More than 500 participants, including decision-makers from the business and financial communities, attended the 24th KPMG CFO Forum in Greece on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Domus in Glyfada. With the central theme “The CFO Shift: Tech. Talent. Transformation,” the conference served as a particularly interesting and productive forum for the exchange of knowledge, strategic insights, and networking.
As noted in the related press release, the conference day began with a warm welcome from Marilena Pappa, Events Manager at KPMG in Greece, who set the tone for the event by highlighting the critical role of CFOs in shaping the future of business.
This was followed by remarks from Artemis Panou, Partner, Deal Advisory, KPMG in Greece, who discussed, among other things, the unpredictable environment and the constant changes CFOs are called upon to navigate, as well as how their role has transformed.
Athina Vounatsou, Director, Taxation, Investment & Market Operations Division, Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), delivered the second opening remarks and spoke about the contemporary risks that businesses must confront.
In this environment, as she noted, “the modern CFO is called upon to operate effectively, responsibly, and with foresight, while at the same time must be trained and kept constantly and promptly informed of all developments.”
One of the keynote speeches of the conference day, delivered by Bruce Whitfield, best-selling author, award-winning journalist, and renowned business speaker, titled “The Chaos Advantage,” presented uncertainty not as an obstacle but as an opportunity, highlighting how the “chaos” of the modern global environment can be transformed into a strategic advantage for businesses and leaders who make decisions with confidence and adaptability.
Among other things, he noted that it is important to understand what we are facing so that we can make the best possible decisions and act accordingly.
In the first fireside chat of the day, titled “Energy Transitions, Major Investments: The CFO’s Agenda,” between Vasilis Tsaitas, Group CFO, HELLENiQ ENERGY HOLDINGS S.A., and Theodosius Tompras, Managing Partner, CPA Law, it was noted, among other things, that Hellenic Energy adopted a more balanced strategy regarding the energy transition: it continued to invest in its traditional business while simultaneously expanding into electricity and natural gas.
An approach that, according to Vasilis Tsaitas, has so far proven successful. Furthermore, among other things, the role of the modern CFO was highlighted—a role that is no longer limited to financial management but extends to active participation in shaping strategy and creating value within organizations in an environment of constant change.
The discussion continued with the panel “International Capital Markets: Governance, Credibility, and Growth,” featuring Fotini Ioannou, Group CFO at Metlen; Dimitris Parthenis, Group CFO at THEON International; Natasa Stamou, Vice Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission; and Niki Fotiou, Non-Executive Director (NED) and Chairperson of the Audit Committee of Snappi, who discussed the topic moderated by Dinos Siomopoulos, Anchor at MegaTV and Financial Journalist at TO VIMA - OT.GR.
The participants analyzed the challenges currently facing listed companies in an environment of intense geopolitical uncertainty and increased market volatility. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of resilience, financial discipline, strong corporate governance, and transparent communication with investors.
At the same time, the role of international capital markets in supporting business growth was discussed, through access to capital, strengthening outward orientation, and increasing their visibility in international markets.
Finally, the critical contribution of supervisory authorities to maintaining investor confidence was highlighted, through ensuring transparency, reliability, and the orderly functioning of capital markets, particularly during periods of heightened uncertainty.
Next, Christos Stellas, Commercial Manager at ENTERSOFTONE IMPACT, in his presentation titled “The 360° Digital Accounting Office: From Mandatory Compliance to Business Value,” focused on how digital accounting can be transformed from a compliance tool into a driver of business value by leveraging electronic invoicing, process automation, and the capabilities of artificial intelligence.
Particular emphasis was placed on the need for companies to fully leverage the digital infrastructure created by new regulatory requirements, gaining better control over revenue and expenses, faster access to information, and reduced operational errors.
