These are the people who, as they carve out their own path to success through their actions and vision, simultaneously help an entire region thrive. One of them was Nikos Kyprianou Siakolas, who passed away at the age of 98.

He was born on December 1, 1927, in Karava. He began his business career in 1953; he was the founder, first Executive Chairman, and subsequently Honorary Lifetime Chairman of the Siakolas Group, with Cyprus Trading Corporation as its parent company.

A pioneering entrepreneur with vision and an inexhaustible creative spirit, he began his business career in the early 1950s and never stopped working and planning new projects until the end of his life.

Read more: “He Left an Indelible Mark”: The Business World’s Final Farewell to Nikos K. Siakolas

He gradually built his business empire with innovative and pioneering ideas. One such initiative was the creation of the Hermes Airport consortium, which developed and manages the Larnaca and Paphos airports, as well as the operation of the first DIY superstores in Cyprus. He built the first shopping malls in Cyprus and was one of the country’s largest employers.

Public Service

For 17 years, he served as Honorary Consul of Mexico in Cyprus; he also served as Vice President of the Ports Authority, Honorary Treasurer of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), and Vice President of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He received honorary distinctions from six kings and heads of state and government.

Among other contributions, he donated 13 million euros to the University of Cyprus for the reconstruction of the “Nikos K. Siakolas” School of Medicine and Health Sciences building “Nikos K. Siakolas” as well as the “Siakolas Educational Center for Clinical Medicine.”

The University of Cyprus bids him farewell with a quote from his own words.

“Without health, nothing can be achieved. And I, too, express my respect, love, and appreciation to the University of Cyprus, to our doctors, to the new students, and I wish them all the best because they, too, will contribute to this most precious human good, which is health.”

The President of the Republic also expressed his sincere condolences.

“Known for his philanthropic work and his service to the community, Nikos Siakolas leaves behind significant public welfare projects for Cypriot society.” ^{Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic}

Hermes Airport, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBE), the Cyprus Federation of Enterprises (OEB), and other circles from the business, political, and social spheres of the country have issued statements paying tribute to him.

“NIKOS K. SIAKOLAS—Stories, Experiences, Lessons”

“One must strive, learn, stand up for what is right and just, persevere, love, acknowledge one’s mistakes, understand, forgive, always with decency and dignity, and to contribute to society.”

See the report by Kleio Vourkou