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28th Annual Economist Government Roundtable
02/07/2024 - 04/07/2024
Spiralling through the conflicts in search of opportunities | Geopolitics • Environment • Technology
Spiralling through the conflicts in search of opportunities | Geopolitics • Environment • Technology
Executive Director Financial Αctivities Business Unit
Mr. Manolis Diamantopoulos studied at the Department of Business Administration of the University of Piraeus and holds a postgraduate title of MBA from Cardiff University in Wales. In addition, he holds a Banking Management title from the Kapodistrian University of Athens and the ACCA professional qualification.
He has been working in the energy market since 2002, initially in various roles in the Financial Division of EPA Attikis S.A., actively participating in important projects related to the development of the Company’s business evolution. From 2017 until the spinoff of the Commercial business sector from the Distribution Activity, he had the role of Company’s Financial Controller. In January 2017, he was appointed the position of CFO at the newly established company NATURAL GAS – HELLENIC ENERGY COMPANY S.A., dealing with the entire spectrum of financial & economic services, strategic planning as well as IT issues.
Since November 2025, he holds the position of Group CFO at DEPA COMMERCIAL S.A., with responsibilities in all matters of financial operations and financial management of the Company.
Executive Director Commercial Activities
Christos Basdekis has been working at DEPA Commercial (DEPA) since 2021, initially as Head of the Directorate of Electricity Supply, Trading & Exchange Markets, and later as Head of the Customer Activities Directorate, responsible for natural gas trading activities in both domestic and regional markets.
Currently, as Coordinating Director of Commercial Activities, he is responsible for the formulation, supervision, and implementation of the company’s commercial strategy, as well as the execution of commercial actions aimed at achieving DEPA’s corporate objectives.
During his 18-year career in the energy sector, he has served as Director of Strategy and Director of Natural Gas Supply and Trading in the retail market and has worked at the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA S.A.) as an executive in the Regulated Services Commercial Division and the Strategy Development & Regulatory Affairs Division.
He holds a Diploma in Environmental Engineering from the Technical University of Crete, a Master’s Degree in Organization & Management of Industrial Systems from the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program of the University of Piraeus and the National Technical University of Athens, and an MBA from Greenwich University.
Executive Director Strategy & Development Business Unit
Mr. Dimitrios Tamvakis holds a diploma in Production and Management Engineering and a postgraduate degree in M.Sc in Applied Engineering and Materials Science and Construction.
He is experienced in corporate reorganization and productivity optimization projects in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and the USA, in companies in the FMCG, Retail, Logistics, Medical Supplies, Construction and Heavy Industry sectors. Before joining DEPA, he worked in Greece, in the private sector, in executive management positions.
He joined DEPA in 2019 and has served as Project Manager for Renewable Energy, Project Manager for Natural Gas Power Generation and Head of Corporate Development & Acquisitions Division.
Lawyer at the Greek Supreme Court, specialized in matters of corporate, commercial and civil law, and compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), certified as a Data Protection Officer by the Athens Bar Association (DSA) and a legal advisor to entities of both the Private and the Public sector.
She has been a member of the Investment Board of the loans of the Recovery and Resilience Fund, a legal advisor to the competent Minister for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, as the person responsible for the measures and projects included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0”, as well as the loan part of the program.
She has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).
Graduate of the Law School of the Democritus University of Thrace, holder of a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holder of a postgraduate degree from the University of Brussels (ULB), LL.M in International Business Law, as well as a Master in Business Administration (M.B.A) from the Hellenic American Union.
She speaks English and French.
Chairman of BoD
Antonis H. Diamataris was born and raised in Greece and emigrated to America to study.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Economics from Queens College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University.
He has been the owner of Ethnikos Kirikas (The National Herald) of New York since 1979. In 1997, he founded the English-language edition, The National Herald.
Since 2019, he holds the title of Publishing Consultant.
In 2019, he was appointed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for Greeks Abroad.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Acropolis Museum.
He has been awarded the Order of the Phoenix by the President of the Hellenic Republic, as well as honors from the Hellenic Parliament, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and the Archdiocese of Australia.
