Event information
The Legal 500 proudly announces the regular edition of the GC Summit: Greece 2024, set to unfold in the historic city of Athens. This pioneering event is dedicated to showcasing Greece’s global influence in the legal realm. Delve into invaluable insights on how general counsel and senior in-house legal minds adeptly navigate the intricate landscape of legal and business challenges confronting both domestic and international enterprises.
In collaboration with our partners Andersen Legal, AKL Law Firm, Lamnidis Law, JPA Law, Karatza & Partners and Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership, and networking sponsor Papapolitis & Papapolitis, the summit promises a compelling series of panel sessions. These sessions delve deep into a diverse array of cutting-edge topics, focusing on the intersection between national and international issues. Expect discussions on the implications of Brexit, the pivotal role of the Greek energy sector, the intricate technicalities of M&A transactions, and the nuances of employment law.
Backed by the profound expertise of our speakers, the GC Summit Greece 2024 is set to deliver practical, hands-on guidance tailored to the unique needs of in-house counsel. This conference is not to be missed—an indispensable opportunity for Greece-based in-house counsel aiming to propel their professional development to unprecedented heights. Seize the chance to connect with industry peers, gain valuable knowledge, and equip yourself with the tools needed to thrive in today’s dynamic legal environment.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your legal expertise and network with the best in the field.
Agenda
08:30am – 09:00am Registration and welcome
09:00am – 09:10am Opening remarks
- Sara Maggi, deputy editor, GC Powerlist Series, The Legal 500
09:10am – 10:00am Latest developments on the digital work card
Join us for an insightful panel discussion exploring the latest developments surrounding the digital work card. In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving workplace dynamics, the digital work card has emerged as a crucial tool for streamlining employee documentation and enhancing workforce management processes.
Do not miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders and stay informed about the latest trends shaping the future of workforce management.
- Maria Rigaki, partner, Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership
- Marina Kolia, senior legal counsel, South Central Europe, Mondelēz International
- Evy Kyttari, legal director, Athenian Brewery
- Maria Katsiapi, head of legal, Public Group
10:00am- 10:50am Decoding the AI Regulation in the Digital Age and Beyond
With artificial intelligence permeating various aspects of our lives, it has become imperative to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. This panel will shed light on the complexities of AI regulation, exploring topics such as data privacy, transparency, and ethical considerations. Join us as we navigate the regulatory frontier of artificial intelligence in the digital age.
- Dr. Themistoklis Giannakopoulos, partner, Andersen Legal – Pistiolis – Triantafyllos & Associates Law Firm
- Konstantina Soultati, senior legal counsel – Greece, Lightsource bp
- Catherine Karanikola, group chief legal officer, YNV Group
- Symeon Kretsis, NOMOS operations executive, Netcompany-Intrasoft
10:50am – 11:10am Coffee break
11:10am – 12:00pm Brexit seven years on! How is “London Law” now perceived internationally?
This panel discussion will delve into the perception of ‘London Law’, seven years post-Brexit.Expert speakers will offer insights on London’s evolving appeal as a legal hub, recognition of the UK judgments abroad, regulatory frameworks, and implications for international business, drawing from practical use cases. The session will also discuss changes in London’s attractiveness for international clients, Brexit’s impact on the UK judgments enforcement globally, regulatory framework disparities pre- and post-Brexit, and the ensuing challenges and opportunities for Greek legal practitioners and firms.
- Altaf Kara, CEO, JPA International Legal Services
- Martha Kyriakaki, director – legal counsel Southeast Europe, Adidas Hellas
- Izabella M. Tsirba, head counsel, finance and capital markets, TITAN Cement Group
- Despoina Doxaki, chief legal counsel, Hellenic Financial Stability Fund
- Georgios Kourgias, legal director Greece and the Nordics, AbbVie Pharmaceutical
12:00pm – 12:50pm Navigating through the maze of compliance regulations: The tax law example
Entrepreneurship and innovation are woven with the tax law opportunities and intricacies. Mastering the challenges and staying abreast of the ever-changing tax regulatory landscape is paramount. Our session brings together legal experts from various industries who can offer invaluable perspectives on effectively addressing tax and other compliance matters in Greece and on a global scale.
