The Executive MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), in collaboration with the OTE Group and Nestlé, is organizing a seminar for students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the program on the three key areas increasingly shaping a company’s value: Environmental protection, Social contribution, and Corporate Governance (ESG).
On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the Executive MBA program celebrated the New Year with the traditional Vasilopita cake cutting, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the program.
This event marked the first in-person gathering of the Executive MBA community since the pandemic, after two years of virtual events. Over 200 participants, including alumni, students, and faculty, attended, making the evening truly special.
The guest speaker and program alumni was Nikos Makris, Security Business Group Lead – Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (CEMA). He delivered a tailored talk entitled:
"Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future through Challenges and Untapped Opportunities."
In January 2024, Air Vice-Marshal (I) Panagiotis Georgakopoulos was appointed by the Hellenic Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) as the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force. His career is distinguished by numerous achievements and honors.
We are proud that the new Chief of the Hellenic Air Force is also an Executive MBA graduate of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB).
https://www.haf.gr/structure/hgesia/aas/viografiko-archigou-ta/
On January 13, 2024, following the completion of the Business Strategy Game presentations, second-year students of the Executive MBA at AUEB had the opportunity to relax and celebrate, exchanging greetings with program professors, the Alumni Board, and the program administration.
At a hotel restaurant in central Athens, the 25th cohort enjoyed informal discussions with their professors and got to know members of the Alumni Board.
We sincerely thank everyone who attended and made this day even more special!
In January 2024, the 25th consecutive year of the Business Strategy Game presentations was successfully completed at the Executive MBA of AUEB. This highly challenging strategy simulation, lasting about four months, has become a tradition of the Executive MBA program. The game is managed by Professor of Strategic Management and Program Director Vassilis Papadakis.
During the Business Strategy Game, students, divided into teams, are tasked with managing a virtual company over several years, competing in a highly realistic international business environment. They design and implement strategies, learn from both successes and mistakes, have fun, and ideally, strive to win.
The winning team this year was ILS (I Love Shoes), composed of D. Diamantakis, S. Iakovakis, S. Katsi, P. Paraskevopoulos, and G. Trogadas. Additionally, Spyros Tsaousis and Ioanna Florou were the lucky winners of the traditional Vasilopita gifts.
Congratulations to the winners and to all participants for their hard work and dedication!
The new year brings another major accreditation for the Executive MBA at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), this time awarded by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE).
The HAHE evaluation committee graded all 10 categories of the program with the highest score (4/4, fully compliant). Based on submitted materials and interviews with faculty, alumni, students, and external stakeholders, the assessment confirmed the continuous improvement of the program since its inception.
On Friday, December 15, 2023, the Executive MBA Alumni Board, in collaboration with the program’s administration, organized a delightful Christmas party.
Current students and alumni had the opportunity to meet, reconnect, celebrate the holidays, and exchange wishes for the upcoming year 2024.
As in previous years, alumni and students generously contributed products and services through their companies for the festive raffle held during the event. We sincerely thank everyone for their contributions, as well as all alumni, students, and faculty for attending and making the celebration so special.
Until the next gathering, we wish everyone a Happy New Year filled with health, love, and optimism!
Students from both institutions had the opportunity to visit Lamda Development’s landmark investment at Elliniko. Following a digital tour showcasing the future vision of the project, the students were welcomed by Mr. Tasos Papapostolou, Senior Project Manager for Infrastructure Projects, who answered questions regarding the progress, future, and potential economic impact of the investment in Greece.
The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) warmly thanks Lamda Development, Ms. Maria Christina Griva, Ms. Katerina Kypreou, and Mr. Tasos Papapostolou for their warm welcome time, and support in fostering collaboration between AUEB and William & Mary.
Students from both institutions visited COSCO’s facilities at the Port of Piraeus. Entering through Pier 2, they were welcomed by Mr. Tasos Vamvakidis, Commercial Director of COSCO, and Mr. Panagiotis Zerefos, CFO of Piraeus Container Terminal S.A., who guided them on a bus tour of the port facilities.
The visit continued in a conference room with a presentation on COSCO’s investment in the Port of Piraeus and the use of digital technologies for port management. The port is Southern Europe’s key gateway and among the largest and most modern ports in Europe.