Additionally, he has been honored by the Botsis Journalism Foundation, the Community of St. Demetrios of Astoria, AHEPA, the American Hellenic Institute, The Ronald McDonald’s House of New York, and the Greek Consulate in New York.
He is also the first to consecutively serve as Grand Marshal of the National Parade in New York in 2005—along with Senator Paul Sarbanes—and in Boston in 2006.
He is married and the father of two children.
Nikos Tsafos serves as the chief energy adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece. A leading authority on energy, Nikos has worked with companies, banks and governments in over 30 countries on some of the world’s most complex energy projects. Most recently, he held the Schlesinger Chair for Energy and Geopolitics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and served on the Climate Advisory Committee of the Export Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). From 2016 to 2019, he was a lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Nikos has testified before Congress, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, the Canadian House of Commons, and the Alaska State Legislature. He has written extensively on energy, including for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, EURACTIV, the National Interest, and others. Nikos is also a regular commentator on current affairs: he has been quoted in The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Bloomberg, and he has appeared on CNN, NBC, the BBC, NPR, Al Jazeera, and other leading media outlets.
He holds a B.A. in international relations and economics from Boston University, and an M.A. in international relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Mr. Iordanis Prokopidis is the Vice President of DEPA Commercial.
He is a Certified Mechanical Engineer, and graduated from the National Technical University of Athens.
He has a vast experience in Management, Engineering, Procurement and Construction, while he has demonstrated excellent skills in Management, Communication, Organization, Analysis, Negotiation, Troubleshooting Initiatives and Crisis Management as well as in leadership, guidance and coordination skills in multiple operational services.
At the same time he is familiar with important demanding and complex industrial projects as well as to the general context of the Energy Sector (Production, Transport, Distribution, Energy, Oil and Gas Markets).He belongs to the 4th Class (Supreme) in the Register of Construction Experience of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in the following categories of projects: Energy, industrial, electromechanical and Hydraulic Under Pressure.ENERGY MARKET:Since 2005, as an executive of Hellenic Subsidiary of IBERDROLA RENOVABLES SA (one of the largest renewable energy companies), he has profound knowlegde of the terms, legal framework, and all the parameters and components in general of the Energy Market.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE:From 1991 to 1994 he was the Factory Manager (Metal Constructions and Mechanical Equipment) of MEKASOL SA. in Ptolemaida, while in 1999, he took over the position of General Manager of the company until 2003.That year he became the Project Manager in Greece of the Dutch company DEBOER, responsible for the execution of various specialized Olympic Projects until 2004.From 2005 to June 2008, he was the General Manager of Electromechanical Works of the company H. ROKAS SA, a 100% subsidiary of IBERDROLA SA.
From July 2008 to December 2020 he served as Chairman of the BOD and CEO of ROKAS CONSTRUCTIONS SA, a 100% subsidiary of IBERDROLA SA.
He was a founding member and member of the first BOD of the Greek Association of Electricity Producers (HELAS).
SUMMARY OF PROJECTSSince 1991 he has undertaken and fulfilled a number of projects for PPC, ALSTOM, ANSALDO, EL.PE, METKA, TITAN, IBERDROLA, TECHNOPROMEXPORT, AUSTRIAN ENERGY, ABB, MINISTRY OF ATHLETIC and others.In the course of his duties and under his responsibility, among others, were the preparation of the initial offer, the negotiations of the terms of the relevant Contract, the execution of the Project, the negotiations of any new and / or additional works and the corresponding additional price, the preparation of any Additions to the Contract and the Final Delivery of the Projects. SPECIAL PROJECTS:From 2003 to 2004 as Project Manager in Greece of the Dutch company DEBOER, he was responsible for the execution of various specialized Olympic Projects – training centers & indoor gyms – which were designed, constructed and delivered for operation in the record timeframe of seven (7) months.
EXTRA PROJECTS:
From 2005 to 2013 he was the exclusive representative in Greece of the German company FAM GmbH, which specializes in the Design and Development of open mines as well as in the Design, Construction and Upgrading of Mechanical Equipment for these mines.
