The next phase of Greece’s growth will be driven by larger, stronger and more outward-looking companies that embrace Artificial Intelligence, invest in transformation and international competitiveness, and create long-term value.
This was the key message of the anniversary event held yesterday by IDEAL Holdings to mark five years of successful growth in the Greek market.
The event brought together government officials, institutional leaders, distinguished business executives and corporate stakeholders. The keynote address was delivered by former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, while opening remarks were made by Kostis Hatzidakis, Vice President of the Government of Greece. The event concluded with a fireside chat between George Osborne and Alexis Papachelas, Executive Editor of Kathimerini newspaper.
Kostis Hatzidakis: Greece needs more companies with IDEAL Holdings
In his remarks, Vice President of the Government, Kostis Hatzidakis, highlighted IDEAL Holdings’ journey as a prime example of a company that has grown alongside the Greek economy and has become one of the country’s leading companies. As he noted: “IDEAL Holdings’ journey over the last five years is a clear example of how entrepreneurship can grow in parallel with a country’s progress. The next challenge is even greater: enhancing competitiveness, increasing productivity and ensuring the meaningful adoption of Artificial Intelligence across Greek businesses. Greece needs more companies with IDEAL Holding’s ambition, scale and outward-looking mindset, because they create better jobs, attract new investment and generate more opportunities for the country.”
George Osborne: Greece is emerging as one of the European countries moving most decisively to harness the opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence
In his keynote speech, former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, reflected on Greece’s significant progress in recent years, noting that the country has evolved into a compelling example of economic growth, reform and strengthened investor confidence. As he remarked: “The Greece I knew during the crisis is very different from the Greece we see today. At a time of profound geopolitical and technological change, the country is developing into a strong growth success story while also emerging as one of Europe’s most dynamic countries in embracing and deploying Artificial Intelligence.”
Lampros Papakonstantinou: Greece’s Next Growth Phase Requires Stronger and Larger Businesses
In his opening address, Lampros Papakonstantinou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of IDEAL Holdings, reflected on the company’s vision and journey since its inception. He stated: “Five years ago, we invested in an idea and a different approach to value creation: that Greece could move beyond recovery and that businesses with strong foundations, result-oriented management teams and a clear growth vision could become leaders of the next era. Today, with a market capitalization exceeding €300 million and more than €400 million invested in the Greek economy, we remain committed to the same philosophy and are even more optimistic about the future. The next five years are not only about the growth of IDEAL Holdings. They are about creating more strong Greek companies with greater scale, international reach and higher ambitions. When you invest in a country’s people, ideas and businesses, you ultimately invest in the future of that country itself.”
George Osborne: From Brexit and Geopolitical Disruption to Artificial Intelligence
During his discussion with Alexis Papachelas, George Osborne reflected on the defining developments that have shaped Europe and the United Kingdom over the past decade, from the Greek sovereign debt crisis and Brexit to today’s geopolitical and economic challenges. Addressing the international environment, he highlighted the importance of strong political leadership, fiscal discipline and reforms that safeguard the credibility and competitiveness of European economies. He also placed particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, describing it as one of the most transformative technological developments for business and the economy. According to Osborne, the key challenge for companies is not simply to follow the AI trend, but to develop clear strategies and practical applications that generate genuine business value, productivity gains and competitive advantage. He further stressed that Europe must accelerate its efforts in this area to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
Concluding his remarks in his capacity as Chairman of the British Museum, Osborne also addressed the issue of the Parthenon Sculptures, expressing his belief that, despite legal and political complexities, there remains room for dialogue and mutually acceptable solutions based on a spirit of cooperation.
