Board of Directors

Marina Zevedeou, B.Sc. (Hons), F.C.A., a qualified accountant with over 20 years of professional experience in financial services, was awarded recognition by being included in ‘IFC Power Women Top 200’ for the most powerful women in government, private wealth, education, private client advisory and philanthropy across the International Financial Centers (IFCs) and is currently shortlisted for Woman of the Year and Mentor of the Year awards by Citywealth. She is the CEO and one of the founders of The Aspen Trust Group, a leading Cyprus company of global financial architects excelling in tailor-made financial solutions for international businesses and individuals. Her work with PWC London and Athens, Arthur Andersen and Deloitte in Cyprus and her COO appointment at Equity Trust (Cyprus) Ltd included   major   tax   planning,   financial   restructuring   and   mergers  and acquisitions work for listed companies at various Stock Exchanges that make daily FT headlines and reach the Forbes 100.

Elena Tanou, holds BA in Travel and Tourism Management. She has built and expanded a publicly listed international travel and tourism business Top Kinisis Travel Public Ltd over the past thirty- eight years. Former Vice President of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Former President of the Nicosia Tourism Board, Vice President of the Cyprus Integrity Forum, Vice President of the International Chambers of Commerce in Cyprus, Former President of the Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women, the Cyprus European Ambassador of Women Entrepreneurs and a recipient of the prestigious Madam Figaro Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2012. Member of the Board of the Business Advisory Council of the University of Cyprus and the University of Nicosia. Founding member of the Rotary Club Nicosia Aspelia since 1995 and held the position of Deputy District Governor for the 2452 region 2017/18.

Melina Pyrgou, Managing Director of Pyrgou Vakis Law Firm. She is also currently appointed as a Board Member of the “Health Insurance Organisation” as the  representative of the Cyprus Government, Member of “The Cyprus Legal Council” chaired by the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus, Member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus.

Evi Chioti, is a chef de cuisine and patisserie who was born in Nicosia in 1965. She lives in Cyprus, she travels the world and stays long periods in France, where she collaborates in academic research in French culinary arts and topics. She is a professional member of the prestigious association “Les Toques Françaises”.Along with higher education and won trophies, Evi Chioti is working hard investigating gastronomic trends and origination of food cultures, as Ancient Greek and Cypriot. She is mentoring young cooks or individuals who want to change their career to gastronomy, for successful studies, training and achievements in competitions and she is keen on registering new recipes and menus, many of them being successfully presented in competitions abroad. She is the first woman Chef to win “Ambassadors of Taste for the Global Gastronomy”, Gold for 2020-21. Also, she is the first female judge into the Cyprus Chefs Association Judges team. As a co-founder and co-owner of her family restaurant “La Maison Fleurie“ in Limassol and creator of “Fleurie Patisserie” in Limassol, she is performing high-end gastronomy in the culinary scene inspired by French cuisine and its development but also about ancient Greek cuisine and its relationship with the modern Mediterranean.

Branka van der Linden, is the founder of Meaningful Synergies. MarketNext India appointed her as a Knowledge Partner. Branka is a published author and country leader of Points of You ® Cyprus, providing creative tools & training for personal and professional development. She is a Human Resources Development Agency Certified Trainer and Guest Lectured at Mokra Gora School of Management, Creator of COD FISH© Method and carries vast experience in Marketing, Social Media and Public Relations.

Christiana Aristidou, is a Business-Technology Lawyer, member of the Cyprus Bar Association (CBA) since 1997, the President of the CBA’s  Technology Committee, a National Delegate to the ISO TC/307 Blockchain Committee actively contributing to working groups WG3 on Smart Contracts and WG6 on Blockchain use cases. She is a member of ITU and has served in ITU-FG-DLTs. She is also a Certified  International Legal Project Practitioner (IILPM), a member of the PMI Cyprus Chapter, an approved HRD Trainer, the Ambassador  of European Legal Technology Association (ELTA) in Cyprus, a GDPR expert (HELP-EU), a Digital Transformation Specialist and an approved HRD Trainer. She is a co-founder,  and, until recently, the Vice-Chair of the Cyprus Blockchain Association (CBA) which has recently merged with the Cyprus Blockchain Technologies (CBTs). She is currently a board member of CBTs.