He is fluent in English.
Mr. Thomas Amorgianiotis has studied Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds an LLM in International Commercial Law (2004) from the University of Nottingham, UK. He has worked with HOWREY LLP in Brussels (2005-2006) and KYRIAKIDES GEORGOPOULOS & DANIOLOS ISAIAS (KGDI) Law Firm in Athens (2008-2011) specialising in EU and Greek Competition Law and providing day to day legal advice to clients active in various industries and sectors (e.g. Food and Beverages, Energy, Petrol products, Aviation, Telecommunications etc.) in relation to investigations of anti-competitive agreements and concerted practices, mergers and acquisitions, abuse of monopoly/dominant position and state aid issues and respresenting them before the Hellenic Competition Commission as well as participating in proceedings before the European Commission. Since January 2012 he has been working with DEPA as Attorney at Law in the Legal Dept. and since April 2016 he is the Antitrust Compliance Officer of DEPA providing legal support to the commercial operation of the company (supply and sales contracts) in compliance with competition and energy law rules and regulations as well as with specific commitments undertaken towards the Hellenic Competition Commission by the company in the context of further liberalization of the Greek natural gas market. He has also provided legal support in the context of international negotiations with a foreign supplier aiming at the revision of the contractual supply price as well as in the context of international negotiations in relation to the structuring, development and exploitation of international energy and infrastructure projects (e.g. construction of natural gas pipeline).
Subsidiaries’ Division Head
Ms. Karakitsou holds a 5-year diploma and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic School of the University of Patras and subsequently worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences in Patras. During doctoral and postgraduate work, she mainly dealt with issues related to energy, hydrogen production, catalysis and materials science.
She worked in various private companies as an Automation Engineer, Project Manager and Sales Manager of Industrial Control Systems. Since February 2000, she has been working at DEPA, in various positions in the Commercial Division, such as Sales Manager, Marketing Director and Deputy Commercial Division Head, responsible for commercial and pricing policy and new products’ development. Since April 2016, she has been the Subsidiaries’ Division Head, supervising subsidiary companies/participations. In parallel, she has been a member of the Boards of Directors of various companies.
She represents DEPA COMMERCIAL in the International Gas Union and she has published several scientific papers in international journals and books and has given several lectures at international and national conferences and postgraduate university programs.
Deputy CEO Commercial Activities
Konstantinos Karayannakos first joined DEPA in 1995 at the Strategic Planning Department. Immediately after that he served in governmental positions and was appointed member of the Board of Directors in several Organizations and financial institutions.
Subsequently in DEPA he served in various positions and roles such as Head of the Subsidiaries Department and Head of Commercial Activities. In 2010 he was appointed Division Head of International Projects and in 2013 he concurrently assumed the duties of Division Head of Gas Supply. In 2016 he was appointed Executive Director of Gas Supply, Commercial and International Activities and since 2020 till October 2025 he was Executive Director of Commercial Activities, included Natural Gas mobility and Portfolio and Gas Supply activities.
In his capacity as Executive Director, Mr. Karayannakos was involved in developing the IGB project from asset company formation to construction and has been appointed as Executive Director in ICGB AD in the period 2011 – 2022.
Mr. Karayannakos holds a PhD (Dr.-Ing) from RWTH Aachen Technical University in Germany, where he also obtained his Fuel Engineering diploma (Dipl.-Ing.)
Mrs. Maria Fantridaki is an Economist and holds a University Degree in Business Administration and Accounting (1986) from the Athens University of Economics and Commercial Sciences.
After beginning her professional career in the private sector, she has been a Depa member since its establishment in 1988. She has successfully served various positions within the financial arm of DEPA SA.
Since April 2016 she has been Executive Director of Coordinating Division Financial Activities.
She was appointed as BoD Member of EDA Attiki S.A in 2010. Since 2011 she has been a BoD Member of IGI Poseidon S.A.