- Eleonora Ligoutsikou, senior associate, Karatzas & Partners
- Kyriaki Tzemou, general counsel, Prodea Investments
- Katerina Patsantara, general counsel, Gastrade
12:50pm – 13:50pm Lunch
13:50pm – 14:40pm Managing knowledge in contemporary law practice
In today’s rapidly evolving legal landscape, knowledge is undeniably power. Effective preservation, management, and leveraging of an organisation’s knowledge pool not only enhance productivity but also contribute to more efficient risk management strategies. This panel brings together experts from various perspectives to explore this crucial topic. They will examine innovative approaches and best practices for maximising the value of knowledge assets within law firms and legal departments. Through dynamic discussions and real-world examples, this session will uncover strategies for cultivating a culture of knowledge sharing.
- Alexandros Kosmopoulos, managing partner, AKL Law Firm
- Sotiris Foteas, partner, AKL Law Firm
- Marco Veremis, partner, Big Pi Ventures Capital, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Upstream, Chairman SEV’s Innovation Committee
- Dr. Seraphim Voliotis, founder, Sapientia et Veritas
- Dr. Thaleia Emiri, chief legal counsel, Alpha Bank
14:40pm – 15:30pm Exploring the Greek energy sector and multi-country energy investments
Greece’s energy landscape presents a rich tapestry of opportunities and challenges, shaped by evolving regulatory frameworks, geopolitical dynamics, and technological advancements. This session will feature insights from experts with deep knowledge of the Greek energy sector and extensive experience in multi-country energy investments. From navigating regulatory hurdles to assessing investment risks and opportunities, this session will provide invaluable perspectives on successfully executing multi-country energy projects in Greece and beyond.
- Thomas Lamnidis, partner, LAMNIDIS LAW
- Alexia Trokoudi, group manager, legal division on corporate holdings and energy regulation, HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings S.A. (VALID)
- Nasia Kelveridou, legal manager and compliance officer, Greece and Albania, Heidelberg Materials Hellas
- Alexandra Dellis, general counsel, Nea Odos
- Maria Tsiliakou, country senior legal counsel, ABB
15:30pm – 16:30pm Drink and canapes
Speakers
Sara Maggi, deputy editor, GC Powerlist Series, The Legal 500
Sara Maggi joined The Legal 500’s editorial team, specialising on the in-house legal community, in 2022; since then, she has led the research for several editions of the GC Powerlist Series, aimed at highlighting the expertise of in-house counsel worldwide.
In researching for the GC Powerlist Series, Sara has had the opportunity to interview a large number of globally acclaimed general counsel, chief legal officers, and heads of legal using English, Italian and Spanish. Sara’s passion and interest in corporate governance have allowed for conversations, reports and write-ups concerning hot topics in the area such as ESG, legal tech, diversity and inclusion and changes to the role of general counsel in years to come.
Sara holds a BA from the University of Westminster and an LLM in International Corporate Governance from the University of Law in the United Kingdom. She was a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 2022.
Thomas Lamnidis, partner, LAMNIDIS LAW
Maria Rigaki, partner, Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership
Maria Rigaki is a partner specialising in employment and social security law. She joined EY Law Greece in 2008. Her dedicated labour law practice includes representing clients during employment law litigation procedures, relationship with employee’s representatives (work councils and trade unions), providing advisory services related to employment issues of collective and individual nature, corporate reorganisations, individual and collective dismissal procedures. She is also familiar with providing trainings to HR specialists in relation to employment and social security law developments.
Maria holds a degree in law from the University of Athens and an LLM in labour relations. Maria also holds a master of science in HR management from the Athens University of Economics and Business.
Altaf Kara, CEO, JPA International Legal Services
Altaf is an international corporate and commercial solicitor with a solid history of success as general counsel, company secretary, risk and compliance director and chief executive officer. Having worked with private and public corporations, private equity and family-owned businesses, Altaf brings a wealth of diverse experience, knowledge and learning to protect his clients’ interests with his skills in interpreting legal and compliance requirements for fit-for-purpose application by business.
Dr. Themistoklis Giannakopoulos, partner, Andersen Legal - Pistiolis - Triantafyllos & Associates Law Firm
Dr. Themistoklis K. Giannakopoulos is the Head of the TMT practice at Andersen Legal Greece. He has more than twenty years of international experience in, among others, compliance and regulatory affairs. He has noteworthy extensive experience in the e-communications, IT, and software sectors, having served in leadership positions, or acted as counsel for major companies and groups of companies. Furthermore, he brings along proven history of acting as general counsel for major global companies in diverse industries, uniquely efficient in bridging the fine line between the executive’s focus on sales and the board’s focus on risk mitigation, praised thus for being extremely business oriented. His professional career demonstrates remarkably strong ability and proven history in successfully coordinating major projects. He has also proven multi-jurisdictional experience as head of legal, regulatory, and corporate affairs in diverse countries and markets, representing clients before national and EU authorities, agencies, and courts. He advises clients in the following indicative sectors: e-communications, IT and software, gambling, energy, banking, passenger shipping, tobacco, automotive, construction, and retail. He speaks Greek, English, and Italian.
