The New Year’s cake-cutting event of the Executive MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business took place with great success and strong participation on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Around 200 members of the community—including students, alumni, faculty, members of the External Advisory Board, and representatives of the University’s leadership—attended the event, confirming the program’s strong spirit, unity, and shared vision.

The keynote speaker was Professor Michalis Iakovidis, who spoke on the topic: “Living in a World Disrupted by GenAI: Rethink your Strategy.”
In a world that is rapidly changing due to Artificial Intelligence, the discussion went beyond the obvious. A key question raised was whether we are experiencing an AI asset bubble and, if so, who will be the real beneficiaries.

The value of GenAI does not lie only in reducing costs or the number of employees, but in the core of the business itself. The critical question is not “what the technology can do,” but how it reshapes the value proposition and strategic assets (data, knowledge, and customer access).

Organizations now face a strategic choice: optimize existing processes or completely redesign them with AI at the center. There was also strong interest in whether GenAI complements or replaces professional roles (for example, in the legal sector), and how this changes the basis of competitive advantage.

The main takeaway is that technology alone does not create strategic value. Value is created when capabilities, assets, and organizational models are transformed.

We would like to warmly thank everyone who participated in this meaningful discussion about the future of strategy in a GenAI-driven world.
The strong attendance highlighted the vibrant and continuously evolving nature of the Executive MBA as a community of leadership and strategic thinking. We sincerely thank you all for your dynamic presence and active participation in the New Year’s event.

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On January 17, 2026, following the completion of the Business Strategy Game presentations, second-year students of the Executive MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business concluded a particularly demanding yet creative semester in the best possible way.

In a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, students, faculty, and the program’s administrative staff had the opportunity to enjoy a meal together, exchange wishes, and celebrate this shared journey by cutting the New Year’s cake of the 27th cohort.

The lucky coin in the New Year’s cake was won by Andreas Galanos. We sincerely wish him good health, personal and professional success, and continued good fortune beyond the Executive MBA.

We warmly thank everyone who honored us with their presence and contributed to making this day even more special. Moments like these remind us that the Executive MBA at AUEB is not only about knowledge, but also about shared experiences, connections, and lasting memories.

In January 2026, the presentations of the Business Strategy Game results were completed for the 27th consecutive year in the Executive MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business. It is a demanding strategy game that lasts about four months and has now become an established part of the program. The game is managed by Professor of Strategic Management and Program Director, Vassilis Papadakis.

In this game, students — divided into teams — take over the management of a virtual company for several years. They compete in a highly realistic international business environment, design and implement strategies, make difficult decisions, learn from their mistakes and successes, cooperate, feel some stress (a little), have fun, and — ideally — win.

The winning team of this year’s game was “Air Flurry,” consisting (in alphabetical order) of Maria Dimitriadou, Thanos Konstantakis, Sokratis Baltas MCIOB, Paris Patsouridis, and Ilias Fourkiotis.

Congratulations to the winners, as well as to all participants for their serious work, persistence, and — as is clear from the photos — their sense of humor, which was present in every presentation. Because strategy without intensity, passion, and a bit of laughter… simply doesn’t work!

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Mr. Vassilis Baloumis, Chief Financial Officer of Lavipharm, was awarded Manager of the Year 2025 in the Finance & Accounting category, confirming his long-standing, consistent, and significant contribution to financial management.

With over 20 years of professional experience, he has held senior management positions in major organizations, developing expertise in financial strategy, business transformation, investment structures, and corporate growth management. At Lavipharm, he plays a key role in shaping and implementing the company’s financial strategy, contributing to sustainable growth, enhanced corporate governance, and long-term value creation.

His academic background includes studies in Management and Economics, and he is an alumnus of the Executive MBA (class of 2011) at AUEB, which is clearly reflected in his strategic and managerial approach. As a member of the Executive MBA community, we feel proud of his career and recognition.

We warmly congratulate Mr. Baloumis, who also remains actively involved with the program, sharing his knowledge and experience with current Executive MBA students, strengthening the link between theory and practice.

This award recognizes his consistency, leadership, and contribution to creating long-term value, honoring both him and Lavipharm.

As part of the course “Economics for Business Executives”, taught by Professor of Finance Konstantinos Drakos from the Department of Accounting and Finance at the Athens University of Economics and Business, we had the special honor of hosting Mr. Panagiotis Kapopoulos, Chief Economist of Alpha Bank, as a distinguished guest speaker on Thursday, November 6.