Another highlight was the panel discussion “Finance Department: Transformation, Structures, Roles, Benefits, and Compensation,” featuring Eleni Varianza, Senior Manager, Trade Credit & Surety, Howden Hellas; Renia Kremali, Group Human Resources Director, Sarakakis Group of Companies, Lambrini Barbetaki, Managing Director & President of the Board, AbbVie Greece, Cyprus & Malta, Katia Stathaki, CEO, Nexi Greece, and Nikoletta Chalioti, Finance Director for Greece, Israel, BeNeLux, and Northern Europe at Medtronic and Vice Chair of the Board in Greece, moderated by Peggy Velliotou, Partner & Head of People, People Services, Advisory, KPMG in Greece.
The speakers highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between Finance, HR, and commercial functions, as well as the creation of a common business language that enhances decision-making and value creation. Particular emphasis was also placed on the skills required of a modern CFO, such as leadership, stakeholder management, business acumen, and risk management, as well as the importance of talent development, internal mobility, and the continuous enhancement of human capabilities within organizations.
By the panel’s unanimous agreement, the CFO of the new era is evolving from a technocrat into a strategic leader and value creator (Chief Value Officer), playing a decisive role in the growth, resilience, and transformation of businesses.
The next panel of the day, “Cost Controlling & Maximizing Value from Tech Investments,” took the stage, featuring Yannis Aidinis, CFO, DIAS Interbanking Systems S.A.; Sasa Iliadaki, Finance Director, Brink’s Hellas S.A.; and Maria Theodoulidou, Procurement & Corporate Governance Director & BoD Secretary, Fourlis Group of Companies, moderated by Konstantinos Kallianos, Partner, Technology and Transformation, KPMG in Greece.
The discussion focused on how companies can maximize the value of technology investments by shifting the focus from cost and ROI to overall business value, resilience, and risk management.
Participants emphasized that the success of digital transformation depends not only on technology, but primarily on people, a culture of collaboration, and organizations’ ability to adapt to change.
Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between financial and technological functions in designing investments that support sustainable development and operational resilience was highlighted. It was noted, however, that the valuation of technology investments now requires a more holistic evaluation framework, which combines financial indicators with criteria such as system reliability, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, customer trust, and organizations’ ability to innovate and evolve in the long term.
A very interesting fireside chat titled “The Capital Market’s Contribution to the Sustainable Development of the Economy,” between Marina Kapetanaki, Senior Partner at KPMG in Greece, and Vasiliki Lazarakou, Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, took place during the conference.
The discussion focused on the role of the capital market as a key mechanism for financing business growth and transformation, particularly in an environment of geopolitical, digital, and regulatory changes. The need to strengthen European capital markets and the importance of businesses having access to alternative sources of capital, beyond bank lending, were highlighted.
At the same time, particular emphasis was placed on corporate governance, sustainability, and transparency, with Ms. Lazarakou noting, among other things, that “We must move from a process of regulatory compliance to a process of substantive compliance.”
Investors now evaluate not only financial results but also data quality, risk management processes, and the overall functioning of organizations. As Ms. Kapetanaki aptly noted, “The level of information collection and management, as well as how it is processed, is of great importance, which requires close collaboration between different functions within a company.”
Furthermore, the need for continuous modernization of businesses and the market was emphasized, through better collaboration between functions, leveraging technology, and adopting a strategy so that “For a company to be attractive, it must demonstrate not only its financial strength but also that its processes and internal organization are designed to focus on long-term goals.”
The baton was then passed to Despoina Papachrysanthou, Partner, Transformation & Operations, KPMG in Greece, and Yannis Papachristou, CEO, Growthfund SA, in another very interesting fireside chat titled “Organizational Transformation in a Constantly Changing Environment: From Management to Value Creation.”
During the discussion, the need for organizations to move beyond a narrow understanding of digital transformation and pursue deeper changes that create measurable economic and social value was highlighted. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of strategy, corporate governance, human development, and the utilization of technology and artificial intelligence as catalysts for change.
A transformation model was also presented, based on the modernization of organizations, the development of critical infrastructure, and investments in the new economy, with the aim of strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development.