Mrs. Fantridaki has finance professional experience in the energy sector, for more than 30 years, in areas such as Financial Planning, Reporting and Analysis, Accounting, Change Management, Operational and Compliance Audits, Finance Transformation, Invoicing, Cash Management and Financial Statements. She has hand on experience in due diligence projects and strategic plan implementation.
Corporate Secretary of BoD
Born in 1963 in Athens, George Polychroniou graduated from “Lycee Leonin” Franco-Hellenic high school, Nea Smyrni in 1981 and then earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) in 1986. He completed his studies at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) and obtained his Master’s of Science degree in Energy Systems with a specialisation in Economics in 1994.
After beginning his professional career in the private sector, he joined the then newly established DEPA in the beginning of 1989. After having successfully served in various capacities and roles within the commercial arm of DEPA, he was appointed General Manager of the Commercial Branch in 2004, General Manager of Commercial, Financial and Administration in 2005, Chief Operating Officer in 2007, Head of Strategy and Business Development in 2010 and Executive Director of Strategy, Business Development, Administration & IT in 2016.
Since 2020 he has been Executive Director of Strategy & Business Development, with responsibilities in strategy, corporate development and regulatory affairs.
Since December 2014 he has been Corporate Secretary of DEPA.
Asimakis Fotopoulos was born in 1970 in Athens, he is married and has three children. He completed his high school studies at Lycée Léonin. He studied Political Sciences and Public Administration at Athens University and Université de Bordeaux in France under the Erasmus UE Program, specializing in International and European Studies.
He has been working in the IT sector since 1995. During his 25 year career, he has been chairman and CEO of HelpDesk S.A. (LogicDIS Group) as well as commercial director for Asset S.A.
From 2004 until 2010 he was the Director of Project Maturity at Information Society S.A., a national interest company assigned with the task of upgrading the technological infrastructure in Greece via the utilization of EU funding programs. During this time he was involved in the design, coordination and support of important infrastructure projects for the Greek Public Sector (SYZEFXIS, Ermis etc.) After 2010 he begun his own business activity in the IT sector by creating two Specialized Software Development companies.
Throughout his career he received numerous educational titles with the most important one being the certification of “Project Management Professional”
He is a member of the Evaluators Register for Public Sector Projects for Operation Projects “Information Society” and “Digital Convergence” as well as member of the “Digital Communication Policies” continuous committee for the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Works. He was also president of the “inter-municipal development Company for Attika North Suburbs” and member of the board of directors for “Saltworks S.A. ” and “Olympic Air-Services S.A.” companies
Dimitris Skalaios is a seasoned executive with 25+ years of experience in Greek and international business environment that combines drive for performance, unusual energy and creative – problem solving thinking. He has very strong analytical ability as well as experience in large corporations as well as SMEs and quickly understands issues needing change or special attention.
He has leveraged his extrovert personality and direct approach in developing relationships with Greek and international investors as he is recognized as a disciplined executive delivering value for shareholders and investors.
While at GE Capital, he was a highly visible business manager who won awards for business conduct (6sigma training) and was recognized for his ability to understand, due diligence and enter new markets (CEE).
He is commercially driven while at same time focuses on profit margins and delivering value (maximizing EBITDA and enterprise value).
While at Hellenic Post, as CFO he refocused the old accounting culture to international reporting and monthly cost monitoring. At the same time he quickly stressed product profit margins to regional executives accustomed to “revenue at any cost” culture. As Executive Director, he followed all strategic initiatives and led ELTA Courier’s privatization process in 2008.
Overall, an individual with relentless drive and financial discipline, Dimitris Skalaios leads with his heart and mind. He constantly tries to add value to the business and develops himself by learning and dealing with new challenges. His international M&A expertise shall prove valuable in non-core asset sales and privatization projects.
His breadth of experience (including over 15 years as board member in large corporations), understanding of corporate governance practices and his strong stakeholder management will serve as a great platform for any board position.
As independent, non-executive director in JUMBO, he provided insights and supported the CEO in syndicated loans issues and supervised the internal audit department as member of the board’s Audit Committee focusing and improving governance processes.