Christia Evagorou, B.A. (Hons), Attorney at Law, A.C.A., is a qualified  lawyer  and  qualified  chartered  accountant with 13 years of professional experience in London and in Cyprus. Christia has worked the majority of her career in Big Four accountancy firms (PwC and KPMG) and has a background in tax advisory, transaction services, financial restructuring and mergers and acquisitions. She is now a Director at PwC Cyprus, where she services clients in the Asset and Wealth  Management industry,  with  a  focus  on Investment Funds.

Christina Ioannou (BSc, MA, PhD) is Associate Professor and the Associate Dean of the School of Law of the University of Nicosia. She is consultant on employment law issues with the Law Firm A. & E. C. Emilianides, C. Katsaros and Associates LLC. Dr Ioannou is an Advisor of the President of the Republic of Cyprus on the Cyprus Problem. She is a member of the Committee of Ethics and Safeguarding in Sport, appointed by the Ministerial Council in February 2021. She was also appointed in November 2019 by the President of the House of Representatives in the Parallel Parliament for Civil Society -Committee on Human Rights. Dr Ioannou has participated in many EU-funded research programmes, international conferences and networks, and has published widely on the areas of labour law, EU, social affairs and welfare state politics.

Elena Ghalanos, born in Famagusta and graduated Foley’s Grammar School in Limassol. Studied Industrial and Business Economics at London School of Economics and Political Science. Representing the 3rd generation of the family, gained experience from various executive positions in the Group and continues studies in spirits and wines having reached Level 4 Diploma in Wines & Spirits at the WSET (Wine & Spirits Educational Trust) under the Institute of Masters of Wine.

Elia Nicolaou is the Managing Director of Amicorp (Cyprus) Limited, a position she holds since May 2009. Prior to joining Amicorp, she worked as the head of the Corporate Law department at Polakis Sarris & Co. and prior to that she worked as an advocate at C. Patsalides & Associates. Elia has over 18 years of legal, corporate services and managerial experience and has extensive experience in commercial, corporate and funds law.  Elia holds an LLB in Law from the University of Nottingham. She has also been awarded an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from the University College of London and an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the Cyprus International Institute of Management. She is a holder of the BAR qualification from the Cyprus BAR Association. Elia participates in various Boards of private and public companies including roles as President of Committees and a number of Business Associations.

Farah Shammas, is a Lebanese-British origin and lives in Limassol, Cyprus. She is the Managing Director of the five star St Raphael Resort and Marina in Limassol. The Resort includes a private port of entry marina, many conference facilities, an award winning spa and 7 restaurants. The Resort also has a luxury residential Tower with exclusive facilities. A University of Birmingham  (BA(hons) in Classical  Literature and Civilisation) and University of Surrey (MSc in Tourism Marketing) graduate, she also obtained a certification in Plant-based Nutrition from  eCornell  and T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. She has also been a speaker in many international conferences talking about women empowerment, tourism and veganism among other subjects. A wife and mother of three, Farah is also an active vegan and has the platform ‘Cook Vegan’ (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) where she aims to encourage a healthier and more sustainable way of living for all.

Irene Christodoulou, fellow member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) since 1994 with 34 years of extensive administrative, accountancy and banking experience. As from beginning of 2018 works as Head of the Administration Team at Stoics IT Solutions & Services Ltd. Contributor to Radiomarathon fund raising, Alzheimer awareness campaign.

