Vardis Vardinoyannis, chairman of the Vardinoyannis Group, has passed away at the age of 91. A statement released by his family confirmed the news:
“With deep sadness, the Vardis Vardinogiannis family announces that the beloved father and grandfather, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, passed away today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.”
Vardinoyannis was not only the chairman and controlling shareholder of Motor Oil Hellas but also played a significant role in various shipping and business ventures throughout his distinguished career.
Biography
Vardis Vardinoyannis was born on December 4, 1933, in the village of Episkopi Rethymno, Crete, into a family of eight siblings. His formative years were shaped by a strong family ethos instilled by his parents, Ioannis Vardinoyannis and Chrysi Theodoulaki. Demonstrating academic diligence, he graduated from the Hellenic Naval Academy and embarked on a career as an officer in the Royal Hellenic Navy. His military tenure, however, was disrupted in 1967 when political upheaval led to his discharge due to his dissenting stance against the ruling junta. This pivotal moment fueled his commitment to opposing authoritarianism and reinforced his determination to thrive in the family business upon his return.
After the untimely passing of his brother Nikos, Vardinoyannis stepped into a leadership role, transforming the family enterprise into the influential Vardinoyannis Group. Under his strategic direction, the company expanded its reach beyond shipping into sectors such as energy, financial services, and real estate, contributing significantly to Greece's economic development.
In addition to his role within the Vardinoyannis Group, he chaired and held a controlling stake in Motor Oil Hellas and Vegas Oil and Gas, cementing his prominence in the petroleum industry. His career, however, was not without challenges; in the late 1990s, he survived a high-profile assassination attempt by the militant group November 17. Despite facing such threats, his resilience underscored the high stakes of his leadership.
Vardinoyannis’s contributions extended beyond his business ventures, with a notable focus on philanthropy. He supported numerous initiatives aimed at community development and social improvement. His wife, Marianna Vardinoyannis, who passed away a few months earlier, was known for her role as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, highlighting their shared dedication to humanitarian work. Their collective impact on charitable efforts is continued by their five children, maintaining the family’s tradition of service.
