, such as the European
  “Woman and Sports 2012” Award from the International Olympic Committee, being the first Greek woman to receive this honor, and the European Citizen Award 2017 from the European Parliament.

  She studied Foreign Languages and Literature at the University of Paul Valéry Montpellier and is an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy at Amity University. She speaks English, French, and Italian.
  With many years of involvement in international conferences, speeches, and innovative initiatives, she is tirelessly dedicated to promoting Greek culture and the timeless values of Hellenism. She focuses on empowering the Greek diaspora and activating it as a vital force for Greece, while also consistently supporting vulnerable
  social groups, serving as a model of dedication, leadership, and selfless contribution.

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  Panayotis Glavinis Professor of International Economic Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
  

  Panayotis Glavinis

  Professor of International Economic Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

  Panayotis Glavinis is Professor of International Economic Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He graduated in 1986 from the same Faculty before studying in France, at Paris 2 University, where he completed his PhD and received his habilitation à diriger des recherches. He teaches International Trade Law, Foreign Investment Law, Energy Law, Finance Law and International Business Transactions. His most recent book on “Power Redistribution Mechanisms in the International Economic System”, published by Papazisis Publications, was awarded the prize of the Academy of Athens on 19.12.2019. From 2004 to 2018, he was a member of the Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (Paris). From 1.10.2011 to 19.6.2012, he served as Legal Adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece at the peak of the Greek debt crisis. From 2019 to 2021, he served as Chairman of the Legal Committee of the University of Thessaloniki and from 2020 to 2024, as Vice President of the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). Since Sept. 2021, he is the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

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  Ioannis Pandis PhD, MSc - Pfizer Thessaloniki Site Lead & Center for Digital Innovation Leader
  

  Ioannis Pandis

  PhD, MSc - Pfizer Thessaloniki Site Lead & Center for Digital Innovation Leader

  Dr. Ioannis Pandis serves as the Site Lead for Pfizer in Thessaloniki and as the Leader of the Center for Digital Innovation. In this dual role, he provides strategic leadership at the intersection of pharmaceutical research and advanced digital technologies, with a strong focus on aligning artificial intelligence and data capabilities with scientific and business objectives. He has an internationally proven track record in leading high impact initiatives that bridge complex research processes with innovative IT solutions, enabling organizations to accelerate innovation and deliver measurable scientific outcomes.
  Prior to his current role, Ioannis served as Senior Director for Research AI and Data Technology Strategy within Pfizer’s Center for Digital Innovation. In this capacity, he was accountable for defining and executing the strategic adoption of cutting edge AI, machine learning, and data technologies across preclinical research. His work played a key role in accelerating drug discovery efforts, strengthening data driven decision making, and fostering a culture of innovation within research and development.
  Before joining Pfizer, Ioannis spent more than a decade in the United Kingdom, where he led biomedical data science and digital health projects in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutions. During this time, he also established and contributed to large scale European biomedical research initiatives, working as a biomedical data scientist on projects with significant scientific and societal impact.
  Ioannis has authored a large number of peer reviewed research papers and articles published in international medical journals, with a focus on digital health science and data driven approaches for disease monitoring across multiple therapeutic areas.
  He holds a PhD in Immunology and Molecular Biology from the University of Ioannina, an MSc in Bioinformatics from Imperial College London, and a BSc in Genetics from Cardiff University.

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  Mary Chatzakou CEO of MEVGAL
  

  Mary Chatzakou

  CEO of MEVGAL

  Mary Chatzakou was born in Thessaloniki and developed most of her professional career at MEVGAL, where she worked in key areas such as Financial Management, Sales, and Marketing. She served as a member of the Board of Directors (1990–2006), Chief Executive Officer (2001–2006), and from 2016 to 2021 as Vice President and Chief Executive Officer. Since July 2021, she has been President of the company, shaping its strategic direction.

  At the same time, she has been actively involved in social initiatives through her participation in organizations dedicated to social contribution and welfare.

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  Charisia Vlachou Member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) at the Department of Economics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)
  

  Charisia Vlachou

  Member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) at the Department of Economics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)

  Dr. Charisia Vlachou is a member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP) at the Department of Economics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). She possesses extensive experience in teaching Innovation and Entrepreneurship, delivering the course both at the Department of Economics and across various other departments of AUTH, including the Department of Pharmacy, the School of Spatial Planning and Development, and the School of Mechanical Engineering.

  In parallel with her teaching duties, she actively participates in the implementation of the university’s strategic plan as well as in driving the Department of Economics’ outreach to the business community. Her research interests focus on innovative entrepreneurship, female and rural entrepreneurship, agri-food, and sustainable tourism development.

