SPEAKERS (CONT.) | Cyprus Diaspora 2026

The Cyprus Diaspora Forum honours and promotes the entrepreneurial and inventive spirit of Cypriot Diasporans, Cypriots, and friends of Cyprus. The event hosts remarkable individuals as keynote speakers and panellists, which bring together a global community for meaningful networking, knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial spotlights, philanthropic causes, and cultural influences.

Below are some of the distinguished keynote speakers and panellists who will be taking part in the Cyprus Diaspora Forum 2026. Stay tuned — additional speakers for the 2026 Forum will be included soon.

STELLA C. KOUKOUNIS

Managing Partner, Solsidus Law
Lawyer, Entrepreneur
Cyprus

Stella C. Koukounis is a Cyprus-based lawyer, entrepreneur, and legal content creator with over 16 years’ experience in corporate, commercial, banking, and finance law. She advises high-net-worth individuals, international business groups, and family offices on complex cross-border transactions, investment structures, regulatory strategy, and alternative finance—frequently with a focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and sustainable investment.
Stella is the founder and managing partner of Solsidus Law, where she has led major transactions including securities listings on Euronext and the Vienna Stock Exchange, the establishment and management of alternative investment funds, and strategic joint ventures in the tech, energy, and property sectors. From 2015 to 2021, she served as legal representative for a Swiss family office with operations in Cyprus, leading legal teams and advising on multimillion-euro investment and development projects.
She is a Barrister of Lincoln’s Inn and holds degrees from the University of Sheffield (LL.B.), Nottingham Law School (BVC), and University College London (LL.M.), and has been certified by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission since 2022.
In addition to her legal practice, Stella is a digital thought leader and content creator whose videos have attracted hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok. She engages a growing audience across TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and hosts a podcast spotlighting impactful women across various industries. Her legal expertise also extends to the creative industries, having represented major media and entertainment projects, including Cyprus’ largest music festival, held over two consecutive years.
Stella currently serves on the board of a well-known electronic money institution (EMI) and advises boards of directors on key legal matters, particularly in relation to their investment decisions.

PAVLOS NEOCLEOUS

CO-Founder and CEO, Semio Productions Ltd.
Cyprus

Pavlos Neocleous is a prominent filmmaker and entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder and CEO of SEMIO Productions Ltd, established in 2007. Under his leadership, SEMIO has become Cyprus’ largest production company, producing a wide range of content, including commercials, films, documentaries, and nonfiction series, and servicing a global market.
Neocleous graduated with distinction from the University of the West of England in 1999 with a BA in Media. He then earned a Master of Arts in Film Studies and European Cinema in 2002, followed by an MA in Filmmaking at the London Film School. These studies gave him a deep understanding of filmmaking and hands-on skills in cinematography.
Early in his career, Neocleous worked in London’s Soho as a compositor, gaining experience in post-production, including editing, compositing, and special effects. As an entrepreneur, he has built a global network, bringing international talent to Cyprus and positioning the country as a competitive hub for filmmakers.
Neocleous’ leadership has been crucial in SEMIO’s success, promoting innovation, quality, and international collaboration. His vision continues to drive SEMIO Productions as a leader in the industry, fostering creativity and excellence in filmmaking.

TASOS LOIZOU

CEO, Medousa Developers
Cyprus

Tasos Loizou is the CEO of Medousa Developers and the driving force behind the second generation of the family business. Having studied Business and Management in the UK, Tasos brings a modern, strategic, and customer-focused approach to real estate development.
Over the past five years under his leadership, Medousa Developers has grown stronger, more innovative, and increasingly recognised for its commitment to quality and cutting-edge technology. Tasos is known for his forward-thinking vision, dedication to excellence, and passion for creating high-value residential projects that enhance the living experience in Cyprus. His leadership blends tradition with innovation, ensuring Medousa Developers continues to set new standards in the market.

