On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business hosted another inspiring and interactive lecture as part of the Executive Leadership Talks. The guest speaker was Mr. Evangelos Vagias, Digital Transformation Director at DEMO Pharmaceuticals S.A.

Titled “10 Years of Digital Transformation Across Three Sectors: Lessons Learned & Looking Ahead,” Mr. Vagias shared invaluable personal experiences from the banking, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical industries. His talk highlighted the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, offering a unique vision for the future of technology and innovation.

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In January 2025, the presentations of the Business Strategy Game results were completed for the 26th consecutive year at the Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). This highly demanding strategy simulation, which lasts approximately four months, has become an institutional tradition for the Executive MBA. The game is overseen by Professor of Strategic Management and Program Director, Vassilis Papadakis.

In the Business Strategy Game, students are divided into teams and are tasked with managing a virtual company over several years. They compete with their peers in a highly realistic international business environment, devise and implement appropriate strategies, learn from both correct and incorrect decisions, have fun, and ideally win.

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On Friday, December 13, Ms. Labrina Barmpetaki, Chair & CEO of AbbVie Greece, Cyprus & Malta, shared with the students of the Executive MBA, AUEB, her experiences and key principles guiding her journey toward top leadership. With extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector and a proven record of success, Ms. Barmpetaki exemplifies strategic thinking and dynamic leadership.

Professor Vassilis Papadakis, Professor of Strategic Management and Director of the Executive MBA at AUEB, welcomed the guest speaker, expressing pride in her academic and professional trajectory:
"It is truly inspiring to see the development of a young woman I first met as a student in the AUEB program ‘Business Management and Entrepreneurship for Pharmacists’ in collaboration with Apivita. Her progress in such a competitive and demanding sector stands as an excellent example of professional growth and recognition."

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The Executive MBA of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) welcomed its new students on Friday, September 6, 2024, in a reception held at the university’s new building.

The event began with a brief address by the Program Director, Professor Vassilis Papadakis, followed by experiential activities led by Associate Professors Ms Nikandrou and Ms Karantinou. Through exercises in collaboration, expression and team-building, students shared their expectations, enthusiasm, and goals.

Once again, the Executive MBA of AUEB feels both pride and responsibility toward the exceptional students of its 27th cohort.

Below are some key statistics that distinguish the program from other part-time graduate programs in Greece:

• 50% of the 27th cohort already hold a master’s degree, primarily in fields outside economics and business administration.
• The average age of students exceeds 37 years.
• Approximately 40% of students are women.
• Average work experience since obtaining their first degree is over 9 years.
• More than one-third of students receive corporate sponsorship.
• A significant portion of the new cohort enrolls in the program at the encouragement of their employers or organizations.
• Approximately 80% of students hold leadership positions, ranging from team management roles to CEO, CFO, and CTO positions.

We thank our new students for the trust they place in the program and look forward to meeting their expectations by providing a productive two-year learning experience that will enhance both their careers and personal development.

The 2023–2025 cohort of the Executive MBA traveled to Spetses for a unique two-day seminar that successfully combined academic knowledge with experiential learning. This educational trip has been a tradition of the program for 25 years and plays a significant role in the Executive MBA learning experience.

The program was designed to promote:

• Team collaboration,
• Effective communication,
• Leadership development, and
• Personal growth.

On Saturday morning, students participated in experiential exercises held at the Korgialenio School, while the afternoon featured an engaging lecture by Assistant Professor Dimitra Iordanoglou from Panteion University, titled “Organizational Values of Top Companies and Their Connection to the Values of the New Generation of Employees.”

Following the educational activities, students had the opportunity to discuss with the Program Director the past year’s experiences and their expectations for the upcoming academic year.

As every year, the highlight of the program was the “Drumming Circle”, an exceptional group activity led by Mr. Simatos, during which students managed to perform like a well-coordinated orchestra, despite even though no prior musical training.

A team of Executive MBA students who attended the elective course “E-commerce”, under the guidance of Dr. Katerina Fraidaki, participated in the “Retail Customer Experience Awards” competition in the category evaluating online stores for the best e-shop. The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 12, at a beautiful event organized by the Athens Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Athens University of Economics and Business, supported by the Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EBEA) and the Technopolis City of Athens.

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As part of the course “Production and Process Management” with Assistant Professor Dimitris Zisis, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, the Executive MBA students had the opportunity to visit the new, state-of-the-art ACS sorting center in Petrou Ralli.