  She is a member of the Committee of KEDEK (Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation of AUTH) and represents the three universities of Thessaloniki (AUTH, University of Macedonia, and International Hellenic University) on the Regional Gender Equality Committee of Central Macedonia. She has served as an Associate to the Rectorate Authorities of AUTH, supporting developmental programs and coordinating funding proposals. Furthermore, she is a certified evaluator of research and business proposals at both national and international levels. Through her work, she fosters a holistic approach to entrepreneurial education, effectively bridging academic knowledge with the evolving needs of the business world and society.

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  Kyriakos Loufakis Chemist, Executive, and Innovator
  

  Kyriakos Loufakis

  Chemist, Executive, and Innovator

  Dr. Kyriakos Loufakis is an accomplished chemist, executive, and innovator based in Thessaloniki, Greece (Dasyliou 10, Pylaia, Tel: 2310342259 / 6977464006). He holds a BSc in Chemistry from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1983), alongside an MS (1984) and a PhD (1986) in Chemistry from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in the USA. Fluent in English, German, and French, his early academic career featured roles as a Teaching, Research, and Post-Doctoral Fellow at RPI, a visiting lecturer in China, and a Humboldt Fellow at Uni Freiburg. Since 1997, Dr. Loufakis has served as the Chairman and CEO of Loufakis Chemicals SA, following his tenure as Managing Director of D. Loufakis & Co. EE (1990–1997) and board memberships across various corporations. A prominent institutional leader, he served as Chairman of the Thessaloniki Innovation Zone (2018–2023), President of the SEVE Greek Exporters Association (2014–2018; Honorary President since 2021), and currently serves on the boards of ThessIntec and the Fulbright Scholars Association. His distinguished career is recognized by Fulbright and Humboldt fellowships, listings in Who is Who since 1988, the 2024 Association of Greek Chemists Award, and three patents generated through extensive university R&D collaborations.

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  Theofilos Mylonas Founder & CEO, YSOFT SA & Exandia | Vice President, SETPE | Founder & Partner, TECS Capital Fund
  

  Theofilos Mylonas

  Founder & CEO, YSOFT SA & Exandia | Vice President, SETPE | Founder & Partner, TECS Capital Fund

  Mylonas Theofios is an Electrical and Computer Engineer with postgraduate studies in Information Systems and extensive experience in the fields of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
  He is the founder of the technology companies Cardisoft SA, Exandia, and YSOFT SA, specializing in the development of advanced software solutions, large-scale integrated information systems, and digital transformation services for businesses and organizations in Greece and abroad. Through his companies, he has participated in the implementation of complex technology projects in areas such as enterprise software, mobility, logistics, AI-driven platforms, and public sector digital transformation.
  At the same time, he is a founder, investor, and partner at TECS Capital Fund, a venture capital fund investing in innovative startups with a focus on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, actively contributing to the growth of the innovation and startup ecosystem in Greece.
  He has a strong institutional and outward-looking presence. He has served as a member of the Representative Assembly of the Technical Chamber of Greece – Central Macedonia Department and served for three terms as President of SETPE – Hellenic Association of Information Technology & Communications Enterprises, where he currently serves as Vice President.
  He is also a member of the National Council for Research, Technology and Innovation (ESETEK), the highest advisory body of the Greek State responsible for shaping the national strategy for Research, Technology, and Innovation.
  He maintains an active presence in the areas of technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital strategy, participating in conferences, investment initiatives, and actions that strengthen the connection between academia, industry, and technology development.

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  Nikolaos Dimitrakopoulos Partner in the Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory practice of Deloitte in Athens
  

  Nikolaos Dimitrakopoulos

  Partner in the Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory practice of Deloitte in Athens

  Nikolaos Dimitrakopoulos is a Partner in the Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory practice of Deloitte in Athens, with a total of 18 years of experience in the field of Corporate Finance. He leads and develops teams on projects related to business valuations, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and capital raising across all sectors of the Greek economy. He has supported innovative companies in the areas of fundraising, organic growth, networking with strategic partners and investors, and preparing them to establish the appropriate structures required to support their scaling and growth trajectory.

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  Georgios Mylonas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ALUMIL Group
  

  Georgios Mylonas

  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ALUMIL Group

  Mr Georgios Mylonas is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALUMIL Group. He has more than four decades of experience in the aluminium industry and has been at the helm of ALUMIL for nearly forty years, playing a leading role in the company’s growth, international expansion and establishment as one of the most prominent industrial groups in its sector.