DR. ANTIGONI KOMODIKI

CEO, Junior Achievement Cyprus
Cyprus

Dr Antigoni Komodiki is the Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Cyprus, a member of JA Worldwide, the largest organisation promoting entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness among children and young people. With a strong background in education, having taught for 17 years, she has led numerous initiatives fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, including coordinating award-winning Erasmus+ projects. Her research focuses on developing environmental science agency through environmental entrepreneurship programmes. Recognised for her impact, she was named Woman of the Year 2023 in Innovation at the MF Awards and recently received the IVLP Community Impact Award for her ‘Young Female Leaders’ programme, which empowers young women in leadership. Additionally, she serves as a Board Member of Limassol 2030 European Capital of Culture – Candidate City.

NATALIA KARDASH

CEO, Vestnik Kypra, Founder, Successful Business Leaders' Club, Expert on Cyprus and Business Advisor
Cyprus

Natalia Kardash is a seasoned communications expert with a strong focus on intercultural business development and strategic partnerships. Her core areas of expertise include publishing, public relations, event management, networking, and the facilitation of business collaborations.
With extensive experience in Cyprus, Natalia maintains a wide-reaching network that spans all levels of the local business and governance landscape, as well as international business executives who are either based in Cyprus or have commercial interests on the island. Her primary mission is to bridge Cypriot and international business communities, enabling meaningful partnerships and promoting their projects and services.
Natalia’s professional network includes over 6,000 individuals from diverse national and professional backgrounds, offering unique opportunities for growth, collaboration, and market expansion.
In 2020, she founded the Successful Business Leaders’ Club, a private business club designed exclusively for company owners and CEOs operating in or with Cyprus. This initiative provides both in-person and virtual platforms for high-level networking and knowledge exchange. In 2025, she launched a Readers' Club for her newspaper, Vestnik Kipra, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief. The publication supports a readership of approximately 100,000 people, offering valuable insights, news, and business connections.

YIANNOS GEORGIADES

Managing Partner, Y. Georgiades and Associates LLC
Cyprus

Yiannos Georgiades is the Managing Partner of the law firm Y. Georgiades & Associates LLC, based in Nicosia, Cyprus, with additional offices in the UK and Greece. He graduated with an LL.B. (Hons) from West London University in 1989 and completed his Barrister-at-Law qualification at the Inns of Court School of Law, Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London, in 1990. In addition to his qualification as a Barrister, Yiannos has gained valuable experience working at a prestigious solicitor’s firm in London and as a visiting attorney at Corboy & Demetrio in Chicago and Baker & Hostetler in Washington, D.C.
Yiannos is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Law Society in the UK, where he is recognised as a European Registered Lawyer. He also serves as the President of the Cyprus Chapter of the European Court of Arbitration and Mediation for Commercial Disputes (CEAM). As co-founder of KV Kinisis Ventures, a business accelerator and regulated private fund, Yiannos works to scale innovative technology companies in the US market. Furthermore, he has been approved as a nominated advisor for the Emerging Companies Market (ECM) of the Cyprus Stock Exchange and is a member of the CY-Biobank Independent Bioethics Advisory Board. Yiannos is also the President of GLAWBUS Global Law and Business Organisation and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Nicosia.

DR. MARILYN PANAYI

Chair of Theatro Technis, Independent Director and Producer
United Kingdom

Dr Marilyn Panayi is a Cypriot, born and educated in the United Kingdom. Her academic career spans the fields of life sciences, comparative physiology, and cognitive science. Marilyn has worked across education, medical rehabilitation, cultural heritage, and the arts in the UK, the USA, and throughout Europe.
Her creative arts and interactive technologies portfolio include film, music, mime, puppetry, theatre, and interactive performing arts. Her philosophy stems from the cross-fertilisation of art and science practice, which informs her work in robotics, telepresence, and wearable technologies.
Passionate about creating spaces that harness human potential, and as a committed campaigner and advocate for human rights, she has facilitated and provided platforms for under-represented voices.
Associated with Theatro Technis since the late 1970s, she later became its Cultural Heritage Producer and, more recently, Chair of Trustees. Marilyn now works as an independent director and producer on drama-documentary projects that explore the nature and evolution of cultural heritage and identity.