He currently holds an independent non-executive director role at VOYATZOGLOU SYSTEMS, where he also acts as member of the Audit Committee supervising and communicating with the auditors and ensuring compliance with Hellenic Capital Markets Authority governance guidelines.
Marica Labrou is a Senior Business Advisor with over 30 years of experience, 21 of which are in the field of information technology. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of La Verne and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic School of the University of Patras.
She has successfully dealt with issues of business strategy and operational development in both multinational and Greek business organizations. Ms. Lamprou is recognized for her targeted strategy, effectiveness, dedication to continuous learning, and dynamic approach.
An active member of various professional organizations, a volunteer mentor, speaker, and author on business topics, she authored the book “Success Secrets for Family Businesses in the New Era” – PATAKI publications (2020).
She is the Founder and CEO of the consulting company CEL – Compassionate Entrepreneurial Leadership, providing advisory services to businesses aiming to excel in their strategic targeting and managerial competence.
Currently she serves as an Independent Member of the Board of Directors of EYDAP, a Member of the Risk Management, Remuneration and Nominations Committees and a Member of the Board of Directors of TEKA (Hellenic Auxiliary Pensions Defined Contributions Fund). Until November 2023 she was a member of the Board of Directors of Focus Bari (a leading research company, partner of YouGov in Greece) and until September 2024 she was an Independent Non-Executive Member of the Board of Directors of ENTERSOFT (a leading software and services company, listed on the Athens Stock Exchange) and Chair of the Audit Committee.
As the Managing Director of KAFKAS, she successfully combined the company’s successful family tradition with modern management practices and digital transformation, achieving high operational efficiency. As the Managing Director of Fegime Hellas & Cyprus, she actively contributed to shaping and locally implementing the company’s strategy.
During her tenure as General Manager at Intersys, she strengthened the company’s position by gaining the number one market share, winning critical new accounts, surpassing the European average in customer dedication, and receiving widely recognized business awards.
As the Managing Director of SingularLogic, she led a top Software and IT Integration company with 700+ employees, hundreds of partners, thousands of clients, and more than ten subsidiaries in four countries, establishing a strong competitive advantage through increased internationalization, activity streamlining, and building a stable internal structure.
As a member of the Executive Committee of SingularLogic Group for 10 years, she significantly contributed to transforming the organization into a strategic partner for customers and organizations in Southeastern Europe.
As the Managing Director of SingularLogic Integrator, she led a leading IT Integrator that successfully undertook large-scale projects in both the private and public sectors in Greece, including the national-scale project for the collection and transmission of election results.
Ms. Lamprou has also worked for Microsoft Hellas, Hewlett Packard Hellas, BSP (Bosch-Siemens-Pitsos), and other major companies, and has contributed as a Coach to the Hellenic Association of Enterprises’ productivity network.
She served as Vice President of EASE (Association of CEOs in Greece) from 2018 to 2021 and was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Association of Information Technology and Communications Companies (SEPE) from 2013 to 2014.
She is fluent in Greek (native language), English, and Italian.
Mr. Samolis is Lawyer at Supreme Court and Economist. He is Head of “Samolis & Associates” Law Office.
He has many years of experience as a specialized lawyer in Commercial, Banking and Stock Exchange Law, International Laws and Contracts with a legal presence in Greece and abroad.
He contribute to the Brokerage Companies Legislation and the conversion of Brokerage Offices to Brokerage Companies. He is Legal Advisor to many brokerage and commercial companies and credit institutions listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.
Mr. Samolis participated in mergers and acquisitions of companies in Greece and abroad, in business reorganizations and international Conventions with extensive experience in Banking and Stock Law.
He has been President (2004-2007) of Piraeus Port Authority SA, a company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, President of the Hellenic Port Association, Legal Advisor of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (2001-2002), and Legal Advisor of the Hellenic Defense Systems SA (2012-2014).
Mr. Samolis has a Law Degree from the Kapodistrian University of Athens, a Degree in Economy of Finance and postgraduate studies and work experience in Lyon, Paris. He speaks English and French.
Executive Director, Human Resources & Administration
Evangelos Kosmas serves as Executive Director of Human Resources & Administration at DEPA since 2020, bringing extensive experience across administrative, organizational and senior management roles.
