After a highly successful 19-year tenure at the helm of Athens International Airport (AIA), Yiannis Paraschis has decided to conclude this professional chapter on January 31, 2026, following the completion of his contract.
At its meeting on October 31, 2025, and following a proposal by the majority shareholder AviAlliance, the company’s Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the relevant committees and in accordance with corporate governance principles, unanimously decided to appoint Giorgos Kallimasias, the company’s General Director of Strategy, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AIA, effective February 1, 2026.
Yiannis Paraschis has worked at AIA since 1996 and is the longest-serving CEO in the airport’s history. He is recognized as one of the most distinguished figures in the global aviation industry. Under his leadership, AIA was established as a major European airport, achieving impressive growth by serving 34 million passengers in 2025, along with outstanding operational and financial performance. His accomplishments include positioning AIA as a successful model of public-private partnership, implementing effective strategies during crises such as the Greek financial crisis and the pandemic, extending the airport concession period by 20 years, leading the company’s successful listing on the stock exchange, launching an innovative sustainability strategy, and initiating the next expansion phase of the airport’s infrastructure.
Yiannis Paraschis shaped a corporate culture of collaboration and transparency, fostering a work environment where the organization’s people and the wider airport community were always the top priority. With a consistent focus on sustainable development, his leadership left a strong institutional, social, and corporate legacy, allowing AIA to evolve into a key driver of growth and employment for the Greek economy.
At the international level, Paraschis played a leading role in the global aviation community, serving as President of the Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE) and the Airports Council International World (ACI World). Through his work, he enhanced the international reputation of AIA and strengthened Greece’s standing as an aviation hub. After completing his tenure as CEO, Paraschis intends to continue supporting the company as a strategic advisor and as a Board member of World Airport Partners (WAP), which manages airport investments of the Canadian Pension Fund PSP.
Giorgos Kallimasias has been an executive at AIA since 1999. With in-depth knowledge of the organization and the aviation sector, he has played a key role in the company’s major strategic initiatives. Since 2019, as Chief Strategy Officer, he has led milestone projects such as the 20-year extension of the airport concession, the successful listing of AIA on the Athens Stock Exchange, the strengthening of corporate governance, and the promotion of investment plans for the sustainable expansion and upgrading of airport infrastructure.
As the new CEO, Kallimasias will guide AIA into its next phase of development and evolution, aiming to maintain its leading international position, achieve business and operational excellence, and further enhance the airport’s contribution to the national economy, as well as its role as a key driver of aviation, tourism, and Greece’s connectivity.
The appointment of Giorgos Kallimasias reflects the natural continuation of AIA’s successful management team, confidence in the company’s human capital, and trust in the airport’s continued growth and success.
The Chairman of the AIA Board of Directors, Michalis Kefalogiannis, stated:
“The Board’s decision marks an important and positive milestone for Athens International Airport and its shareholders. The Board expresses its deep gratitude to Yiannis Paraschis for his long and exceptional contribution, which has shaped AIA into what it is today—one of the most successful and recognized aviation hubs worldwide. We are especially pleased that he will continue to support the company. At the same time, we express our full confidence in Giorgos Kallimasias—a professional with an outstanding career within our company over many years—wishing him success in his new role. We are proud of AIA’s management team, which remains a guarantee of continuity, progress, and sustainable growth for the airport’s future.”
Yiannis Paraschis stated about his tenure:
“It has been a great honor and responsibility to lead such an important organization as Athens International Airport, which plays a vital role for the country, society, and the economy. I am proud of what we have achieved together with AIA’s employees and management team. I complete my term as CEO filled with valuable experiences, positive emotions, and optimism for the future, knowing that Giorgos Kallimasias will continue the airport’s dynamic path, leading it into a new era of growth. AIA is much more than an airport—it is a living engine of development and openness, powered by a team of people who make a difference every day.”
Giorgos Kallimasias, commenting on his new role, said:
“With a sense of duty and honor, I assume the role of CEO of Athens International Airport at a pivotal moment for the company and the aviation sector. My goal is to lead AIA into its next phase of growth and evolution, maintaining its leading position in the global aviation community, and strengthening its contribution to the national economy. My vision is an airport that stands as a model of sustainability, innovation, and human experience. With deep respect for the work of Yiannis Paraschis and full confidence in the people of AIA—our employees, management team, and the broader airport community—we move forward together with faith in our capabilities and a clear vision for the future. I sincerely thank the Board and shareholders for their trust. I am committed to continuing AIA’s successful path with consistency, collaboration, and inspiration, and to making Athens Airport a benchmark of excellence, sustainable development, and international connectivity.”
Who is Giorgos A. Kallimasias
Giorgos Kallimasias joined Athens International Airport in 1999 and has served the company in various roles. In 2019, he became General Director of Strategy (Chief Strategy Officer).
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in the aviation sector, Kallimasias has successfully led complex strategic projects such as the 20-year extension of AIA’s concession agreement and the listing of the company’s shares on the Athens Stock Exchange, enhancing team collaboration and building strong partnerships with external organizations to create sustainable value.
With a professional background in both engineering and finance, strengthened by consulting experience, Kallimasias combines analytical skills with strategic thinking. His broad knowledge of the airport industry and experience in senior leadership positions within a listed company support his goal of driving long-term corporate growth.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of AIA’s Occupational Pension Fund since its establishment in 2021 and a member of the ACI World Finance Committee, where he served as Chairman during 2023–2024.
In the past, he has worked for Deloitte and Enterprise Greece.
He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Patras and an MBA from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.
