[ad_1]
The Greek businessman and shipowner, Vardis Vardinogiannis, died at the age of 91.
He passed away at the age of 91 the Greek businessman and shipowner, Vardis Vardinogiannis.
His family said in a statement:
“With deep sadness, the Vardis I. Vardinogiannis family announces that the beloved father and grandfather, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, passed away today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The exit sequence and burial will take place in a close family circle.”
A year earlier, his wife had passed away at the age of 80, Marianna Vardinogiannis, ambassador of Goodwill of UNESCO and president of the Association of Friends of Children with Cancer “ELPIDA”, which had developed a rich philanthropic activity.
The story of the family at Panathinaikos
The Vardinogiannis family has associated its name with the Panathinaikos football club since the beginning of professional football in Greece, after in the summer of 1979 it bought the majority of the shares and Vardis’ brother George Vardinogiannis was installed as president.
Giorgos Vardinogiannis, o nicknamed “Captain” he remained at the helm of the green PAE for more than 20 years and during this time he saw the clover win 6 championships, 9 Cups and 3 Super Cups, while twice reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League/Champions League (1984 -85, 1995-96).
Subsequently, the son of Vardis Vardinogiannis, Giannis, took over the reins of the green PAE in 2000, with “Ziger” being the president and major shareholder of Panathinaikos until the era of multi-shareholding, to announce his departure to the team’s public in 2011 and thus close – after 32 years – a big chapter in his history book Panathinaikou.
The path of Vardis Vardinogiannis
Vardis Vardinogiannis, born on 4 December 1933 in the Diocese of Rethymnon, was one of the most prominent Greek businessmen, known for his leadership of the Vardinogiannis Group, which operates in sectors such as energy, shipping, media and banking .
His fortune was estimated at $2.7 billion in 2024.
He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1955 and served in the Navy. After his demobilization in 1967 due to his resistance action against the dictatorship, he was exiled to Amorgos. He then took over the family businesses, expanding them into various areas. In 1989, he entered the mass media space, establishing Mega and Star TV stations, and since 2018 he also owns Alpha.
On 20 November 1990, he was the target of an attack from 17 November, which failed due to the armor of his vehicle.
He was married to Marianna Vardinogianni from 1961 until her death in 2023, with whom he had five children.
The family has developed significant philanthropic activity, particularly in the field of health and education.
Business activity
The foundations of the family’s empire were laid by Nikos Vardinogiannis, who founded at the end of the 60s the ship supply station at Kalous Limenes in Crete. A few years later, he laid the first “stones” of the Motor Oil refinery.
In 1973, Nikos Vardinogiannis died suddenly, with the administration of his dynasty passing into the hands of his brother, Vardis.
Vardis Vardinogiannis managed to completely change the profile of the group within a few years. He built ships, closed large deals directly with foreign countries and significantly enriched his activities, expanding into the shipbuilding, banking and hotel sectors.
“The “flagship” of the Vardinogiannis business group was and remains the Motor Oil Hellas refineries unit, however the family has also shown action through its involvement with companies such as Piraeus Bank, Optima Bank, Vegas Oil, Gas, Avin Oil, ANEK LINES, Ellaktor , Star Channel, Alpha TV, NJV Athens Plaza, AVE Group of Companies and Odeon.
The company was listed on the Athens Stock Exchange in August 2001.
His presence in the Mass Media was also notable, with Vardis Vardinogiannis investing in the newspaper Mesimbrini, Mega, Star, Alpha TV while also owning small or larger shares of radio stations.
[ad_2]