Alexia Trokoudi. group manager, legal division on corporate holdings and energy regulation, HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings S.A. (VALID)
Mrs. Alexia Trokoudi graduated from Athens’ law school and obtained an LLM postgraduate degree in commercial and banking law from the University of Bristol in the UK, and an MBA in energy management from ALBA in Greece. She has been practicing law since 1994, mainly in the areas of commercial law and regulation. Mrs. Trokoudi has experience in freelancing, in-house banking law, and in-house telecoms. She provided legal services to the Greek Energy Regulator (RAE) for 13 years, and from 2007 to 2015, she served as the head of the legal department of RAE. Since April 2015, she has been providing legal services for the Helpe Group of Companies, holding the position of group manager of corporate holdings and energy regulation, with a portfolio encompassing more than 60 M&A transactions. Mrs. Alexia Trokoudi represents Helleniq Energy on various boards of directors, particularly in the RES and new technologies sector. Additionally, she participates on the board of the ‘Association of Independent Power Producers (IPPs)’ and represents HELPE in the legal committee of ‘FUELS EUROPE’ (LIG). Furthermore, she is a founding member of the board of the ‘Hellenic Association for Energy Law’.
Martha Kyriakaki, director - legal counsel Southeast Europe, Adidas Hellas
Konstantina Soultati, senior legal counsel - Greece, Lightsource bp
Konstantina Soultati is a senior legal counsel at Lightsource bp Greece. Konstantina is an experienced legal counsel with a demonstrated history of working in the oil and energy industry, for the past 15 years with primary focus on M&A in Greece and abroad. Since her return in Greece in 2021 she focuses on the development of RES projects having acted as counsel for major group of companies. As an external advisor, Konstantina has acted for the Greek State (to implement the 3rd energy package into Greek law), the Greek TSO and other major stakeholders. Her key expertise is energy regulations, and she specialises in contract negotiations for complex international transactions related to the energy sector.
Marina Kolia, senior legal counsel, South Central Europe, Mondelēz International
Marina Kolia combines over 30 years of international legal experience as legal practitioner as well as in in-house position. She worked for 12 years in law firms in London specialising in energy and privatisations of railways, electricity and gas infrastructures in the UK, California, Isle of Man and more. She moved to Athens in 2002 working in a law firm as head of energy and projects for local as well as international projects (Jordan) specialising in energy law and regulation, in M&A of renewable electricity companies and major projects as DEPA and Trans Adriatic Pipeline, advising RAE, drafting codes, processes, legislation, negotiating renewable contracts as well as arbitrations in the energy sector; while also specialising in food, commercial and M&A law. She moved to work as in-house legal counsel at Mondelēz International in Greece eight years ago working on food and beverage law, consumer protection, distribution contracts, M&A, antitrust, employment law, intellectual property, media and advertising and all types of contractual and business issues. She currently holds the position of senior legal counsel of South Central Europe region (12 markets) in Mondelēz International being member of the management of the region, advising on risk identification and mitigation, compliance, new legislative challenges, corporate governance and major litigation, project management & M&A.
Marina is a qualified lawyer in Greece and a solicitor in England and Wales.