He began his career at SATO S.A. in Sales and subsequently held positions in Marketing at Walsh Pharmaceutical Company and in Corporate Affairs at Barclays Bank.
He joined DEPA in 1989 and has since held successive executive leadership roles, with responsibility for strategic coordination and operational oversight across Procurement, Human Resources and Administrative Services, Organization and Processes, New Subsidiaries Development, as well as Corporate and Regulatory Affairs. He later assumed leadership and strategic oversight of Public Relations, Communication and Corporate Social Responsibility Division.
He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Piraeus, has completed the Executive Leadership program at the Athens University of Economics and Business, and holds an MIS Diploma from the Hellenic Management Association.
Mr. Kamaras is a Civil Engineer, graduate of the Technical University of Napoli (Italy) with extensive experience in construction of gas networks and hydraulic systems. He has held several managing positions, including being a member of the Board of Directors at EPA Attikis (Gas supply Company of Attika region S.A.) CEO and President of the Board of Directors at ATTIKO AERIO S.A. and President of the Board of Directors at ELTA Courier S.A.
Pavlos has also experience with public affairs, having served as Mayor of the Municipality of Pefki for twelve consecutive years, President of the Mayors Association of Attika, and President and Secretary General of the Association for Sustainable Development of Cities (SBAA).
Pavlos has represented Greece at the Committee of Regions in Brussels, and has received several honours and awards for his contribution to the public affairs, among others from the Hellenic Red Cross and the Hellenic Armed Forces.
Mr Panagiotis Dimitropoulos has 30 years of senior management experience in the Greek banking sector.
Member of DEPA BoD since November 2017, appointed as Vice President from June to September 2019. He was also a member of Piraeus Asset Management MFMC BoD (2017-2018).
Treasurer at Pancreta Co-Op Bank since 2018. Member of the Executive Committee and Head of Corporate and Financial Institutions at Royal Bank of Scotland Greece (2010-2015). Treasurer at Millennium Bank (2004-2010) and at Bank of America Nt&SA Greece. He led the Athens unit of Private Banking at Eurobank Ergasias (2001-2004) and his career started in 1986 at Banque Franco Hellenique.
Certified Investment Manager (level III) by BoG and Hellenic Capital Markets Committee.
He holds a BSc in Business Administration and MSc in Applied Economics – Strategy and Market Regulation from AUEB.
Chief Executive Officer
Konstantinos Xifaras has served as Chief Executive Officer of DEPA Commercial S.A. since 2019, leading the company through a decisive period of transformation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and a rapidly evolving energy landscape in Southeast Europe.
He holds a degree in Production Engineering and Management from the Technical University of Crete, with a specialization in Operations Research, and has held senior leadership positions in both the public and private energy sectors.
During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the restructuring of DEPA into three distinct entities—DEPA Commercial, DEPA International Projects, and DEPA Infrastructure—strengthening transparency, strategic focus, and operational efficiency across the Group. The successful privatization of DEPA Infrastructure marked a significant milestone, delivering substantial fiscal benefits to the Greek State and reinforcing the country’s credibility in international markets.
His strategy places strong emphasis on energy security and Greece’s geopolitical positioning. Under his leadership, DEPA participates in landmark projects such as the Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria (IGB) pipeline and the Alexandroupolis FSRU, whose successful implementation and operation have enhanced supply diversification and established Greece as a natural gas hub for Southeast Europe.
Committed to sustainability and innovation, Mr. Xifaras has advanced an ambitious investment program in renewables, including 1 GW of photovoltaic projects—500 MW currently under construction—biomethane production for the FISIKON network, and low-emission solutions such as Small Scale LNG and Remote CNG.
He also led the company’s strategic expansion into natural gas-fired power generation, with equity participation in plants in Alexandroupolis (840 MW), Fier, Albania (174 MW), and Larissa (792 MW), designed to support lignite phase-out and future compatibility with renewable gases such as hydrogen.
