Renowned Sydney businessman Kikis Eftimiou OAM has passed away today at the age of 91.
A migrant from Skarinou, Cyprus, Mr Eftimiou dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Greek culture, language and cuisine in Australia.
As a businessman for over 60 years, Mr Eftimiou was the owner of Australia’s largest import company of Greek products, KEBIA Importex, until 2013. Mr Eftimiou co-founded the company with Vasilis Iatropoulos.
Mr Eftimiou was a founding member of the first Greek Australian Chamber of Commerce in 1966 and President of the Chamber for more than two decades. He also acted as Chair of the Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged in Earlwood for a number of years, raising significant funds to ensure Australia’s elderly Greeks received adequate care in their old age.
Significant was also Mr Eftimiou’s great contribution to community sports including his support of the Canterbury-Marrickville Olympic team during its golden years.
Mr Eftimiou was recognised for his contribution to Australian society with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
He is survived by his wife Froso, three daughters Maritsa, Effie and Linda, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