Evy Kyttari, legal director, Athenian Brewery
A legal counsel with rich and substantial experience in private practice, law Firms and government functions as well as in-house counsel in multinational companies undertaking several important roles during her professional journey. After completing her internship, she started her career as an associate in a law firm before joining the, Ministry of Finance where she was engaged to provide legal services on issues of all major Greek privatisation transactions. From 2010 to 2016 she returned to active law practice as a partner in two law firms and in 2016 she joined Fraport where for four years she worked closely with the management to proceed with the plan set for the taking over and starting of the private operations of the 14 regional airports of Greece. In 2020 she moved to Vodafone to lead the legal department of the company and since the beginning of this year she has undertaken the role of the legal director as part of the management team of Athenian Brewery, a member of Heineken Group. Evy has graduated from the Law School of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds an LLM in European Law from the University of Essex
Eleonora Ligoutsikou, senior associate, Karatzas & Partners
Eleonora Ligoutsikou is a senior associate at Karatzas & Partners. She earned her LL.B. from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, complemented by an MSc in banking and finance law from the University of Piraeus. Additionally, Eleonora holds a postgraduate diploma in Greek taxation from PwC’s academy and is currently pursuing the advanced diploma in international taxation awarded by the UK Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Specialising in tax advisory services, Eleonora adeptly deals with complex tax issues, particularly within corporate restructurings and financial transactions. Her expertise extends to tax controversy, where she guides clients through audits conducted by tax authorities and handles disputes across various tax domains such as income tax, VAT, real estate taxes and capital tax, including related administrative sanctions. Additionally, she provides tailored tax advice to individuals regarding their tax residency status.
Beyond taxation, she has experience in administrative litigation, having represented clients before Greek administrative authorities and courts in matters encompassing public procurement, competition law, and investment law. During her practice, she has provided legal advice on investment projects and portfolios, assisting investors in leveraging the strategic investments’ special regime.
Eleonora is a member of the Athens Bar Association, and she speaks Greek, English, German and Italian.
Sotiris Foteas, partner, AKL Law Firm
Marco Veremis, partner, Big Pi Ventures Capital, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Upstream, Chairman SEV’s Innovation Committee
Marco was born in Athens, in 1973. He holds a BA from the University of Warwick and an MPhil from Oxford University.
Marco started his career in 1996, as a marketing strategist with Omnicom, WPP and IPG, where he developed global communication strategies for brands such as Nestlé, Smithkline Beecham, Johnson & Johnson and Sony Electronics.
In 2002, he returned to Greece and, along with Alex Vratskides, co-founded Upstream. Since then, Upstream has evolved into a leading global technology company within the field of mobile commerce, conducting business in over 45 markets. Marco served as Upstream’s CEO until June 2017, and today is its chairman of the board, whilst also a partner at BigPi Venture Capital.
Marco is an active angel investor and member of the board in technology companies such as Persado, Workable, Softone, Hellas Direct and Softmotive (acquired by Microsoft).
In parallel, Marco is a member of the board of junior achievement Greece, chairman of SEV’s (Hellenic Federation of Enterprises) Innovation Committee, and member of SEV’s Board, of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (ΙΟΒΕ), of Endeavor and of the research and policy institute diaNEOsis. Marco has been awarded with the EY Greek ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award, in 2013
Dr. Seraphim Voliotis, founder, Sapientia et Veritas
Seraphim is, inter alia, a member of the Bar of England and Wales (Lincoln’s Inn, 1995) and an accredited mediator (CEDR, 2003), who, for the last 30 years balances his time between academia, practice and, more recently, our youth.
Academically, he has been teaching award-winning classes in negotiation, strategic decision-making, ethics and legal strategy at post-graduate level at the ACG, the Universities of Athens, Cyprus, Bremen, London and the Athens University of Economics and Business. He also teaches negotiation and strategic decision-making at the Hellenic Navy and Air Force War Schools as well as the highest ranking Hellenic National Defence College.
Through Sapientia et Veritas and collaboration with distinguished partners, such as said Business School at the University of Oxford and Nomiki Vivliothiki in Greece, he has trained thousands of executives and legal practitioners in negotiation, mediation, workplace conflict, strategic decision-making and ethics. He also selectively advises and represents companies in commercial transactions and the resolution of disputes of high importance and strategic, financial, or technical complexity.
Through the non-profit branch of Sapientia et Veritas he offers bespoke guidance in philosophy and mathematics for charismatic adolescents in collaboration with distinguished partners such as Charisimathia and MENSA Hellas, as well as courses on family negotiation, conflict and well-being for parents/guardians in collaboration with the Smile of a Child (Smile Academy).
Maria Katsiapi, head of legal, Public Group
Maria-Stefania Katsiapi is a corporate attorney registered at the Athens Bar Association with wide and diversified professional experience, coupled with 15+ years of in-house legal counselling, extensive expertise in management of legal and regulatory issues covering all perspectives and operational needs of business functions. She is currently serving as director of legal services of Public Group, part of the Olympia Group. Public Group is an ecosystem of innovative scale ups around its flagship Omnichannel Retail business in Greece and Cyprus under two well recognised brands – Public and Public +Home (ex MediaMarkt) – with sales of more than EUR€ 500 m, 61 physical locations and four online stores.. Before taking the role of legal director in 2019, she was deputed as senior legal counsel to Olympia Group, belonging to the interests of Panos Germanos, participating in negotiations and implementing the strategy of the group from a legal point of view, handling corporate issues (acquisitions, franchise agreements, lease agreements, supply agreements, incorporation of companies, real estate transactions), successfully negotiating complex multi-million deals involving purchase of various assets and supporting day to day legal operations and all statutory requirements of the group, both in Greece and abroad. Previously she had worked for several well-recognised law firms (including Norton Rose Fulbright in Athens) specialising in the sphere of corporate and commercial law, M&A and companies’ transformations, corporate financing, energy and real estate projects. In the meanwhile, she is holder of a LLB from the University of Athens, an LLM degree with distinction in international commercial law from City University of London, as well as a MSc in law and sccounting from London School of Economics and an executive customised MBA from ALBA Graduate Business School.
Catherine Karanikola, group chief legal officer, YNV Group
Catherine Karanikola (YNV Group’s chief legal officer) is an Athens Bar Supreme Court registered lawyer with more than 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney. Her experience spans across various high-stakes legal areas, including corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, compliance, commercial, corporate, privacy, IP/IT and real estate laws. Catherine has worked as a senior associate in prominent Greek legal law firms and as chief legal officer in major tech companies by making significant contributions to the operation of legal their departments, including her pivotal role as an integration legal counsel in the acquisition of the Greek based RPA provider, Softomotive by Microsoft Corp. Catherine is now serving as chief legal officer to the YNV Group (www.ynvgroup.com), a global group of companies with multiple brands spanning across different market sectors, such as real estate and hospitality through the brand Everty (www.everty.com) as well as professional technical services, digital skilling, cybersecurity and AI solutions through the brand Teknowledge (www.teknowledge.com). In her role as chief legal officer and member of YNV’s group corporate governance committee Catherine is orchestrating the company’s legal strategy, corporate governance, and compliance efforts with unparalleled expertise. Her extensive legal experience within the technology sector is crucial for the YNV Group’s navigation through the intricate landscape of regulatory challenges, thus safeguarding the company’s interests and bolstering customer trust in its services. Catherine holds an LLB from the University of Essex, an LLM from University College London (UCL) and various certifications as an accredited DPO, compliance and business operations professional.
Izabella M. Tsirba, head counsel, finance and capital markets, TITAN Cement Group
Izabella M. Tsirba is a dual-qualified lawyer, admitted to the Athens Bar Association and the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales. She specialiSes in cross-border company and corporate finance law and has a proven track record of delivering strategic legal advice to multinational enterprises in London and in Athens. She also has a keen awareness of sustainability matters, with a particular focus on corporate governance. Izabella was the project coordinator and country researcher for Greece in the EU-wide study on Directors’ Duties and Liability undertaken by the LSE Enterprise for the European Commission (2013) and the expert professional on the legal aspects of sustainability at CSR School (2021, 2022).
Izabella is presently head counsel, finance and capital markets at TITAN Cement Group. She is also a member of the corporate governance working group of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and vice president of the Hellenic Alumni Association of LSE (HAALSE).
She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in corporate and securities law from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Master of Laws (LLM) in private international law from the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has also attended the private international law course at the Hague Academy of international law, as well as courses on journalism at Harvard University.
She speaks Greek, English, French and German.
Despoina Doxaki, chief legal counsel, Hellenic Financial Stability Fund
Despoina is a professional with an overall experience of 30 years in international financing transactions. Expertise in all types of funds raising and lending while the last years also involved in EU and institutional policy matters. Sectors: financial services in banking, infrastructure, utilities and energy. Working experience in Athens, London, New York(USA) and Brussels. Accustomed working in multicultural environments. Relocated in 2018 from London to Athens to assume the position of chief legal counsel with the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund. Member of the executive committee and technical expert in the Investment Management Committee. During her carreer she has worked in private practice climbing the ladder to partner with Chadbourne, Norton Rose Fulbright, Shearman&Sterling, Milbank, Stanbrook&Hooper/ McDermont&Ellis and KG Law Firm and as in house counsel with the EU Commission, Alpha Bank AE, KPMG, Ellactor (CIS). She holds the position of independent non-Executive member in the board of directors in Public Power Corporation and respective committes and nonexecutive member in the board of directors of Attica Bank. Fellow visiting professor to University of Piraeus – Banking and Finance Faculty (financial instruments) 2014 -2016. Holder of BA and MSc in law. Holder of certificates in corporate governance and corporate governance for board members in banks (INSEAD and Florence School of Banking and Finance -executive programmes respectively). Personal quotation: business needs fair play – mature circumstances and mature lawyers . Motto: bless it – shoot it – keep fingers crossed but you are always as good as your last deal.