Prior to joining DEPA Commercial, he served as CEO of DESFA, where he led major upgrades to Greece’s national gas infrastructure and the expansion of the Revithoussa LNG terminal, and as Senior Advisor to the Ministries of Development and Environment.
His leadership combines strategic foresight with institutional reliability and a clear long-term vision: to position DEPA Commercial as a central actor in Europe’s energy transition, resilient, innovative, and geopolitically relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Giannis is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of DEPA SA, the largest natural gas company in Greece, since August 2019.
Giannis is a Senior Partner and a member of the founding team of EOS Capital Partners. He has over 20 years of experience in Private Equity – Venture Capital industry in Greece, being involved in more than 20 investments, with successful exits, IPO’s, co investments, and more than € 200MM total investments. Prior to his current role, Giannis was the co-founder and CEO of Attica Ventures, a venture capital investment firm that invested in Greek SMEs. In the context of his more than 20 years presence in the investment market, Giannis has acquired specialized experience in mergers and acquisitions, business development, reorganization, and implementation of large investment projects.
He has also participated in more than 20 Boards of Directors of listed companies of ATHEX, investment companies, and public organizations and has gained significant and many years of experience in the management of large companies by participating in their BoDs (ETEAN 2012-2015, PPC 2009, ETAD 2007-2009, STASI 2004-2007).
In October 2011 he was awarded by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the Employment Growth Award for his long-term investment presence and contribution to the creation of new jobs.
He is the Chairman of the Hellenic Association of Venture Capital (HVCA), member of the Advisory Committee of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and of the Alternative Market Advisory Committee of the Athens Stock Exchange, as well as member of the MBA International Business Council of the Athens University of Economics and Business.
From 2001 to 2013, he was an elected member of the TEE (Technical Chamber of Greece) Board of Directors, responsible for the domains of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Entrepreneurship.
He holds both a Degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a specialization in Production Engineering and Management, at the National Technical University of Athens, as well as an MBA from Bayes Business School London (ex. Cass Business School).
Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος
Ο Κωνσταντίνος Ξιφαράς ηγείται της ΔΕΠΑ Εμπορίας από το 2019, αναλαμβάνοντας σε περίοδο καθοριστικών αλλαγών για την ελληνική ενεργειακή αγορά. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Μηχανικών Παραγωγής και Διοίκησης του Πολυτεχνείου Κρήτης, με εξειδίκευση στην Επιχειρησιακή Έρευνα.
Υπό την ηγεσία του, η ΔΕΠΑ ολοκλήρωσε τον εταιρικό μετασχηματισμό της και εξελίσσεται σε καθετοποιημένο ενεργειακό όμιλο με δραστηριότητες σε φυσικό αέριο, ηλεκτροπαραγωγή και Ανανεώσιμες Πηγές Ενέργειας. Το ενεργειακό χαρτοφυλάκιο έως το 2028 θα ξεπεράσει τα 2GW, εκ των οποίων 1000 MW σε θερμικές μονάδες και 1000 MW σε έργα ΑΠΕ.
Η εταιρεία προωθεί στρατηγικά έργα όπως, το FSRU και η μονάδα ηλεκτροπαραγωγής Αλεξανδρούπολης, η Λάρισα Θερμοηλεκτρική, το project FIER στην Αλβανία, η ανάπτυξη φωτοβολταϊκών στην Κοζάνη και παράλληλα συμμετέχει σε κρίσιμες υποδομές όπως ο αγωγός IGB.
Στο ίδιο πλαίσιο, η ΔΕΠΑ Εμπορίας επενδύει συστηματικά στη μεταφορά καθαρής ενέργειας επεκτείνοντας το πανελλαδικό δίκτυο πρατηρίων, CNG – FISIKON και αναπτύσσει νέες υποδομές για πράσινο υδρογόνο και βιομεθάνιο. Παράλληλα αξιοποιεί καινοτόμες λύσεις, όπως το Small Scale LNG και το Remote CNG και στηρίζει τη μετάβαση της ναυτιλίας σε καθαρότερα καύσιμα μέσω έργων όπως τα BlueHUBS και SUPERGREEN.
