Greece’s cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly. With critical infrastructure, energy, financial services, and technology sectors under increasing cyber threats, Greek organizations are investing heavily in leadership that combines technical expertise with business acumen. These CISOs are not only safeguarding systems but also shaping policies, driving resilience, and positioning Greece as a hub of cybersecurity excellence.
Panagiotis Merkouris — Head of Information Security, Athens International Airport
Panagiotis Merkouris leads cybersecurity strategy and resilience initiatives at Greece’s largest aviation hub, ensuring compliance with NIS2, EASA Part-IS, ISO 27001, and NIST standards. With 18+ years in global security leadership, he develops KPI-driven governance models, integrates IT/OT/cloud security, and partners with boards to make cybersecurity a measurable business enabler. Merkouris oversees incident response, vendor security, and awareness programs, safeguarding critical infrastructure and operational continuity while positioning Athens International Airport as a model for aviation cybersecurity in Europe.
Christos Syngelakis — Group CISO, Motor Oil Group
Christos Syngelakis directs cybersecurity and data privacy for Motor Oil Group, spanning refining, fuel marketing, power, and renewable energy initiatives. A CISSP, CISM, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, he shapes risk-aware security programs that enable growth across the energy value chain. With 9+ years as Group CISO and 7+ years as Group Data Protection Officer, Syngelakis embeds security into operational and business processes, aligning GDPR and enterprise-wide security frameworks with sustainable innovation and emerging energy technologies in Greece.
Ioannis Aligizakis — Chief Security Officer, Generali Hellas
Ioannis Aligizakis brings 20+ years of cross-industry cybersecurity leadership, embedding NIST-aligned security frameworks into regulated sectors like insurance, telecom, and gaming. As Chief Security Officer at Generali Hellas, Aligizakis empowers digital transformation while ensuring compliance with DORA and ISO 27001. With experience at Virgin Media O2, William Hill, and Entain, he delivers measurable business value through threat mitigation, cloud security, incident response, and executive-level reporting. Aligizakis actively promotes Greece as a cybersecurity excellence hub through speaking engagements and thought leadership.
Nikolaos Peppas — Group CISO, HELLENiQ ENERGY
Nikolaos Peppas drives proactive cybersecurity strategies across HELLENiQ ENERGY, aligning risk management with business objectives. With 15+ years of experience, Peppas leads resilience initiatives, mitigates complex threats, and integrates security into decision-making at all organizational levels. He collaborates closely with boards and senior executives to position cybersecurity as a business enabler, translating complex risks into actionable insights. Peppas fosters a culture of security awareness while enabling sustainable growth across Greece’s energy sector.
Nikolaos Grigoriadis — Group Chief Information Security Officer, Metlen Energy & Metals
Nikolaos Grigoriadis defines and executes cybersecurity strategy for one of Greece’s top 10 corporations, guiding 5,000 employees across 30+ countries. He advises boards on cyber risks and mitigation, promotes enterprise-wide awareness, and cultivates internal and external security partnerships. Skilled in ISO 27001, risk management, and IT operations protection, Grigoriadis integrates technical expertise with strategic leadership, supporting business transformation while ensuring resilience, compliance, and the long-term sustainability of Metlen’s operations.
George Papakyriakopoulos — CISO, Skroutz
George Papakyriakopoulos leads Skroutz’s cybersecurity strategy, focusing on offensive security, blockchain, and enterprise protection. Rising from Cybersecurity Technical Lead to CISO within three years, Papakyriakopoulos oversees security engineering, risk management, and incident response. He emphasizes proactive threat detection and secure architecture while mentoring teams and strengthening the company’s security culture. His approach balances technical rigor with practical business impact, safeguarding Greece’s leading e-commerce platform while driving innovation and resilience.
Kostas Haropoulos — Head of Information Security, Cepal Hellas Financial Services S.A.
Kostas Haropoulos leads Cepal Hellas’ cybersecurity initiatives, with prior roles at PeopleCert, Novibet, Tora, and AXA Partners. With expertise in business continuity, network security, and operational resilience, Haropoulos integrates security into business processes and decision-making. He develops governance frameworks, manages vendor risk, and fosters awareness across teams, ensuring compliance and operational continuity. His leadership positions Cepal Hellas at the forefront of secure financial services in Greece while advancing a culture of cyber risk consciousness.
Elevating Greece’s Cybersecurity Leadership
These CISOs exemplify the blend of technical mastery, business strategy, and regulatory expertise needed to navigate Greece’s evolving cyber threat landscape. By driving resilience, shaping policy, and mentoring future leaders, they ensure critical sectors—from aviation and energy to finance and e-commerce—remain secure, compliant, and innovative. Their leadership is not just protecting organizations today but also laying the foundation for Greece to emerge as a recognized hub of cybersecurity excellence in Europe and beyond.