Finally, it was emphasized that the success of any transformation depends on leadership, the ability to mobilize people, and the creation of a culture of collaboration and accountability, which enables organizations to turn their vision into tangible results for the economy and society. As Mr. Papachristou aptly noted, among other things, “In the private sector, we say that an employee is excellent if, in addition to IQ, they also have EQ. Here, we need a third: SQ, social intelligence.”
The program continued with the fireside chat “Economic Policy in an Environment of Geopolitical and Political Turmoil,” where Nikos Filippidis, Journalist, Economic Analyst at SKAI TV, and Columnist for the newspaper KATHIMERINI, spoke with Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance and President of the Eurogroup.
The discussion highlighted the significant improvement in the Greek economy’s image on the international stage, with an emphasis on growth, investment, reducing unemployment, and fiscal stability. At the same time, the need for economic progress to translate into tangible benefits for households and businesses was underscored, through tax relief, investments, and policies supporting growth.
Particular mention was made of the resilience of the Greek economy in the face of international geopolitical challenges, in energy investments, and in initiatives for private debt management, with an emphasis on the out-of-court mechanism, debt restructuring, and the protection of vulnerable borrowers.
At the same time, the strategy for supporting entrepreneurship and investment through the Recovery Fund, public investment, and European financial instruments was presented, while the need to boost competitiveness, expand Greek businesses, and create better-paying jobs within the framework of a broader European growth strategy was emphasized.
As the Minister aptly noted, “There must be a mosaic of European champions, ecosystems surrounding large companies that can play this role in global competition, and within this, Greece must find a place—the place that allows many of these companies to grow”.
At another point in the discussion, he noted that “We are on a path of qualitative change regarding what Greece is economically. And I believe that by building on the positive achievements of the past and constantly improving ourselves, we will be able to achieve what the country is truly capable of achieving.”
Konstantinos Agalianos, Head of Finance Business Development, SAP Hellas, Cyprus, and Malta, and George Moraitis, Director and Head of Corporate Transaction Banking, Corporate & Investment Banking, National Bank of Greece, continued with a very interesting discussion titled “Simplified Processes in a Connected Economy.”
Specifically, their presentation focused on how artificial intelligence, automation, and the integration of banking services with ERP systems are transforming the operations of finance departments.
Practical examples were presented of how AI agents can be used for liquidity management, the automation of financial processes, and the improvement of decision-making, with an emphasis on data security and information governance. At the same time, the value of fully integrating business systems and banks through modern technologies was highlighted, offering a real-time view of liquidity, payment automation, faster reconciliation, and better control of financial operations.
This was followed by the panel titled “Transformation in Tourism & Hospitality,” featuring Nikos Diamantopoulos, General Manager, Marketing Greece; Stavros Mitsis, Managing Director, Mitsis Group; Anastasios Hatziliamis, CEO, Destination One, and Thanos Holevas, Director of Global Markets Sales, National Bank of Greece, moderated by Kenny Evangelou, Partner, Deal Advisory, Head of Real Estate, KPMG in Greece.
The panel discussed the transformation of Greek tourism and the hospitality sector, emphasizing the use of technology, data, and artificial intelligence to create more personalized experiences and greater value for visitors and destinations.
It was emphasized that the real challenge is no longer just the growth of tourism, but the transition to a model that creates sustainable value for businesses, local communities, and the economy as a whole.
Furthermore, during the discussion, challenges related to human resources, upskilling, changing traveler demands, and the importance of experience as a key differentiator for tourism businesses were highlighted. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to leverage data not only for information gathering, but primarily for making better business decisions.
The common conclusion was that the success of a sustainable transformation requires a combination of technology, effective processes, and a strong culture that consistently supports change and innovation.
