Seven international companies have been recognised for their contribution to Cyprus’ economy at the 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards in Nicosia.
The 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards, presented by PwC Cyprus, paid tribute to major international investors in acknowledgment of their contribution to Cyprus and its past, present, and future prosperity.
The seven companies Awarded during the 9 July by invitation-only ceremony at the Hilton Nicosia are: Hartmann Group, Accor, Kraken, a Payward company, SayGames, Reconiq Software Ltd., a member of the Plath Group, Coral S.A. – Coral Cyprus and Premium Access Cyprus.
The Awards are hosted by GOLD magazine and organised by Invest Cyprus, the official body the government has entrusted with the task of attracting foreign investment to Cyprus. The prestigious event takes place under the auspices of the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides.
This year, the Awards ceremony included addresses by President Nikos Christodoulides, the Chairman of Invest Cyprus Evgenios Evgeniou, the CEO of PwC Cyprus Andreas Yiasemides and the CEO of IMH George Michael.
The event was presented by Emilia Papadopoulos.
Musical entertainment was provided by Christina Efthymiou and Ioulios Georgakopoulos on the flute and piano.
The seven companies recognised at the 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards:
Hartmann Group
CEO, Dr. Niels Hartmann was on stage to accept the Award on the company’s behalf from Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki OR President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and the Chairman of Invest Cyprus Evgenios Evgeniou.
The Hartmann Group is an independent, family-owned shipping company with a global presence. Its operations are built on five core pillars: ship owning, technical ship management, commercial ship management, crewing and in-house training. With a diversified fleet of approximately 100 vessels, it ranks among the world's leading shipping groups, serving a wide range of maritime markets. Founded by Capt. Alfred Hartmann as a single-vessel operation in 1981, the company has grown into a group of specialised maritime businesses. Cyprus’ strategic location makes it an ideal base for companies serving multiple regions and, for the Hartmann Group, the dedicated Deputy Ministry of Shipping was an important factor in its decision to make the island its headquarters.
Accor
Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief Development Officer, Accor accepted the Award on the company’s behalf from House President Annita Demetriou and the CEO of PwC Cyprus Andreas Yiasemides.
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Paris, Accor is a world-leading hospitality group operating across more than 110 countries, with over 5,830 hotels. A pioneer in augmented hospitality, it offers a range of concepts that optimise revenue per square metre, including 10,000+ bars and restaurants, wellness concepts, entertainment and flexible workspaces. As the No.1 hotel operator in Europe, the Group is expanding rapidly across the continent’s most compelling resort and leisure markets, including the broader Mediterranean, Greece and Cyprus, where it currently operates four hotels – in Larnaca (under the Mövenpick, Mercure and ibis Styles brands) and Nicosia (Handwritten Collection). Other hotel and residential opportunities are at varying stages of active discussion.
Kraken, a Payward company
Alexia Theodorou, Kraken's Derivatives Director and General Manager of Kraken Cyprus accepted the Award on the company’s behalf from Minister of Interior Constantinos Ioannou and the CFO of ECOMMBX Georgia Pitta.
Kraken is one of the world's longest-established and most trusted multi-asset trading platforms. Founded in 2011, it has grown over the last 15 years into a full-spectrum financial services business serving millions of retail and institutional clients across more than 190 countries. Kraken offers a comprehensive suite of products including spot and derivatives trading, regulated custody services and institutional-grade infrastructure. In 2025, Kraken’s parent company, Payward, established operations in Cyprus, impressed by the country’s robust regulatory framework, its internationally oriented workforce and strong position as a gateway to Europe’s financial markets. Its investment in Cyprus will contribute to the development of a mature, sustainable digital finance ecosystem.
SayGames
Yegor Vaikhanski, CEO, Andrei Sokal, CTO and Denis Vaikhanski, COO accepted the Award on the company’s behalf from Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy Dr. Nicodemos Damianou and Stephanos Kassianides, Senior General Manager, Retail Banking, International Business Banking, Shipping, Leasing, Product Development and Business Monitoring of Eurobank Limited.
Founded in 2017 by Yegor Vaikhanski and Andrei Sokal, SayGames develops and publishes mobile games enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. It partners with game studios across the globe, providing product expertise, analytics, user acquisition, monetisation, and technology solutions to help games scale successfully. Its portfolio includes more than 200 mobile games, including globally recognised titles such as My Perfect Hotel, Little Farm Story, Dreamdale, and My Little Universe, which have generated more than 8 billion downloads. In 2020, impressed by Cyprus’ transparent, EU-aligned business environment and access to international talent and technology communities, SayGames establised its global headquarters on the island.
Reconiq Software Ltd., a member of the Plath Group
Michael Kalt, CEO, RECONIQ Software GmbH accepted the Award on the company’s behalf from Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou and Group Business Development Manager at Lanitis Group Evagoras Lanitis.
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Reconiq Software Ltd, a Member of the Plath Group, develops high-performance software and software modules for modern reconnaissance, SIGINT and electronic warfare systems. Its core capabilities include real-time data processing, signal and communication management, and AI-supported analysis, while its software supports the full intelligence cycle, from sensor control and data acquisition to analysis, classification, storage and operational evaluation. The company, which currently has a staff of 60, began its operations in Cyprus in 2016, having chosen the island for its high standard of education, excellent infrastructure and proximity to the defence industry. It recently launched ready-to-use AI modules for electronic warfare.
Coral S.A. – Coral Cyprus
Manolis Kalathas, Country Manager, Coral Cyprus accepted the award on the company’s behalf from Minister of Education Dr. Athena MIchaelides and Minister of Health Neophytos Chralambides.
Coral S.A. is a leading energy company in Southeast Europe and the official licensee of the Shell brand in several markets. Coral Cyprus, which has been operating since 2017, has established a strong and growing presence, contributing actively to the country’s energy sector and economy. The company plays a dual role in the market: as a trusted partner for individual consumers through its network of 42 Shell service stations across the island and as a reliable B2B supplier, supporting businesses and fleet customers with tailored energy solutions. Since entering the Cypriot market, Coral has invested more than €30 million in infrastructure, network development and service excellence, while creating employment opportunities for over 300 people through its retail operations.
Premium Access Cyprus
Dionysios Karatsis, CFO, Premium Access Cyprus accepted the Award on the company’s behalf from Minister of Labour Marinos Moushouttas and Cyta’s Chief Financial Officer Michael Skender.
Launched in 2013, Premium Access is a privately owned property and holding company with a diverse portfolio of properties across Europe. Founded with the vision of making strategic, value-added international investments in real estate opportunities, it established Premium Access Cyprus in 2022. Its flagship project, Palm Beach Resort in Larnaca, is one of the most significant tourism developments in the country. An investment of more than €110 million, it reimagines one of Cyprus' most iconic waterfront locations, combining luxury hospitality, premium residences and exceptional lifestyle facilities in a landmark mixed-use destination. Scheduled to open in 2027, Palm Beach Resort is expected to deliver lasting economic and social benefits to Larnaca and Cyprus.
The 14th Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards, hosted by GOLD Magazine, are organised by Invest Cyprus and GOLD Magazine and presented by PwC Cyprus. Eurobank is the Elite Sponsor of the event, ECOMMBX is the Gold Sponsor, Cyta Business is the Strategic Partner, and the Lanitis Group is the Legacy Partner.