Ismini A Papacosta,  LLB, LLM, Barrister at Law, founder of IAP Legal Services and Tech, possessing more than 20 years of experience, encompasses broad legal background in corporate and commercial law both in local and global market. Served in different senior management positions. Her accumulated experience includes expertise in emerging technologies such as DLTs, Blockchain, AI and IoT etc. She has worked in multinational organizations and possessed key positions in the Management and Board of Directors advising in legal  issues,  Corporate  Governance,  and  personal  data.   She is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Gray’s Inn. She  is  a  member  of  the  Cyprus  Blockchain  Association. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Centre of Aids Sufferers(KYFA)and the foundation Andreas C.  Papacostas.  She is involved in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy, as well as Neuroscience.

Janice Ruffle, a journalist & PR communications expert and won two prestigious Business-Woman awards. Ruffle  has launched a series of networking groups, awards, and corporate events for women. Wrote a book “Notable Women” where she honors their achievements. The Business -Woman of the Year Awards  (Cyprus), established 14 years ago, has been the most successful of all her projects with support from major organisations and businesses that applaud the initiative. The established award pays homage to all women, marking a significant accolade, who contribute outstandingly to business, cultural, environmental & philanthropical life of Cyprus; by a presentation of awards entitled: Corporate Entrepreneur Woman of the Year, Community & Environment Woman of the Year, Humanitarian & Philanthropy Woman of the Year, and Cultural Woman of the Year.

Kyriaki Gerolemou, has a law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 2014 and also studied Russian at Lomonosov Moscow State University. She is a currently a partner at PERFECT CIRCLE TRUST LTD, based in Larnaca, Cyprus.

Lenia Iacovides, co-founder and Director of interFRONTIERS, specializing in developing channels , and linking personnel performance to business strategy. She has 35 years experience in Multinational companies in Financial Management, Sales, Marketing, Business Development and General Management from holding positions with blue chip organisations responsible for Europe, Middle east and Africa. She has extensive hands-on experience in working in a diverse set of markets, and the ability to manage a complex and multi-cultural environment, and create rewarding and strong business partnerships. During her career she received the recognition of professional woman of the year as well as Business woman of the year. Prior to interFRONTIERS she was as International Director for Gateway South Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, NCR Middle East , and AT&T Europe. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Moore Stevens in the…

Nayia Ziourti, holds an LLB from the University of Warwick and an LLM (Corporate Finance) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She has completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the BPP Law School in London. Advocate of the Supreme Court of Cyprus and holds the CySEC  Advanced  Certification., worked for 8 years at the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission before joining PwC as a Director.

Rosalie Gorgorian holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from

Queen Mary University of London and a master’s degree in Energy, Trade and Finance from Bayes Business School, London (ex-Cass Business School).

She began her professional career in London primarily at Bloomberg LP and later contributed to establish Qbera Capital LLP based in London. She is currently the Head of Strategy and Business Development at her family business, D.E.K.S.A. Ltd. in Cyprus.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is actively involved in politics as she is a Governing Committee Member and the International Relations Officer of a political party in Cyprus. She is also a former Cyprus parliamentary candidate. Rosalie is a Founding and Board Member of WICCI Cyprus, a Board Member of the Armenian National Committee of Cyprus and as a dynamic member of the Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Cyprus), she is a Committee Member of Young BPW Cyprus.

Serene Mary Tharian, holds a masters degree in Literature & Philosophy, as well as Certificate Degree in Investment & Banking Finance, is an ex-banker from Dubai who worked at Citibank initially on the team that set up the credit cards systems in the middle east, and then moved as a core team member to set up the banking systems at Dubai Bank. Currently living in Nicosia, leaving Dubai after almost 32 years, is now owner and partner of   Kalikut Designs Ltd, registered in Cyprus and operates the brand “The Kalikut Story” The company exports luxury products from India, accessories, clothing & jewellery, and is associated with high end manufacturing and sourcing across India, for markets based in Europe and the Americas. She is also part owner of a sustainable wood furniture manufacturing venture based out of North India that currently produces design quality furniture for exclusive brands. This business is part of a larger venture where authentic antique furniture is sourced and exported from India. In cyprus she runs a cooking club called “The Best exotic Kerala Kitchen”, where as time permits cooking lessons are done for friends and family. Serene is originally from Kerala, in the south of India, or “God’s own Country” as it is called.

