Hellenic shipowners top “Rich List” in 2008

[Neptune]

Greek and Cypriot entrepreneurs’ fortune totaled more than 11 billion pounds by the end of 2007, according to the Sunday Times Rich List, compiled by Dr. Philip Beresworth. The sum is divided between 100 people of the Hellenic and Cypriot community, currently living in London. As expected, many of the participants in the list are ship owners, or investors in shipping sector in general. Half of the 10 richest Greek and Cypriot individuals included in the list have their principal interests in shipping. Besides Mr. Alkis David, who comes in first place with 1.5 billion pounds thanks to his multiyear activity in industry, Mr. Michalis Lemos, aged 52 and member of one of the most prominent Hellenic shipping families, occupies the second place, with a private fortune of 1.1 billion pounds. Mr. Lemos is the son of ship owner Konstantinos Lemos, who became involved in shipping prior to World War II. During the 50’s he entered the supertankers market and was regarded for many years as the third largest ship owners in Hellas, following Yannis Latsis and Aristotelis Onassis. He retired from shipping during the 80’s, investing his fortune in sectors like insurance and tourism. His son, Mr. Michalis Lemos, along with his two sisters, inherited this fortune after their father’s death in 1995.

Another notorious name of Hellenic shipping industry comes in third place of this year’s Rich List. We are referring to Mr. Filippos Niarchos, age 54, son of Stavros Niarchos, who was the main adversary of Aristotelis Onassis back in the 60’s and the 70’s. When Stavros Niarchos passed away, he left behind him an estimated fortune of 3 billion pounds. Mr. Niarchos is married to Victoria Guiness and is a renowned collector of works of art, among which are paintings of Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.

After selling tanker company Stelmar, Stelios Hadjioannou, founder of Easy Group, turned almost entirely in other endeavors, seeking to expand the “easy” business model. EasyCruise and EasyHotels are among the latest additions to the growing business areas that Easy Group is now active. Mr. Hadjioannou occupies fourth place with an estimated fortune of 812 million pounds.

Another well-known family name in shipping is that of Chandris. Mr. Yannis Chandris, age 58, comes in sixth overall place (and fourth among ship owners) with personal assets of 600 million pounds. Mr. Chandris lives in London and is also a British citizen, according to the Companies House records. He comes from a big shipping family, tracing its roots back in 1915, when Mr. Chandris’ grandfather commenced his business. By 1976, the family was the world’s largest cruise ship operator, in front of “names” like Cunard, P&O and Union Castle. Today, the family has large assets in real estate and properties in Great Britain, while in Hellas it is active in shipping and tourism-hospitality, through hotels.

Other ship owners included in the list are Mr. Yannis Goulandris, age 79, with assets of 300 million pounds (10th place) and Mr. Achilles Kallakis, age 40, with 250 million pounds. The first woman in the list and also active in shipping is Fotini Karamanli, age 37, owner of AIM-listed Hellenic Carriers. Her fortune is estimated at approximately 47 million pounds.

hellenicshippingnews.com