His lecture, titled “Permacrisis in Greece: Key Lessons for Policymakers, Bankers and Executives – Drivers for Future Growth and Main Challenges”, provided an in-depth and substantive analysis of the current challenges and prospects of the Greek economy. Mr. Kapopoulos shared valuable insights and experiences from his long professional career, highlighting factors that enhance sustainable growth, financial system stability, and the need to design strategies that strengthen long-term economic resilience.

Students had the opportunity to engage in a productive and interactive dialogue, asking questions and exchanging views on critical issues affecting both the Greek and European economy.

We warmly thank Mr. Panagiotis Kapopoulos for his comprehensive, inspiring, and highly engaging lecture, as well as for dedicating his valuable time to our students. Our sincere thanks also go to Professor Konstantinos Drakos for his initiative in inviting Mr. Kapopoulos, providing students with an exceptionally constructive and enriching academic experience.

The Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business welcomed its new students on Friday, September 12, 2025, with an orientation event marking the beginning of the new academic year.

The event began with a short welcome address by the Program Director, Professor Papadakis, followed by experiential activities led by Associate Professors Nikandrou and Karantinou. Faculty members representing the teaching staff, as well as the program’s administrative team, were also present.

Through ice-breaking and teamwork activities, students had the opportunity to get to know each other better, share their goals and expectations for the program, and discuss what they are willing to contribute and invest during their studies. The event concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere with food and wine in the courtyard, offering further opportunities for networking and interaction.

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The two-day educational trip of the 27th cohort of the Executive MBA (2024–2026) was successfully completed on the beautiful island of Spetses, during July 11–13, 2025.

The program included experiential activities designed to enhance teamwork, effective communication, and leadership skills, offering participants a dynamic environment for personal and professional development.

A special highlight of the program, as every year, was the popular “Percussion Circle,” a unique group expression experience under the direction of Maestro Mr. Simatos. Although most students had no prior musical training, they managed to synchronize like a “well-tuned orchestra,” vividly demonstrating the power of collaboration.

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The second-year students of the Executive MBA of AUEB traveled to Nafplio for an educational excursion with guest speaker Ms. Peggy Velliotou, Managing Director (Partner) of KPMG Greece. The title of her lecture was “Work, Change, and the Role We Must Play.”

Her talk was not merely a professional presentation, but a deeply human reminder of the role that every modern professional is called upon to play in today’s ever-changing world of work. With her experience and insight, she highlighted critical issues such as the selection of leaders, the enhancement of soft skills, and the importance of active participation in the workplace. Her contribution illuminated the path for our students, inspiring them to lead with integrity and vision in the face of tomorrow’s challenges.

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INTERAMERICAN and the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) are delighted to announce the beginning of a collaboration built on trust and recognition of the substantial contribution that the Program offers to the Greek business community.

The “Dimitris Kontominas” Excellence Scholarship is established in memory of INTERAMERICAN’s founder, highlighting the company’s commitment to the values of education, meritocracy, and investment in the new generation of business leaders.

Each scholarship will be awarded to the student of the Executive MBA with the highest overall performance in every academic cohort. The award will be presented during a special ceremony at the graduation event, in the presence of INTERAMERICAN representatives. The sponsorship will cover five consecutive cohorts, starting with the class of 2023–2025.

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A major distinction for the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business, as its students and alumni won 1st place in Division B+ at the 19th Global MBA Trophy, an internationally recognized sailing competition with participants from leading business schools worldwide — including London Business School, INSEAD, HEC Paris, Wharton, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford, Kellogg/Northwestern, SDA Bocconi, Imperial, and many more.

The event, held under the auspices of London Business School in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Greece, once again took place at the Piraeus Sailing Club in Mikrolimano. AUEB was represented by two crews, consisting of 18 members in total, who demonstrated in practice the power of strategic thinking, teamwork, and leadership under pressure.

The winning team left strong competition behind, with HEC Paris finishing second, followed by Wharton, London Business School, and Oxford. Beyond the race result, the two crews functioned as a united, dynamic whole — a living “leadership test” that showcased the value of collaboration, adaptability, and strategy in real time.

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Warm thanks to the members of the outgoing Board of Directors — Elena Chnari, Haigouhi Koudaktzian (Koundakjian), Fotis Kouris, Christos Kechris, Niki G. Kritikopoulou, Babis Mantelis, and Nikos Papadopoulos — for their dedication, passion, and significant contribution to strengthening our community over the past years.

