Greek shipping is distinguished for its high expertise, innovation and continuous adaptation to global markets, contributing decisively to the national economy and employment.
At the same time, the connection with maritime education, technology and modern environmental challenges make the sector a pillar of development and innovation, in which entrepreneurs with vision and deep knowledge are active, such as Leonidas Dimitriadis – Eugenidis.
Leonidas Dimitriadis – Eugenidis, a significant personality in the field of Greek shipping and science, was born in Athens in 1958. His academic career began at the Economics Department of the Law School of the University of Athens, from which he graduated in 1980, while he subsequently completed postgraduate studies in Transport Economics at London PCL. Very early on, in 1976, he joined the Eugenides business Group and in 1995 he assumed the position of President and Managing Director. At the same time, in 2000 he also took over the management of the Eugenides Foundation, a position he holds to this day as President of the Managing Committee.
His relationship with shipping is deep and multifaceted. Since 1996 he has been a member of the Union of Greek Shipowners, while in the period 2003-2012 he served as Treasurer of the Union. Also, he represented the Union at the international organization UNCTAD from 1986, strengthening the position of Greek shipping on the international stage.
He is a member of important professional organizations, such as the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, a fact which proves his multi-level professional activity in the field of transport and shipping. His contribution to science and education is also noteworthy. In 2015, he was honored by the Academy of Athens for the pioneering operation of the Eugenides Planetarium, one of the most modern digital planetariums worldwide. In 2016, the Eugenides Foundation received an award for its contribution to maritime education at the Greek Shipping Awards. Since 2018, Dimitriadis – Eugenidis has been serving as a Maritime Ambassador of the IMO, representing Greece on issues of maritime safety and marine environment protection, as well as promoting maritime education.
His business circle is not limited only to shipping.
It also includes the company Vioryl, which is active in the production of fragrances for all industries, food ingredients and products as well as plant nutrition and protection products with an emphasis on quality and innovation. At the same time, it manages hotel units, such as the luxurious Elies Resorts in Sifnos. His connection with the local community of Sifnos is strong, as he addressed the issue of the island’s inadequate ferry connection, through Aegean Speed Lines and subsequently through Aegean Sea Lines, to cover the needs of the residents and visitors, especially of the Western Cyclades. Despite his significant position, Dimitriadis – Eugenidis prefers to keep a low profile, avoiding publicity. However, his influence in the Greek shipping sector and his actions at the Eugenides Foundation have a significant impact on society and the economy.
The Eugenides Foundation, over the last twenty years, has developed and continues to develop a particularly close contact with Thrace and especially with the border region of Evros, supporting the homeland of its great benefactor and founder with various initiatives.
The total contribution of the Foundation in these areas exceeds 4.6 million euros. The latest donation of the Eugenides Foundation was that of the Interactive Science and Technology Exhibition “Eugenios Eugenidis” in Kastanies of the Municipality of Orestiada. The exhibition was realized in collaboration with the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie.
The philosophy of Leonidas Dimitriadis – Eugenidis is summarized in the doctrine “λάθρα βιώσας”, which reflects an approach of modesty and substantive action. His family origin connects him to a long tradition of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. He is a descendant of the Eugenidis family, known for its work in the fields of shipping and education. His mother was from Constantinople and was the sister of Nikos Vernikos – Eugenidis, while his father, a civil engineer, was born in Alexandria and was the son of a cotton merchant in Egypt. This multicultural heritage has endowed him with a cosmopolitan aura and a deep understanding of global challenges.
His relationship with Greek shipping is substantial and multifaceted. He considers Greek shipowners to be managers of significant assets, emphasizing that the prudent management of these assets has already extended to significant land-based enterprises and with a great contribution to Greek society. He points out that the prosperity of the Greek economy is directly linked to the health of the shipping industry, which operates on a global level and contributes significantly to Greek society. One of his most significant achievements is the renewal and modernization of the Eugenides Planetarium. Every year, approximately 400,000 visitors enjoy the modern digital projections, space simulations, and advanced sound systems. Leonidas Dimitriadis – Eugenidis firmly believes that science must be in the service of humanity and seeks through knowledge to contribute to a better tomorrow for future generations.
“The vision of the Eugenides Foundation is its contribution to the creation of personnel with knowledge and skills in the applied technical professions and shipping, which contribute to the development of the Greek economy.