Kyriaki Tzemou, general counsel, Prodea Investments
Kyriaki Tzemou is the general counsel of Prodea Investments, a listed real estate investment company (REIC).
She is an attorney – at – law, member of the Athens Bar Association, qualified to plead before the Supreme Court, she holds a law degree from the Athens University and an international diploma in governance, risk and compliance, ICA – University of Manchester, Alliance Manchester Business School. She has also obtained certifications as a compliance officer and AML Officer. She speaks Greek, English and French.
She has been practicing law as an in-house lawyer and as an external legal advisor to financial and other regulated institutions since 1992 and has extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and civil law, bankruptcy and restructuring of debts, litigation of commercial law cases, finance, real estate, financial and operating leasing, corporate governance and compliance.
She has participated in various legislative committees on the legal framework of leasing, factoring and venture capital in Greece.
She has served as deputy general manager and head of legal department of NBG Leasing, deputy compliance and AML officer at NBG Leasing, legal advisor of Ethniki Kefaloioy, BNP Paribas and Ethniki Stegastiki Bank.
Katerina Patsantara, general counsel, Gastrade
Katerina is General Counsel at GASTRADE S.A. granting a full range of legal services related to regulatory and energy compliance matters, corporate issues of the company, as well as the procedures for the awarding, drafting and execution of all contracts involved (procurement, services, leasing, works, supply etc.). Her practice focuses on commercial, corporate, energy, maritime, banking, civil and public law. Katerina is also a high-level litigation and counselling lawyer advising and representing GASTRADE S.A. in litigation cases, negotiations of contracts and corporate housekeeping matters. Her combined experience in both in house counselling and litigation is rare to find, possessing second-to-none advisory expertise in landmark business energy transactions in Greece during the latest years.
Prior her present position Katerina was a Senior Associate at Fortsakis, Diakopoulos, Mylonogiannis & Associates Law Firm (FDMA) and Legal Advisor to DEPA Networks S.A. (Holding Company of Attiki, Thessaloniki, Thessaly and rest of Greece Natural Gas Distribution Network Companies). She was a leading member of FDMA energy team, advising Greek and international clients in natural gas distribution, storage, supply and transportation cases, LNG and renewable energy projects granting a full range of legal services related to regulatory and energy compliance matters, corporate issues of the company, as well as the procedures for the awarding, drafting and execution of all contracts involved (procurement, services, leasing, works, supply etc.). She has advised Greek and international clients in natural gas distribution, storage, supply and transportation cases, LNG and renewable energy projects.
Katerina has also practiced corporate, civil, banking, insurance, and commercial law, advising Greek and international corporations in planning and structuring their business transactions, several corporate issues and litigation. Katerina has also experience in investment incentive laws applicable to private investments that contribute to the country’s development, having served as a specialized associate to the General Secretary of the General Secretariat of Strategic and Private Investments of the Greek Ministry of Development and Competitiveness from July 2014 to March 2015.
Katerina has worked extensively with Prof. Theodore Fortsakis on renewable energy projects on behalf of the Greek Ministry For The Environment, Energy And Climate Change drafting policies for the incorporation into Greek law of the highly complex EU Directive 2018/2001 “on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources” (REDII). Katerina was a principle member of the working team for the Book “Energy Law” headed by Prof. Theodore Fortsakis – Dean of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, published by Kluwer Law International / Ant.N. Sakkoulas, Wolters Kluwer, Ant. N. Sakkoulas, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New York, The Netherlands, 2009, 2nd ed. 2014 (under press). Field of Research: Natural Gas- transportation, transmission, distribution.
Katerina speaks English and French.
Nasia Kelveridou, legal manager and compliance officer, Greece and Albania, Heidelberg Materials Hellas
Nasia Kelveridou is a lawyer with more than 15 years of legal experience working in big law firm and as in-house lawyer. She has been counselling and representing diverse global enterprises in corporate and employment matters, has advised big enterprises in restructuring and M&A projects and has long experience in litigation. Since 2018 she is the legal manager and compliance officer for Greece and Albania in Heidelberg Materials Group and member of the BoD of the Greek entity. Nasia has studied law in Democritus University of Thrace and she holds an LLM on administrative law from Democritus University of Thrace and an MBA from ALBA.
