Yiannis Boutaris, the former mayor of Thessaloniki, esteemed businessman, and respected oenologist, passed away on Saturday, November 9, at the age of 82 after battling severe health issues in recent months. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to both the revitalisation of his city and the growth of Greece’s wine industry.
Born in 1942 in Thessaloniki, Boutaris was the son of a well-established winemaking family. He pursued a degree in chemistry at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki before earning a diploma in oenology. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who founded the I. Boutaris & Sons winery in 1879, Yiannis helped steer the family business to international acclaim. In 1997, he co-founded Kir-Yianni, a wine company that became one of Greece’s most celebrated, gaining recognition for its efforts to elevate Greek wines on the global stage.
In addition to his business successes, Boutaris was deeply involved in Greek and international wine organisations, as well as a variety of environmental and cultural initiatives. He held leadership roles in the International Wine Center, the Greek Wine Association, and served on the boards of the Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. His passion for conservation led him to become the president of WWF Greece and to establish Arcturos, an organisation dedicated to the protection of Greece’s brown bears and other endangered species.
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, running for mayor of Thessaloniki and securing the position for two consecutive terms until 2019. As the city’s 60th mayor, he was credited with transforming Thessaloniki into a more progressive, inclusive, and vibrant metropolis. His policies were focused on economic revitalisation, cultural promotion, and increasing the city’s visibility on the international stage.
Ο Γιάννης Μπουτάρης, πολυσχιδής, αντισυμβατικός και δημιουργικός, έδωσε όλες του τις δυνάμεις για μια Θεσσαλονίκη προοδευτική, ανοιχτή, ζωντανή και εξωστρεφή.
— Nikos Androulakis (@androulakisnick) November 9, 2024
Η απώλεια του είναι μεγάλη για την πόλη που αγάπησε, για την οινική παραγωγή της πατρίδας μας και για τους ανθρώπους της… pic.twitter.com/LhTJ9S6Iyi
He worked tirelessly to preserve and highlight Thessaloniki’s rich multicultural heritage, promoting the city’s Ottoman, Jewish, and Balkan influences. His open acknowledgment of Thessaloniki’s Sephardic Jewish heritage was a landmark in Greek public life, culminating in the creation of a Holocaust Memorial to honour the tens of thousands of Jews from Thessaloniki who perished in the Holocaust.
Boutaris’ commitment to inclusivity and transparency also led to greater engagement with Thessaloniki’s diverse communities, while his initiatives to support tourism helped bolster the city’s economy and global standing. His leadership reflected a modern vision for the city, one that embraced its history while building a more sustainable future.
Boutaris’ impact extended beyond politics and business. He was a founding member of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the Oasis Support Center for Addicts, which reflected his concern for social issues and community welfare. In 2020, he published his autobiography, Sixty Years of Vintage, in which he candidly shared his personal struggles, including his battle with alcoholism. His openness about his challenges resonated with many and served as an inspiration for others facing similar difficulties.
Despite stepping down from the mayor’s office in 2019, Boutaris continued to serve his beloved Thessaloniki as a member of the municipal council. His ongoing contributions to the city’s political and cultural life demonstrated his unwavering commitment to public service.
Boutaris’ passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, including President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.
His funeral will take place in Thessaloniki on Tuesday, November 12.
