On Saturday, September 19, the Marriott hotel in Budapest, in front of the magical Danube, hosted the 29th Annual Conference of Syndea and the awards ceremony for its partners in an event marked by warm and meaningful interaction.
Under the title “Together, we build bridges of cooperation and growth” referring to Budapest, a bridge city between tradition and modern Europe, Syndea created a framework for networking, exchange of views, as well as empowerment and recognition.
According to the relevant announcement, the Conference was opened with a speech by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Kostas Karamanlis, who, after pointing out and praising “the passion and ethos” that are sought after and hard to find, moved on to the economic picture, stating that 2025 was a good year both for the global economy (growth of 3.3%) and for the Greek insurance market, which exceeded €6 billion in premium production for the first time.
Syndea recorded a 4.8% increase in production (to €30.38 million), with a particularly strong boost in motor insurance (+17.2%), and moved from losses to profitability. Reference was also made to the company’s strategic moves, such as digital transformation, staff training, new health products, and the strengthening of partnerships with banks and agents.
His speech concluded with a reference to 2026, which started positively, with a production increase of over 7%, and to the new role of insurance as a prevention tool.
The floor was then taken by Mr. Enrico San Pietro, Insurance General Manager of Unipol Assicurazioni, who highlighted Syndea’s commitment to its cooperative identity and its strong relationships with banks, associations, intermediaries, and partners.
He too highlighted in his greeting the strong growth of the Greek insurance market during 2025, and emphasized that Syndea is growing in line with or even faster than the market. He also noted that the new requirements for insurance against natural disasters create opportunities to support households and businesses.
Finally, he did not fail to mention that Syndea is investing in digital transformation, including a new core IT platform and the broader use of artificial intelligence, while its relationships with policyholders and society more generally remain at the center of its future.
The Conference continued with the speech of Mr. Dimitris Zorbas, CEO and General Manager of Syndea, who with a concise and meaningful presentation summarized the following:
“The insurance market operates in an environment of geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, climate crisis, and rapid technological change, with customers who are more informed and demanding.
Syndea invests in technology and innovation to upgrade the experience of policyholders and partners, without however losing human contact and trust. Our philosophy is shifting from selling a product to selling a solution, from price to value, and from “what it covers” to “what will happen if you don’t have it”.
AI is proposed as a support tool for the intermediary (email, meeting preparation, needs analysis, follow-up, social media), not as a substitute. The key message: we will not be replaced by AI, but by colleagues who use it better, with respect for the past but with our gaze fixed on a more ambitious future.”
Ms. Elina Papaspyropoulou, General Director of the Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies (E.A.E.E.), was invited to provide the institutional picture of the sector and the market: the Greek economy and insurance market are showing steady and dynamic growth, with positive prospects for 2026, while at the same time natural disasters highlight the need for greater insurance protection.
The State appears to be gradually changing its approach, strengthening the role of private insurance as a complement to state aid, through incentives and compulsory insurance. However, about 4 out of 5 homes remain uninsured, while there is also significant room in the business sector. This development creates significant opportunities for the insurance market and highlights the critical role of intermediaries.
Mr. Stathis Gkorkas, Commercial Director of Syndea, closed the Conference, referring to the company’s commercial activity, its extroversion by mentioning initiatives and actions, as well as the next projects being planned and implemented.
The Conference concluded with the awarding of Syndea’s partners, in a special moment of recognition of their dedication, consistency, and high performance, which contributed decisively to the successful course of the Company.