Viola Edward, is a multi-awarded personal & corporate advisor/mentor. A transcultural psychotherapist, breathwork, mentoring coaching trainer, social entrepreneur. She works internationally with individual and corporate clients in cross-pollination self-development, management and leadership. Pioneer of Emotional Wellness & Mental Health Fitness in the workplace since 1993, CEO/co-owner of GRIT Academy, partner/ED of Creative Women Platform, co-creator of BQ- Breath Intelligence and GRIT Breathwork Method. Author of two books: “Breathing the Rhythm of Success”, the Amazon Best Sellers “Who Makes the Bed?” and co-author of thirteen books. Viola is a board member of several institutions, honorary president of Charity on Wheels-Fashion for a Cause, international connector and serves as ambassador for Human Rights and Gender Equity. She is Venezuelan, middle eastern origin living in Cyprus. Some Awards: Doctorate Honoris Causa for her humanitarian work and leadership, Aspirational Woman, Outstanding Contribution to Mentoring, Iconic Woman Creating Better World for All, Honorifical Mentor for Institutional Development.

Xenia Neophytou, B.Sc. (Hons), FCCA, is a Registered Mediator in financial disputes (CCCI) and certified trainer HRDA. She is also a Board Member of the Cyprus India Business Association and a member of the technical committees for Funds of ICPAC and Tax Committee of the CIFA. She has extensive experience in corporate services, company law, international taxation and financial and regulatory compliance. She is the founder of CX  Financia,  a  boutique  consulting  firm  in Cyprus specializing in financial and compliance.

Alexandra Spyrou holds the position of CFO at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC. She has extensive experience in the finance and banking sector as a key member of the restructuring and insolvency team of the firm. Her experience extends in the development of the Single and Multi Family Office, and through her 15 years of working experience, both in a Big Four firm and in the legal industry, she has gained experience in tax and financial reporting, particularly in companies operating in the construction industry, investment firms and other regulated entities, involved in IPOs in London. She is member of STEP, ICAEW and ICPAC and holds an Advanced Diploma in International Taxation. She is a Member of the Board of Directors in Ancoria Bank Limited and Chairwoman of Audit committee she holds a position in the Board of Cyprus –South-East Asia Business Association of CCCI. She holds a Bachelor in Applied Mathematics and Physical Science from National Technical University of Athens as well as a Master in Construction and analysis of Supersaturated Designs. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and awarded the FCA accreditation. She also qualified as a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), as she was awarded in February 2019 the Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Private Wealth.

Elena Maniatopoulou Hadjipanayi was born and raised in Athens, Greece. She moved to Cyprus in 2001, where she started her professional career and obtained industry experience in banking, ship management, financial services, and management consulting. Elena is an exemplary practitioner that consistently stays in touch with the newest research and business trends. Having solid academic knowledge, strong work ethic, innovative thinking and more than 20 years of professional experience, Elena since 2020 serves as the Managing Director of ForwardMindsets Ltd., an organization providing innovative, customized, people management solutions, incorporating HR consulting, coaching, and mentoring. Throughout the years, she excelled professionally in the fields of operations, management of HR Departments, provision of strategic HR business partnering, training, and coaching. She holds a BSc in Business Administration from University of LaVerne and a MSc in Organizational Psychology, from University of London, Βirkbeck. Elena is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Cyprus in the Department of Business and Public Administration, where she is also an Adjunct Lecturer and academic researcher. Moreover, she is a psychometric assessor, certified by the British Psychological Society (BPS) experienced with well-established psychometric tools. Elena is furthermore a Senior Coaching Practitioner, accredited by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), a certified 3Brains Coach, and a Fellow Member, Institute of Coaching, at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School affiliate. She also holds the position of Vice-President at the Board of Directors at European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) Cyprus. Additionally, she is a full member of the Cyprus Human Resources Association (CyHRMA), the Sound Labour Relations (SLR) Network, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in the United States and Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA).