Greece Pays Tribute to a Great Greek, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis

Greece’s political, civic and business elite gathered at the Megaron Concert Hall on Tuesday evening to honour the memory of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, one year after the passing of the prominent Greek entrepreneur and philanthropist.

The ceremony, held in a fully packed auditorium, brought together the country’s highest office holders, senior ministers, leading business figures and cultural personalities in a collective tribute to a man widely regarded as a pillar of Greek industry and social contribution.

President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas opened the commemorations, praising Vardinogiannis’ lifelong commitment to integrity, national service and entrepreneurial excellence. He described the late businessman as “a model of business leadership and philanthropic action,” while also highlighting the decades-long humanitarian work of his late wife, Marianna Vardinoyianni.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, and nearly the entire Cabinet attended the memorial event.
Yiannis V. Vardinogiannis, President and CEO of the Motor Oil Group, delivered an emotional address reflecting on his father’s legacy, ethos and enduring influence on Greek society and industry.

The ceremony included video messages from distinguished international figures honouring Vardis Vardinogiannis’ contributions, while the artistic programme—curated by director Giorgos Nanouris—featured traditional Cretan songs and dances, underscoring his family’s deep roots on the island.
Musical selections also included Hellenic Navy marches, a reflection of the late entrepreneur’s years of service in the Navy.

Prominent Figures in Attendance

Among those present were:

• President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas

• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki

• Archbishop Ieronymos

• EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas

• PASOK President Nikos Androulakis

• Governor of the Bank of Greece Yiannis Stournaras

• Former prime ministers Alexis Tsipras and Kostas Karamanlis with their spouses

• Former Queen Anna-Maria with sons Nikolaos and Pavlos

• Ministers including Nikos Dendias, Olga Kefalogianni, Kostis Hatzidakis, Vassilis Kikilias, Stavros Papastavrou, Giannis Kefalogiannis, Lina Mendoni, Nikos Papathanasis

• Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, former mayor Kostas Bakoyannis, former minister Dora Bakoyannis

• Former President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos

• Business leaders Vangelis Marinakis, Theodoros Kyriakou, Marianna Latsi, Evangelos Mytilineos, Vassilis Apostolopoulos

• Journalists Alexis Papachelas, Nikos Chatzinikolaou, Pavlos Tsimas

• Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA)

The evening concluded with visual tributes highlighting defining moments in Vardinogiannis’ life—from his early years and naval service to his landmark contributions in energy, philanthropy and national welfare.