The Daily Telegraph has published its Sydney Power 100 rankings for 2024 and five Australians of Greek heritage are listed as some of Sydney’s most influential players.
4 – Peter V’landys: Racing NSW chief executive, ARLC chairman
Born on the Greek island of Kythera, Peter V’landys migrated to Australia in 1965 with his two brothers and mum, to join his dad in Wollongong, south of Sydney. At the time, V’landys was only three years old and life was difficult. He’s the man everyone credits with ‘saving’ rugby league in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
18 – Nick Politis: Businessman and Sydney Roosters chairman
Known as the godfather of rugby league, Nick Politis is one of the most powerful people in NRL history. He is a Greek migrant from the island of Kythera and started as a Sydney Roosters club sponsor way back in 1976. After almost five decades, Politis remains faithful to his mission of making the Roosters one of Australia’s most successful sporting organisations.
43 – John Hatzistergos: ICAC chief commissioner
Levelling up a position is the lawyer, ex-politician and former District Court judge, John Hatzistergos. He is the chief commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and one of the most progressive attorneys-general of recent times as a minister during the turbulent years between 2007 and 2011 which saw three different Labor premiers.
92 – John Vellis: NRL General Manager of US expansion
New entry, former Tabcorp executive John Vellis led the NRL’s five-year strategic push into the US. Part of the strategy Vellis oversees includes the creation of the NRL Combine to unearth American athletes and provide them with a development pathway and audience, as well as the Las Vegas Nines tournament.
Vellis plans on expanding next year with a four-game extravaganza including a women’s Test and Super League fixture.
93 – Steve Kamper: NSW Minister for Small Business, Lands and Property, Multiculturalism & Sport
Leading the portfolios of Small Business, Sport, Lands and Property, and Multiculturalism, senior Minister Steve Kamper has secured his debut on Sydney’s Power 100 list. Kamper acts as a pivotal sounding board for the NSW Premier, and is one of Chris Minns’ trusted partners in parliament.
Source: The Daily Telegraph.