GEORGE PANAGIOTAKIS

World Champion Freediver, Safe Waters Sports Ambassador
Greece, Cyprus

George Panagiotakis is a world record holder, five-time world champion freediver, and a leading advocate for the future of Cyprus’ sports ecosystem. As an Ambassador for Safe Water Sports, he promotes safety, education, and structured development—key pillars in transforming Cyprus into a premier Mediterranean sports destination.
A certified freediving instructor and trainer, George demonstrates how niche sports can drive tourism, innovation, and economic growth. His career exemplifies the potential of sports diplomacy and SportsTech to enhance Cyprus’ international influence.

ANDREAS THEMISTOCLEOUS

Vice-President, Cyprus Basketball Federation
Cyprus

Andreas Themistocleous is a sports business professional with over 20 years of experience.
He currently serves as Vice-President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation. His former roles in sport include CEO of Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Head of Office at the Cyprus Anti-Doping Agency, Lecturer in Sport Management in academia, as well as professional consultant to Panathinaikos BC in Athens, the Limassol Marathon, and other organisations.
Andreas has been extensively involved in European club football management, having served for several years on various steering committees of the European Clubs Association.
A former basketball player for Keravnos Strovolou, he also represented Cyprus as a member of the national basketball teams and previously competed as a Division I NCAA student-athlete for the Old Dominion University Monarchs in the United States.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport Science, a master’s degree in Sport Management, and a master’s degree in business administration and human resource management.

ELLY SYMONS

Vice President, Australian Parthenon Committee, Cultural Heritage Activist
Australia, Greece

Elly Symons holds degrees in Business, Classics and Archaeology, and Psychology. She is a businesswoman, cultural heritage advocate, and media presenter. She is the Vice President of the Australian Parthenon Committee and Co-Founder of the International Acropolis Research Group, where she campaigns for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum to Athens. Elly is also very active on social media. Her passions include geopolitics, culture, finance, and the advocacy of cultural heritage repatriation. Her new endeavours will focus on advocating for the repatriation of Cypriot artefacts, which rightfully belong in Cyprus.

ANDREAS G. KARAKATSANIS

President of the Board, Cyprus University of Technology
Cyprus

Andreas G. Karakatsanis is a professional civil engineer and a graduate of the National Technical University of Athens and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He served as director of the technical services of the Municipality of Larnaca for 17 years, until September 2023.
From 1986 to 2006, Andreas was employed by the Ministry of Defence of the British Government as a senior civil engineer at the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus. From May 2017 to July 2018, he also served as acting director of the Larnaca Sewerage Board (SAL).
Since 2019, Andreas has been a member of the executive team and acting COO of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, where he also served as a member of the board of directors until 2023.
In January 2024, he was appointed by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cyprus to the board of directors of the Cyprus University of Technology and was elected vice president of the board by the university’s senate. He is currently president of the board, following his appointment by the Council of Ministers in July 2025.

MINOS AGATHOCLEOUS

Director, Andys Agathocleous GOCs, President JCI Cyprus
Cyprus

Minos Agathocleous is a major shareholder in the Andys Agathocleous Group of Companies, a leading new and used car business in Cyprus, with a 35-year history in car sales, rentals, and leasing.
Minos holds an MSc in Innovation, Management and Leadership from the University of York. In 2021, he was elected President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Limassol. Following his service as Vice President in 2022 and Deputy President in 2023, he assumed the role of President of Junior Chamber International Cyprus as of 1st January 2024.
He has also been elected as a Board Member of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the 2023–2026 term. Additionally, he was appointed by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry as an Associate Judge of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (Labour Court) for the 2022–2025 period, a position granted by the Supreme Court Council of Cyprus.

