Pioneering Cypriot entrepreneur Stephos Stephanides has died

One of Cyprus' leading and pioneering business figures, entrepreneur Stephos Stephanides, has died and will be laid to rest on 4 February.

Stephanides died on 3 February, leaving behind an important legacy.

Described as a visionary and pioneer, Stephos Stephanides contributed decisively to the development of the Cypriot economy, while his business activities went beyond the island's borders.

Born in 1938, from a young age he was nurtured with the principles of commerce, having as a role model his father, Anastasios Stephanides.

After his studies in Lebanon and Switzerland, and with a vision to create something of his own, Stephos Stephanides began his career in the field of watchmaking.

Considered to be a man of integrity and always fair to his associates and employees, with hard work, insight and dedication, he managed to develop his business, attracting international giants and expanding the Stephanides Group into many sectors, from jewelry and cars, to clothing and food.

More specifically, in 1964 the Stephanides Group began its involvement in the automotive sector, achieving cooperation for the exclusive import and distribution of Mazda cars in Cyprus and at the same time agreeing with the global giant Procter & Gamble on the exclusive import and distribution of the company's products.

The 1970s and 1980s were also characterised by many milestones. New collaborations with factories from all over the world and luxury products that now characterise the Group, as well as the full takeover of the Group by Stephos Stephanides.

"He was involved from a young age with his father in the trade he conducted on Ermou Street and then throughout Cyprus. He was a man who, I would say, along with 3-4 other people in Cyprus, have supported the Cypriot business scene. He has been in trade with colossul companies since 1959-60," Antonis Vassiliou, General Manager of A. Stephanides & Son Luxury Goods Ltd., told OMEGA television station.

Stephos Stephanides is survived by his wife Mima, his two daughters and four grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at 2.30pm on 4 February at the Holy Church of the Theotokos Sophia in Strovolos, Nicosia.

(Source: InBusinessNew)