The event began with a warm welcome by Mr. Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, Head of the ACS Innovation Department. This was followed by a highly engaging presentation by Ms. Demi Vosdagali, Director of Operations and Business Development, who shared her valuable knowledge and experience in the field.

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The second-year students of the Executive MBA at AUEB traveled to Nafplio for an educational trip with guest speaker Mr. Kolovos, former CEO of Edenred. It was an exceptionally enriching experience for everyone, as Mr. Kolovos shared his “life journey” at Edenred, spanning over two decades. His honesty, along with his direct and well-substantiated responses to the many questions posed by the Executive MBA students, won over the audience.

The visit concluded with a discussion and exchange of views on the learning experience offered by the Executive MBA program and opportunities for its further enhancement.

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The Executive MBA at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) has achieved another significant accreditation, this time from the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE).

The Executive MBA received the highest possible rating (fully compliant) in all 10 areas of evaluation. Through submitted documentation and interviews with faculty, students, alumni, and external stakeholders influencing the program’s development, the assessment confirmed the program’s continuous improvement since its establishment.

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This year, Lamda Development S.A. once again hosted students from the Executive MBA of William and Mary University, USA, together with students from the Executive MBA of Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). The students from both programs had the opportunity to visit Lamda Development’s investment at Elliniko. After a digital tour showcasing the future vision of this landmark project, the students were welcomed by Mr. Tasos Papapostolou, Senior Project Manager for Infrastructure Projects, and Ms. Natalia Kivotidi, who answered students’ questions regarding the project’s progress, future plans, and its potential contribution to the Greek economy.

AUEB sincerely thanks Lamda Development, Ms. Maria Christina Griva, Ms. Kypreou, Mr. Papapostolou, and Ms. Kivotidi for their warm reception, the time they dedicated, and their support in fostering collaboration between AUEB and William and Mary.

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The Ministry of Digital Governance hosted Professor Rajiv Kohli from William and Mary University, Professor Vasilis Papadakis, Vice Rector for International Cooperation and Development at AUEB, as well as the visiting Executive MBA students from William and Mary University, a leading academic institution whose alumni include, among others, four U.S. Presidents.

The students from the U.S. university, together with AUEB Executive MBA students, had the opportunity to discuss with the Secretary General of the Ministry, Professor Demosthenes Anagnostopoulos, who presented the Ministry’s vision for the digital transformation of Greece.

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PeopleCert welcomed students from William and Mary University’s Executive MBA program to its headquarters in central Athens, along with students from AUEB’s Executive MBA. PeopleCert is a company with a market capitalization exceeding €1 billion (the first Greek-founded “unicorn”), which develops and manages globally recognized certifications and delivers exams designed to strict specifications on behalf of third parties.

Representing PeopleCert, Ms. Dimitra Karakosta, VP for People and Culture, Mr. Giorgos Sofronas, VP of Technology, and Mr. Konstantinos Koukouleas, Head of AI and Digital Transformation, presented the company’s vision, growth, and the opportunities arising from the adoption of new digital technologies.

PeopleCert serves as an outstanding example and role model for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs in Greece who aim not only to innovate strategically but also to expand into global markets.

On Monday, May 13, students from William and Mary University’s Executive MBA, together with students from AUEB’s Executive MBA, visited OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organization).

During the visit, they had the opportunity to hear from:

• Panagiotis Gavriilidis, Chief Marketing Officer
• Pavlos Vichos, Strategy and Business Development Director
• Evriviadis Sarsentis, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Investor Relations Director

These three executives, with the contribution of a large team of senior OTE leaders, presented the company’s transformation program over the past fifteen years.

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For the fourth consecutive year, the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) hosted students from the Executive MBA program of William and Mary University, one of the most historic universities in the U.S., from which four U.S. Presidents have graduated.

As part of the visits organized by AUEB, W&M students, together with AUEB Executive MBA students, were welcomed by the Bank of Greece. They attended presentations on the Greek economy, focusing on the Greek crisis and the country’s economic recovery, delivered by Dr. Marianthi Anastasatou, Economist at the Bank of Greece.

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The sailing team, composed of students and alumni of the Executive MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), competed against some of the world’s top business schools at the 18th Global MBA Trophy.

The 11-member team from AUEB’s Executive MBA won first place in the B+ category, ahead of teams from HEC Paris (second place) and two teams from the London Business School (third and fourth places).

The event took place from April 10 to 13, with the support of the Hellenic Sailing Club.