Influential Greek business tycoon Vardis Vardinogiannis dies aged 91

·

Vardis Vardinogiannis, a towering figure in Greek shipping, energy, and business, has passed away at the age of 91. His death, which occurred on Tuesday, November 12, was confirmed by Motor Oil Hellas, the oil company that Vardinogiannis transformed into one of Greece’s largest and most influential corporations.

In a statement issued by his family, they expressed, “With deep sadness, the Vardis Vardinogiannis family announces that the beloved father and grandfather, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, passed away today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.”

Vardinogiannis was born in 1933 on Crete, the fifth of eight children. After graduating from the Hellenic Naval Academy in 1955, he served as a Navy officer before being exiled by the military junta in the 1960s. He later became an honorary admiral.

In the early 1970s, he took over the family business, Motor Oil Hellas, after his brother’s sudden death. Over the next five decades, Vardinogiannis expanded the company into one of Greece’s largest corporations and diversified into shipping, banking, media, and hospitality. His partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco in the 1990s further bolstered his influence.

Vardis and Marianna Vardinogiannis.

Vardinogiannis was also a philanthropist, supporting various causes, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation. His wife, Marianna, who passed away in 2023, was a UNESCO goodwill ambassador and led children’s cancer initiatives.

In 1990, Vardinogiannis survived an assassination attempt by the militant group November 17, which targeted his armoured car with explosives. He later became closely connected to the Kennedy family, hosting the wedding of Robert F. Kennedy’s daughter, Rory, in Greece in 1999.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute, saying, “I bid farewell to Vardis Vardinogiannis – the patriarch of a family that has left an indelible mark on the economic and social landscape of our country over the past decades.”

“Behind his always serious gaze, he concealed many facets: from boldness and dynamism in business competition to countless charitable initiatives, many of which he preferred to keep anonymous,” he added.

Vardinogiannis is survived by his five children, though funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Source: ABC News.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

Maria Sakkari charges into Indian Wells semi finals

Greek tennis player, Maria Sakkari, has charged into the Indian Wells semi finals after defeating Czech player Petra Kvitova 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

331 cases of coronavirus in Greece, 4 dead

In an unprecedented move, one evangelical church in Athens has closed its doors as Greek health officials confirm the country has 331 cases of coronavirus.

Greek Prime Minister calls for new energy interconnection with Egypt at COP27 summit

Greece's Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has called for a new energy interconnection with Egypt using Renewable Energy Sources (RES).