New Board of the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers
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In a period where the Greek tourism sector seeks stability, institutional continuity and strategic adaptation to emerging challenges, the Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) convened today, 3 October 2026, at the Electra Palace Athens to form its new Board of Directors following the national elections held earlier in the day.
The re election of Giannis Hatzis as President confirms the industry’s confidence in a leadership that has navigated critical transitions — from the pandemic and the restart of the market to the current phase of competitiveness, quality enhancement and international positioning of the Greek hotel sector. The new Board reflects a multi layered governance structure with clearly defined roles, strengthened institutional functionality and a forward looking agenda focused on extroversion, innovation and sustainable development.
The new Board consists of: Stylianos Kriarás, First Vice President for Strategic Development (originating from Heraklion, Crete) Heraklis Tsitlakidis, Second Vice President for Small and Very Small Family Hotels Gerasimos Timotheatos, Third Vice President for Financial Affairs Antonis Pagonis, Secretary General Ioannis Kyriakakis, Deputy Secretary General and Executive Advisor for Extroversion & Communications Ioannis Laspas, Executive Advisor for Digital Transformation & Innovation Konstantinos Marinakos, Executive Advisor for Education & Research Charalambos Voulgaris, Executive Advisor for Environment, Social Responsibility & Corporate Governance Iordanis Michailidis, Executive Advisor for Border & Remote Areas Evangelos Katsaras, Executive Advisor for Local Government Affairs Sofia Flegka, Executive Advisor for Special Forms of Tourism
This year’s composition carries particular significance for Crete, as the island is now represented by two members:
Stylianos Kriarás – Heraklion, Crete
As First Vice President for Strategic Development, Kriarás brings the perspective of one of Greece’s most dynamic tourism regions. His origin from Heraklion reinforces Crete’s institutional presence within the country’s leading hotel federation.
Ioannis Kyriakakis – Chania, Crete
With a dual role as Deputy Secretary General and Executive Advisor for Extroversion & Communications, Kyriakakis contributes hands on market experience from the Cretan hospitality sector, serving as head of Atrion Resort Hotel and senior executive of the Kyriakakis Travel Group in Chania.
The strengthened representation of Crete adds regional balance and practical industry insight to the new Board, at a time when Greek tourism must maintain its competitiveness and elevate the quality of its offering on the global stage.
The new governance structure of POX reflects the priorities of the sector’s next chapter: strategic development, digital transformation, sustainable operations, support for small and family run hotels, extroversion and institutional cooperation with local authorities and regional stakeholders.
The new Board assumes its mandate at a moment when the hospitality market is performing strongly yet facing increasing pressures: climate related disruptions, the need for infrastructure investment, workforce development and continuous upgrading of the visitor experience. POX enters its new term with a leadership team that blends experience, technical expertise and regional representation — setting the foundation for a new period of institutional stability and strategic evolution.