With the same sense of anticipation, we welcome the new Board of Directors, consisting of:

Fotis Kouris, Afroditi Angeli, Vasilios Papaefthymiou, Eleftheria Andreadaki, Panagiotis Chaniotis, Antonis Tzouganakis, and Vasiliki Zoulomitaki.

The new Board embodies the dynamism, diversity, and vision of our community of 1,100 alumni, combining valuable experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong representation.

Together, we continue to build bridges, strengthen the Executive MBA network, and create value for all our members.

We invite our alumni to stand by the new Board of Directors, participate actively, and share ideas and proposals for the future of our community. Your engagement with the Program and the new Board is the driving force that shapes tomorrow!

As part of the Executive Leadership Series of the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business, we had the pleasure and honor of hosting Mr. Dimitris Pisimisis, Senior Advisor of BIC Group and for many years Chairman and CEO of BIC VIOLEX (2007–2023).

During his tenure, Mr. Pisimisis, together with his management team, played a decisive role in establishing BIC VIOLEX as a model of international business growth, achieving:

• The development of a sustainable growth model based on innovation, extroversion, and technological excellence.
• The creation of a state-of-the-art Research & Development Center, with more than 150 engineers and over 1,400 patents in cutting-edge technologies.
• The preservation and strengthening of Greece’s role as a global production hub for shaving products for BIC Group.

With remarkable directness and sincerity, Mr. Pisimisis shared with participants his vision of human-centered management — an approach that not only enabled the company to successfully withstand successive crises, but also to safeguard valuable jobs in Greece while simultaneously strengthening its international presence.

His presentation, along with the engaging discussion that followed, left a deep and lasting impression on our students. As one student characteristically noted, it was a true “testament of soul and experience” that touched, inspired, and empowered everyone fortunate enough to hear him.

The Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business extends its warm thanks and wishes Mr. Pisimisis continued success in inspiring, guiding, and passing on his passion and vision in every new step he takes. His career journey stands as a beacon and a valuable source of inspiration for the new generation of leaders our country needs — and which the Executive MBA of AUEB has aspired to cultivate since its founding.

The 25th Graduation Ceremony of the Executive MBA Program of the Athens University of Economics and Business took place in the University’s Ceremony Hall on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Greetings were addressed by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Development, Professor Nancy Pouloudi, as well as the Director of the Program, Professor Vassilis Papadakis.

This year’s honorary guest at the graduation was Mr. Thanasis Petmezas, former CEO of CosmoONE, who recounted the company’s technological development journey that positioned it as a pioneer in e-procurement. He also shared leadership advice drawn from his executive experience with the graduating class — as a proud alumnus of the Executive MBA himself (Class of 2004).

For more than two and a half decades, the Executive MBA of AUEB has contributed to the advancement of leadership and management, cultivating the strategic leaders of businesses and organizations, each of whom can play a role in shaping a better Greece.

On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, a virtual seminar titled “LinkedIn as a Strategic Weapon for Your Future” was held exclusively for the students and alumni of the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business.

Guest speakers included Ms. Tatiana Kolovou – Teaching Professor at Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, award-winning LinkedIn Learning instructor with over 10 million learners and an active LinkedIn presence – and Mr. Nikos Koutris – Senior Account Director at LinkedIn Corporate, specialist in social selling and digital transformation, with extensive experience collaborating with Fortune 100 companies.

During their presentations, the speakers shared valuable insights and practical advice on how to build a strong LinkedIn profile, leverage effective professional networking, and understand the importance of one’s digital footprint in today’s job market.

More than 100 participants engaged with great enthusiasm, as reflected in the lively discussion that followed, which included questions, opinions, and experience-sharing.

We extend our warm thanks to the students and alumni of the Executive MBA who participated, as well as to our outstanding speakers for the valuable knowledge and secrets they shared with us!

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Executive MBA celebrated its 2025 New Year’s cake-cutting event with students, alumni, professors, and friends of the program. More than 200 guests honored us with their presence, making the evening truly special.

The keynote speech by Mr. Nikolaidis was titled “From Dream to Impact: The PeopleCert Way.” He shared the remarkable journey of PeopleCert, a company that, starting from Athens, has achieved a global presence today in over 200 countries. PeopleCert has certified millions of professionals worldwide in fields such as IT, project management, and language proficiency, and has become the first Greek-origin “unicorn” — a company valued at over 1 billion dollars.

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