She is a member of the Athens Bar Association and of the European Employment Lawyers Association (EELA).
Alexandra Dellis, general counsel, Nea Odos
Alexandra Dellis is general counsel of Nea Odos and of Odos Kentrikis Elladas, the motorway project companies of the GEK TERNA group currently in operation. In this capacity, Alexandra manages the joint legal departments of both concessionaires and of the motorway operations business unit of GEK TERNA.
Alexandra is a qualified lawyer and a member of the Athens Bar Association since 1996, practicing before the Council of State since 2004, and specialising in EU law and public economic law. She holds an LLB from the University of Athens, an LLM in public law from the University of Paris II (Panthéon – Assas), and an LL.M. in European and comparative public law from the University of Paris I (Panthéon – Sorbonne).
Alexandra worked as legal expert for the European Commission, the Greek Ombudsman, and the OECD. She went on to provide legal services to public officials and to private corporations in land and infrastructure development projects, operational restructuring, and privatisation of public assets. Before joining the legal team of GEK TERNA Group, Alexandra was general counsel of the Hellenic Public Properties Company and has served as acting head of legal of the Prime Minister’s office under four PMs.
Alexandra is general secretary of the Hellenic-US Alumni Association; US Department of State International Visitor leadership programme alumna; certified professional negotiator by the Academy of Professional Negotiators Inc.; member of the Hellenic Association of Energy Law, of the Hellenic Association of Technology and Construction Law Studies, and of the Women’s Justice and Education Chapters of ICC Hellas.
Maria Tsiliakou, country senior legal counsel, ABB
Maria Tsiliakou (Lawyer at the Supreme Court/Athens Bar Association) is the senior legal counsel for Greece and Cyprus at ABB. She is a graduate of the Democritus University of Thrace Law School, holding an LLM in international business and commercial law (University of Lancashire), and a PhD and MA in criminology (Panteion University of Athens). Among other roles, she has served as an arbitrator at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), legal advisor to the Orthodox Church of Greece, scientific collaborator of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), associate lawyer at Groupama Phoenix, and legal advisor to numerous companies. She has a rich portfolio of written and scientific work, with a continuous presence in Greek and international conferences.
Dr. Thaleia Emiri, chief legal counsel, Alpha Bank
Thaleia is the chief legal officer in Alpha Bank. She has extended experience in both the private and the public sector. She has worked for approximately 15 years in law firms and private companies focusing mainly in commercial and banking law before serving as director of special policies at the PM Office and seniorlegal advisor to the Minister of Finance (2011-2013). She was the chief legal counsel of the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (HFSF) (2013-2018) and was actively involved in the recapitalisation of the Greek banking system during the financial crisis.
Thaleia has extended experience in managing multidisciplinary complex projects, negotiating with multiple stakeholders, and handling crisis situations. She is a qualified lawyer admitted to the Greek Supreme Court. She holds a law degree from the University of Athens, an LLM in economic law and a suma cum laude PhD in European competition law from Panthéon-Assas University (Paris II). She has also completed international courses on compliance (ICA) and corporations’ sustainability (Said Business School). She is a founding member of The Boardroom-Greece and ex-BoD member of the HR Asset Development Fund.
Georgios Kourgias, legal director Greece and the Nordics, AbbVie Pharmaceutical
Georgios Kourgias holds an LLB degree in law from the Aristotle University of Thessalonica, Greece and an LLM in commercial law from the University of Glasgow and Stratchlyde University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
His legal career started in the beginning of 2006, when he joined Biggart Baillie – Solicitors, a Glasgow based corporate/commercial law. At the end of 2006 he joined the corporate team of Tods Murray – Solicitors in Glasgow.
In the beginning of 2009 Georgios returned to Greece and he joined Upstream, as legal counsel.
In October 2010, Georgios joined Abbott Laboratories (Hellas), as legal counsel and compliance manager, until the end of 2012 and as of January 2013, after Abbott’s separation in two individual companies, Georgios became the legal counsel and compliance manager of AbbVie Pharmaceuticals Greece, an independent global biopharmaceutical, which retains in its portfolio innovative medicines for serious and chronic diseases. From June 2019 until May 2024, Georgios had the role of legal director Greece and Switzerland. Since May 2024 Georgios has the role of legal director Greece and the Nordics and he is providing legal support to AbbVie’s affiliates in Greece and in the Nordics.