In the next fireside chat of the conference day, “Regulatory Transition and Economic Transformation: EYDAP’s New Model,” Nikos Dimakos, Partner and Head of Management Consulting at KPMG in Greece, spoke with Spyros Stamou, General Manager of Finance & Supply Chain at EYDAP S.A., focusing on the role of regulatory change as a driver of business transformation.
The discussion focused on EYDAP’s transformation through the new regulatory framework and the introduction of the Regulated Asset Base (RAB), which creates greater transparency, predictability, and investment stability.
It was emphasized that the new model directly links investments to value creation, allowing the company to plan and implement long-term infrastructure projects with a clear framework for performance and accountability. Next, EYDAP’s ambitious investment program, totaling approximately €2.8 billion, was presented, which includes water supply, sewerage, energy, and digital upgrade projects.
Finally, the vision for EYDAP’s future was highlighted: a modern, data-driven public utility company with robust infrastructure, sustainable investments, effective resource management, and a strategic focus on creating long-term value for society, the environment, and investors.
Nikos Papandrianos, Head of Strategy at Edenred Greece, took the stage to deliver a presentation titled “Finance Departments as Strategic Pillars in a Constantly Changing Environment.”
The presentation highlighted the major challenges businesses face today, ranging from geopolitical uncertainty and artificial intelligence to talent shortages and increased demands for compliance and cybersecurity. At the same time, he emphasized that finance departments are called upon to play a more strategic role, leveraging data, expertise, and communication to drive organizational transformation and help businesses adapt effectively to constant change.
The panel “Capital Meets Transformation—What Investors Are Looking for in Tomorrow’s Businesses” was also a highlight, featuring Dimitris Vidakis, Partner at Elikonos Capital AIFM, Ilias Malandris, Senior Partner at Smerc, and Eleni Bathianaki, Managing Partner at Halcyon Equity Partners, moderated by Artemis Panou, Partner, Deal Advisory, at KPMG in Greece.
The discussion highlighted the characteristics investors are currently seeking in tomorrow’s companies, placing particular emphasis on the quality of the management team, growth prospects, and the capacity for continuous transformation.
It was emphasized that access to capital alone is not enough; what creates value is the combination of capital, strategy, strong governance, and people who can implement an ambitious growth plan.
Furthermore, the role of private equity funds as strategic partners was highlighted; beyond financing, they contribute expertise, discipline, access to new sources of capital, and support for operational transformation.
At the same time, the critical importance of proper business preparation for attracting investment was emphasized, with financial management playing a decisive role in transparency, the quality of information, and the development of a credible business plan.
In the fireside chat “We are in a new era,” Evi Fragaki, Journalist, spoke with Tim Marshall, Journalist & Broadcaster, Bestselling Author on International Affairs. The discussion analyzed the new geopolitical balances and how they affect the economy, businesses, and international relations.
Particular emphasis was placed on the changing relationship between Europe and the U.S., Europe’s need to strengthen its strategic and defense autonomy, as well as the growing competition between the U.S. and China that is shaping the global environment.
Subsequently, the importance of supply chains, international trade, and critical mineral resources was highlighted, as these are evolving into strategic factors of power for economies and businesses. It was emphasized that geopolitics is no longer an external factor but directly influences investment decisions, growth, and competitiveness.
This was followed by the fireside chat “AI Readiness in Greece: Challenges, Opportunities and Leadership,” where Nikos Maniatis, Partner and Head of Technology and Transformation at KPMG in Greece, discussed with Dimitris Alexandrou, Co-founder and Business Innovation Director at UBITECH, the Greek market’s readiness to leverage artificial intelligence.
It was also emphasized that true value does not stem from the adoption of the technology itself, but from solving specific business problems, the proper utilization of data, and linking AI initiatives to measurable business goals.
Among other things, it was emphasized that the biggest obstacle to the adoption of artificial intelligence is not the technology itself, but organizational culture and the need to redesign processes. The companies that will stand out are those that leverage their knowledge, data, and internal ecosystems to create real business value through AI.