STAVROS ERMOGENOUS

Professional Tennis Coach and International Tennis Umpire
Cyprus

Stavros Ermogenous is a Cyprus-based professional tennis coach and international tennis umpire with extensive global experience. He works with players of all ages and abilities, focusing on improving performance, technique, and the overall tennis experience. His coaching blends structured training with a deep understanding of athlete psychology and modern methods, making tennis accessible and impactful in Cyprus.
As a certified international umpire, Stavros has officiated at top-level tournaments, gaining first-hand insight into the highest standards of professional tennis. He is dedicated to developing Cyprus’s tennis ecosystem—enhancing infrastructure, creating more opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of players. His journey reflects a passion for the sport, a drive for excellence, and a vision for expanding tennis and sporting culture across the island.

KYRIAKOS KYRIAKIDES

Entrepreneur, Investor and Digital Innovation Strategist
Cyprus

Kyriakos Kyriakides is a visionary Cypriot Entrepreneur, Investor, and Digital Innovation Strategist dedicated to reshaping how people achieve financial security in the digital age. As one of the Main European Leaders of ZinRai, a Pioneering Educational Platform for Forex and Crypto-Currencies Day-Trading and long-term investing, he empowers individuals to master financial literacy and modern wealth creation. Over the past four years, Kyriakos has lived as a digital nomad, expanding his business across Asia, the United States, and Europe while mentoring and training over 1,000 people worldwide. He is also the founder of Jump Start, a SaaS platform that helps Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Professionals streamline operations and accelerate growth through automations, websites, private communities and digital products. A graduate of the Bob Proctor Coaching Program and former member of Bob Proctor’s Inner Circle, Kyriakos’s mission is to impact 80,000 families globally equipping them with the knowledge and tools to build sustainable online income and financial freedom.

SEAN ALIMOV

Founder, Youth Tech Fest Cyprus
Uzbekistan, United Kingdom, Cyprus

Sean Alimov is an active proponent of the inclusive development of future-proof skills through learning experiences that focus on young people’s innate talents and capabilities, the empowerment of teachers, the use of the latest technologies and proven techniques, and active engagement between businesses and academia to cultivate literate and socially responsible citizens. In 2023, Sean launched Youth Tech Fest Cyprus, Europe’s first educational initiative of its kind, which went on to win the highly prestigious Global Non-Profit Organization Awards, with its annual festival being recognised as the Best Youth Tech & Innovation Festival worldwide.

DEMETRIS A. STEFANI

Founder, Hivebreed, Brand and Growth Architect
Cyprus

Demetris A. Stefani is a marketing leader who helps fast-growth companies build trust as a catalyst for scale. His career spans agency roles at McCann and VMLY&R, client-side leadership as Head of Marketing at Foody, Cyprus’s first delivery platform, and advisory work through Hivebreed Ltd, his growth consultancy operating at the intersection of brand and performance.
He collaborates with local and international businesses to unlock growth and elevate Cyprus-born brands on the global stage. His writing focuses on how trust drives meaningful, long-term growth in business, in life, and across modern societies.

CHRIS LEE

TV Presenter, Journalist
China, Cyprus

Chris Lee is an award-winning news anchor with over nine years of experience in the media industry, delivering trusted and dynamic coverage across business, politics, and entertainment. Renowned for his insightful reporting, compelling storytelling, and engaging interviews with high-profile figures, Chris has established himself as a distinctive and respected voice in journalism.
Based in Limassol, Chris also uses his popular TikTok channel to showcase the many benefits of living in Cyprus and to celebrate the island’s vibrant lifestyle, culture, and community.
Fluent in both English and Chinese, he brings a truly global perspective and cultural versatility to every broadcast, connecting audiences across diverse backgrounds with clarity and authenticity.

[

Speakers

]