From being a manager of state holdings, the Yperthaimos under the hand of Giannis Papachristou is being transformed into an institution that functions as an investment arm of the Greek economy.
His selection as CEO for the Ypertifond yielded immediate results with Yiannis Papachristou leveraging his 25 years of experience in the private sector. He explained from Delphi how he put order into the public sector companies he controls.
Stating that enhancing competitiveness goes through productivity, he noted the need for a closer link between education, research and the real economy, as well as modern management practices that enhance human resources and the work environment.
In terms of the Growthfund’s core mission, he said it is to create tangible value for citizens through upgraded services, and to strengthen the national economy through the creation of new jobs.
This strategy is based on four key pillars:
– Transforming subsidiaries
– Developing critical infrastructure
– Investing in the New Economy and accelerating the transition to Sovereign Wealth Fund
– Accelerating strategic projects through Project Preparation Facility)
Yannis Papachristou also highlighted that all public enterprises now operate with clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), while at the same time continuous investments are being made in human resources.
At the same time, the Growthfund is implementing international best practices in corporate governance, promoting transparency, meritocracy and resilience. In this context, in just one year, 60 new Board members were appointed to 14 subsidiaries through transparent and merit-based processes, strengthening the boards with established private sector executives.
These initiatives are already yielding measurable results: improved services to citizens and stronger financial performance for public enterprises, creating substantial value for the Greek taxpayer.
It is worth noting that the Group’s portfolio represents more than €12 billion in 11 critical sectors of the Greek economy, from energy and water resources management to port infrastructure, transport, transportation, logistics, banking, real estate, etc.
One of the most challenging projects that Yannis Papachristou has been asked to manage is that of regional airports. As he has explained last February (2026) “the development of the 22 regional airports is a complex and demanding task, given that passenger traffic at some of them is limited, but their importance for regional development is great. The key issue is to invest in upgrading the infrastructure of the regional airports in order to improve the level of services provided. In cooperation with the CAA, we have completed all the necessary studies and final decisions on the exploitation model will be taken within the year.”
A few days ago it became known that the Yperta Fund approved a tender for the 40-year concession of the 22 regional airports, with the process starting immediately in two phases. Expression of interest until 30 June 2026.
The regional airports to be developed through a single set of assets (cluster) are: Alexandroupolis, Araxos, Astypalaia, Icaria, Ioannina, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kastoria, Kozani, Kythira, Leros, Lemnos, Milos, Naxos, Nea Anchialos, Paros, Paros, Sitia, Skyros, Syros and Chios.
.
