As part of the FRANCHISE AWARDS 2025 ceremony, a highly interesting panel will take place on the topic of «Franchise in Greece: Trends, Challenges and Growth Opportunities», with distinguished and accomplished speakers.
The purpose of the panel is to analyse the key parameters and prospects of franchise in Greece, to explore growth opportunities, as well as to identify the challenges for the sector, with the main sections:
- Consumer Trends in Franchise
- Franchise Agreement & Trade Marks
- Subsidies and Tax Accountancy Management in Franchise
- Valuations and Acquisitions in Franchise
- Best Practices for Organisation and Development
- Digital Marketing and Franchise
Franchise Panel Speakers
Xenia Kourtoglou
Founder, Focus Bari, e-satisfaction & Resilience Expert
Experienced entrepreneur and mentor with 35+ years of specialisation in market research and human behaviour. With a vision for a healthy and creative society, Xenia Kourtoglou inspires through university lectures, international conferences, and a bestselling book, promoting mental resilience and human respect in business.
Sotiris K. Giannakakis, Phd.
Associate Lawyer, Consultant, Member of the Board of the Hellenic Franchise Association
Specialises in International commercial law and franchising, with an LL.M from Harvard and a Doctorate from Democritus University of Thrace. He teaches various subjects at BCA. Speaker and conference delegate at international and Greek conferences and seminars, with extensive publishing activity. Member of EFF, AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, INTERNATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION.
George Lyras
Business Consultant
Has over 35 years of professional experience, having served as a senior and top executive in multinational companies in the Food & Beverage, Retail, Franchise and Hospitality sectors, both in Greece and abroad. For 10 years he was an executive member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Franchise Association. He studied Economics at the University of Piraeus, holds an M.Sc. in Supply Chain Management from Cranfield University and a Diploma in Training & Development from Thames Valley University.
Ifigeneia Karpouzaki
Partner, I. KARPOUZAKI – M. THEODOROU & ASSOCIATES, Lawyer
She is a graduate of the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holder of a postgraduate degree in Public Law. She has many years of experience in providing legal advice to companies and provides high-level services to businesses, focusing on franchise development and management strategies. She works closely with entrepreneurs to create sustainable business models and minimise legal risks.
Spyros Andriopoulos
CEO, Aboutnet & President of the Hellenic Internet Enterprises Association (SEDE)
Founder of the digital agency Aboutnet, established in 2000 with more than 1500 website, e-shop and digital marketing implementations. He studied Law and e-business in France and completed a postgraduate degree in Marketing. He has received more than 30 awards. Member of many awards judging panels, and speaker at numerous conferences.
Co-Founder, Athens Financial Services (AFS)
Specialises in accounting, tax and advisory services. Graduate of the postgraduate programme in Finance and Accounting of the University of Piraeus, with certifications from the Economic Chamber of Greece. He has 12 years of experience and takes an active role as a speaker and committee member in awards and conferences, providing comprehensive solutions to businesses and individuals. At the same time, he is active as a volunteer in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in Animal Welfare and in the EU Red Cross, contributing with his passion for social contribution and progress. AFS is the first Accounting & Tax firm specialising in the franchise sector with specific services that support franchisors and franchisees.
FRANCHISE AWARDS 2025
The FRANCHISE AWARDS have been organised annually since 2008 by FRANCHISE BUSINESS magazine and are the most established institution of franchising in our country. They are supported by all the bodies of the wider sector and are the leading event for franchising in our country, with the aim of strengthening and further disseminating it, as well as highlighting best practices in the sector.
The FRANCHISE AWARDS are not just an institution, but a pillar of recognition for all those who, with determination and creativity, choose to utilise, invest in and support franchise.