A pleasant surprise awaited the participants with “Chasing the Shift! Are you ready CFOs?” and Maria Bekatorou, Journalist and TV Presenter, who brought a more interactive and lighthearted tone to the conference. Through a series of quick-fire questions, participants were asked to vote “yes” or “no,” testing their knowledge, reflexes, and intuition, until the grand winner was crowned.
The conference day continued with the panel “Rethinking finance and the CFO’s role as a strategic advisor to the business in the AI era” featuring Lia Vagena, CFO, Box Now; Ioannis Pantoleon, CFO, Olympia Group, Sofia Polydoropoulou, CFO, Optima Group, and George Roussos, CFO, Kotsovolos, moderated by George Politis, Partner, Tax, KPMG in Greece.
The participants agreed that AI automates many traditional financial functions, allowing finance departments to devote more time to strategy, growth, and business transformation.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that true differentiation will no longer come from access to information, but from the ability to translate it into quality decisions. The CFO of the future will function more as a change leader, resource coordinator, and strategic advisor, leveraging technology without being replaced by it. The critical skills of the future were identified as adaptability, continuous learning, leveraging new tools, the ability to manage change, and maintaining strong corporate governance.
The highlight of the next session was the panel “AI and Forecasting Models: Transforming Financial Planning & Decision-Making,” featuring Giorgos Giastas, Deputy CFO, ENTERSOFTONE; Tessy Latsou, Chief Financial Officer, Fourlis Group, Stratos Petrou, CFO, Ethniki Asfalistiki, and Achilleas Tasioulas, CFO, GasLog, moderated by Dionysios Diamantopoulos, Partner, Technology and Transformation, KPMG in Greece.
The panel focused on how artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are transforming financial planning and forecasting, enhancing the accuracy of forecasts and enabling better business decisions.
It was emphasized that the CFO is evolving from a report manager to a strategic partner of management, leveraging data and scenarios to create value and support growth. Participants agreed that the biggest challenge to leveraging AI is not the technology, but organizational culture, data quality, and trust in the new tools.
The next panel, “Transportation & Infrastructure in a New Era: Resilience, Investment, and Efficiency,” featured Narkissos Georgiadis, Chief Financial Officer, PPA S.A., Stella Dimaraki, Deputy CFO, Aegean Airlines, and Vangelis Baltas, CFO, Fraport Greece, moderated by Andriana Kartou, Partner, Audit, KPMG in Greece.
In particular, the participants highlighted the importance of resilience, maintaining strong liquidity, and continuing strategic investments, even during times of crisis, in order to ensure long-term growth and competitiveness.
Furthermore, the need to modernize the country’s infrastructure—from ports and airports to transport links and support networks—was discussed, as well as the importance of streamlining licensing procedures and investment implementation.
Particular emphasis was placed on improving the passenger experience, sustainability, and upgrading infrastructure to meet ever-increasing demand. A common conclusion was that the sector’s success depends on close cooperation between the public and private sectors, continued investment, and the adoption of a long-term plan that will strengthen Greece’s position as a hub for transportation, tourism, and trade in the wider region.
The conference program culminated with the panel “Strategic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty: The New Role of the CFO,” featuring Nikos Karanikolas, CFO, Dialectica, Nikos Karafyllidis, CFO Greece & Cyprus, AstraZeneca, George Toulantas, CFO, Hellas Gold, and Nikos Chapsis, Deputy General Manager & CFO, Viopol Polyurethane Systems, moderated by Alexandros Veldekis, Partner, Audit, KPMG in Greece.
The discussion focused on the new role of the CFO in an environment of heightened geopolitical, economic, technological, and regulatory uncertainty. Participants highlighted the need for finance departments to manage multiple scenarios, assess complex risks, and support strategic decision-making that ensures the sustainability and growth of organizations. Finally, the evolution of the CFO from a “guardian of the numbers” to a strategic leader and business partner of management was emphasized.