In the new issue of GOLD, coming out on Sunday, 18 October, we take a look at the inner workings of a boardroom and the broader role of a Chair, as corporate governance regulations change and modernise (click here).
Behind every successful company lies a series of decisions that determine its direction, define its priorities and ultimately shape its future. Many of these decisions begin in the boardroom, a space traditionally associated with authority, oversight and strategic thinking but one that is undergoing a significant transformation. As businesses navigate an increasingly complex environment, characterised by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, regulatory pressures and shifting stakeholder expectations, the role of the Board of Directors, and particularly its Chair, has never been more important.
In Europe, this transformation is also being driven by regulatory developments aimed at strengthening corporate governance and promoting greater representation at the highest levels of decision-making. The European Union's Women on Boards Directive, adopted in 2022, represents a significant milestone, requiring large listed companies to work towards having at least 40% of non-executive director positions, or 33% of all director positions, occupied by members of the underrepresented gender by 2026. Alongside broader expectations regarding Board independence and composition, the Directive reflects a growing recognition that diverse perspectives and effective oversight are essential components of modern corporate leadership.
For Cyprus, however, the transition presents particular challenges. Despite progress across much of the EU, the island continues to lag behind European benchmarks in several important areas of Board composition and governance. According to European Commission figures cited in the latest assessment of the Directive's implementation, only 11% of Cypriot companies meet its gender representation targets, while Boards remain comparatively small and levels of independence are relatively low. With many businesses retaining strong founder or family ownership structures, the composition and functioning of corporate Boards reflect characteristics that distinguish the Cypriot business landscape from that of other European markets.
In this edition, we speak to the people at the head of the table in the boardroom, to get an inside look at corporate governance.
- Kyriacos Kokkinos – Chair the Cyprus Institute of Directors & Corporate Governance
- Demetra Kalogerou – Vice-Chair the Cyprus Institute of Directors & Corporate Governance
- Chris Koufaris – Chairman Lordos Hotels (Holdings) Public Ltd
- Marios Loucaides – Chairman COSMOS Insurance Company Public Ltd
- Marios Lefkaritis – Executive Chairman Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd
- Marios Koutsokoumnis – Executive Chairman Minerva Insurance Company Public Ltd
- Emilios Pyrishis – Chairman Atlantic Insurance Co Public Ltd
- Alexandros Apostolidis – Chairman & Non-Executive Independent Director 7Q Financial Services Ltd
- Ioannis Charilaou – Chairman KEO plc
- Epaminondas Metaxas – Chairman NETinfo plc
- Demetris Petrides – Chairman & Non-independent, Non-executive Director Ellinas Finance Public Company
Special Features:
- Private Banking & Wealth Management (presented by Athlos Capital)
- Investment Funds in Cyprus
- Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Strategies (presented by Charalambides Christis)
Exclusive interviews & features:
- Rooted in Cyprus, Connected to the World - Group Chairman & CEO of Borghese Multi-Family Office, Founder of Borghese Ventures Ltd and Founder & CEO of Hope For Children CRC Policy Center in Cyprus, Joseph Borghese
- Striking the Right Chord – Anna Petrof Prouskova, CEO of PETROF
- Bridging Islands and Economies – Satoshi Iwasaki, Japan’s Ambassador to Cyprus
- The Best of Both Worlds – Chris Vedat, CEO of SmartSea
My Way: Symeon Kassianides
Five Minutes With: Thomas A. Kazakos
Start Me Up: Cleedee
In Good Company: UAMCO
You can download the magazine app on AppStore / GooglePlay /WebApp using the keywords GoldMagazine for Gold Magazine. You can also read the magazine online at the link https://www.magloft.com/app/goldmagazine#/shelf/view/default
All this and more in Issue 187 of GOLD magazine, out on Sunday, 18 October. Click here to read the digital edition.