PeopleCert welcomed students from W&M at its Athens headquarters. As the first “unicorn” company founded in Greece, with a market capitalization exceeding €1 billion, PeopleCert develops and manages globally recognized certifications and provides examinations designed to specific standards for third parties.
Representatives presenting to the students included Dimitra Karakosta, VP for People and Culture, Giorgos Sofronas, VP of Technology, and Konstantinos Koukouleas, Head of AI & Digital Transformation, who shared insights on the company’s vision, growth, and opportunities arising from new digital technologies.
PeopleCert stands as an inspiring example for startups and young entrepreneurs in Greece, demonstrating how to innovate strategically and expand successfully into the global market.
Students from W&M, together with students from the Executive MBA of Athens University of Economics and Business, met with CEO Michael Tsamaz and the senior management team of the OTE Group of Companies (HTO).
During the visit, students learned directly from Mr. Tsamaz and the top management team of COSMOTE about the organization’s transformation over the past decade. Prior to the meeting, students had prepared by studying a relevant Harvard Business School case study. Discussions focused on the challenges faced during the transformation as well as the organization’s vision for the future.
Athens University of Economics and Business warmly thanks Mr. Tsamaz and the senior management team of OTE, not only for their hospitality and time, but also for the insightful and in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by Greece’s largest technology company. The visiting students recognized this as a valuable lesson in visionary leadership.
The Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) welcomed students from the Executive MBA of William & Mary University and the Executive MBA of Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). The students, together with Professor Rajiv Kohli and AUEB Vice-Rector Vasilis Papadakis, inaugurated the session.
They then attended presentations by Nikos Koskoletos, CFO of ATHEX Group, and Theodoros Zarros, CTO of ATHEX Group, on technological developments in stock exchange operations in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as the adaptation and transformation of ATHEX Group in a rapidly changing environment.
Additionally, Dr. Giannis Krasonikolakis, Head of Applied Research and Analytics at Grant Thornton, presented the latest GT research on the digital transformation of Greek companies.
For the third consecutive year, the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) hosted students from the Executive MBA of William & Mary University, one of the most historic universities in the U.S., which counts four U.S. presidents among its alumni.
As part of a series of visits organized by AUEB, the students from W&M, together with Executive MBA students from AUEB, were welcomed by the Bank of Greece. They attended presentations on the Greek economy, focusing on the financial crisis and economic recovery, delivered by Dr. Marianthi Anastasatou, Economist at the Bank of Greece.
The session continued with Professor Katerina Pramatari, representing the Athens Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (ACEIn) at AUEB, who presented the startup and entrepreneurial landscape in Greece. She also highlighted university initiatives that encourage students and alumni to pursue entrepreneurial paths.
Finally, Dr. Filippos Toulomousis, founder and CEO of the biotech startup Biological Lattice Industries, shared his company’s journey and his personal experience moving from Greece to the U.S. and back.
The 25th cohort (2022–2024) of the Executive MBA program traveled to Spetses for a successful two-day experiential learning seminar.
This educational retreat, a 24-year tradition of the program, plays a significant role in the learning journey of Executive MBA students.
The program focused on:
On the morning of Saturday, July 9, students participated in experiential exercises at the Korgialeneio School. The afternoon featured an engaging lecture titled “The Captivator Leader” by Professor Dimitris Bourantas. Following the activities, students had the opportunity to discuss the past academic year and set expectations for the upcoming year with the Program Director and faculty.
A highlight, as every year, was the “Drum Circle”—an exceptional team-building exercise in which students, most of whom had never played musical instruments before, successfully performed together like an orchestra.
The Executive MBA program at AUEB welcomed its new students on Friday, September 8, 2023, with a special welcome evening at the University’s new building.
Following a brief opening address by Program Director Professor Vassilis Papadakis, students participated in experiential exercises led by Associate Professors Nikandrou and Karandi. Through these activities, students shared their expectations, enthusiasm, and goals, while engaging in exercises designed to promote collaboration, self-expression, and team bonding.
For another academic year, the Executive MBA program is proud to support the exceptional students of its 26th cohort, while embracing the responsibility that comes with nurturing such talented professionals.
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Athens 113 62
Greece
email: mbaexecutive@aueb.gr | katialampropoulou@aueb.gr
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