He is an active member of the Athens Bar Association, member of the Legal Committee of the Hellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (SFEE).
Symeon Kretsis, NOMOS operations executive, Netcompany-Intrasoft
In association with...
Andersen Legal is the Greek member firm of Andersen Global®, an international association of member firms comprised of legal and tax professionals operating in more than 170 countries in 450 locations, including over 2,000 partners and 16,000 professionals worldwide.
Andersen Legal in Greece, based in Athens, is dedicated to delivering quality and value to our clients. We provide legal services to individuals and corporations, offering innovative and practical solutions to complex business issues. Our expertise spans various industries, including construction, real estate, telecoms, media and technology, healthcare, shipping, retail, and more.
At Andersen Legal, we are more than just a legal service provider. We are driven by our passion and creativity, constantly striving to be game-changers in the industry. Our global perspective and innovative thinking set us apart. With a worldwide presence through the member firms of Andersen Global®, we coordinate client service and solutions seamlessly between different locations and service lines.
From its beginnings in 1891 Alexiou-Kosmopoulos law firm has successfully provided a first-class legal service to both Greek and international clients throughout the 20th century and built a formidable reputation in the Greek legal sector.
Now, in the 21st century, as it changes its identity to AKL, the firm embraces new ideas and new ways of working with its clients and expands its international horizons. However, it will still hold and maintain the traditions and values which defines it and everything it stands for.
While the depth and breadth of its expertise in the chosen legal sectors is the foundation of its success, and that is reflected in the recognition and reputation of its lawyers, it is also the service to its clients and the values that drive its service philosophy that makes AKL different. These values have evolved and grown as the years have passed; but today, they can be summarised in three simple words, each with a powerful meaning: INSIGHT | TRUST | PASSION.
Lamnidis Law has over thirty years of expertise on the Eurasian Continent. Based in Athens, Greece, we specialize in navigating intricate transactions and high-stakes litigations across several geopolitical regions. We have advised governments, international organisations, and private entities, ensuring legal excellence in every assignment. Certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards, we deliver top-tier legal solutions aligning with our clients’ diverse needs.
Renowned for our unwavering dedication to legal excellence, our firm is a cornerstone of the legal community. With a rich history of successfully navigating complex legal landscapes, we’ve earned a reputation as trusted advisors and formidable advocates. Our team’s expertise spans diverse practice areas, allowing us to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. As a recognised authority in law, we continuously strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, solidifying our position as leaders in the field.
Karatzas & Partners Law Firm, established in 1963, specializes in the fields of civil, commercial, and financial law, serving both Greek and international clients. Routinely rated as a top-tier firm by legal directories, it is recognized for promoting innovation and having a strong company culture that embraces diversity and inclusion, notably with a majority of female partners. Committed to social responsibility, the firm actively engages in pro bono work and supports numerous community initiatives.
Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates is part of the ΕΥ Law network operating in 90 countries globally and is comprised of 3,500+ people.
We are an independent law office with a core team of 42 lawyers. Our office provides high quality legal services across the full range of commercial and financial transactions. Especially in our geographical area, we have established an ongoing cooperation with the respective law firms which are associated with EY, in order to offer seamless and consistent regional services to our clients that have cross country operations. Our experience allows us to better understand our clients’ needs and offer them integrated multidisciplinary solutions in the fields of accounting, tax and financial advisory services. Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates law office is solution focused. We work closely with our clients to seek innovative and practical ways of dealing with their issues. Our priority is to help our clients meet their business objectives. Our expertise, commitment and enthusiasm has resulted in the build-up of a client base which includes local and international listed, state and private sector companies and financial institutions.
Papapolitis & Papapolitis stands as a premier, full-service business law firm with a presence in both Athens and London, embodying a global perspective. Rooted in a rich history and propelled by contemporary achievements, we strive to attract top-tier legal talent, fostering a culture defined by high performance and innovation. Our profound market knowledge and international mindset make us uniquely adept at assisting foreign investors and corporations aiming to invest in or establish a presence in Greece. For over 126 years, we have consistently provided expert counsel to governments, international and local banks, financial institutions, major corporations, state-owned entities, and some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated financial investors.