5 2019 • Issue 57
THE WORLD OF ALPHA BANK
The new, innovative way of payments with smartwatch! C E
Τ Ε ΑΝ
cceler ting growth resent tion by the CE of lph B n ssilios s ltis to represent ti es of the business industry in Crete p 3 i3 inno tion nd new ide s competition p 6 lph B n p rticip ted in the groE po er petr 2 ir p 7 rticip tion of the B n in the icrosoft ummit 2 p 8 nform ti e E ent for Customers of the ri te B n ing Di ision in hess loni i p 9 nform ti e E ents titled in nci l ools for modern enterprise p 10 rticip tion of the B n in the or shop titled Energy, r nsport nd r de Ch llenges nd prospects for ree hipping p 12 nnu l E lu tion of the ntern l udit Di ision in ccord nce with the 2 t nd rd p 13 n estment ortfolio Di ision Bonds or h res p 14 um n esources Di ision olunteer Blood Don tion D ys p 15 r ining Di ision ey tr ining progr mmes in pril 2 p 16 5 2019 • Issue 57 C E uided tour of the e hibition he lph B n Collection ree rt from until tod y for students from the ni ersity of o nnin p 18 tudents from the tion l nd podistri n ni ersity of thens isited the lph B n umism tic Collection p 19 he lph B n umism tic Collection p rticip tes in the e hibition he rder nd the l ce of int ich el nd int eorge in Corfu p 20 rchitectur l onuments of nti uity on ree B n notes Educ tion l cti ity t the B n note useum of the oni n B n in Corfu p 21 ight of useums 2 lph B n Cultur l Centre fplio p 22 l tforms ro ect l s l gi en by the Cur tor of the lph B n rt Collection rene r ti t the i os ess nlis E hibition ll of the thens chool of ine rts p 23 um n esources Di ision Completion of the econd Cycle of the lph Culture Course Cycles p 24 um n esources Di ision ogether t the t ros i rchos ound tion Cultur l Center, to isit the e hibition eorge ongolopoulos he ision of ublic culpture p 26 Editor CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION um n esources Di ision ogether t n Educ tion l ction for Children , t diou tr t the hess loni i Cinem useum p 26 2 2 E , EECE Τel 3 2 32 2 3, 3 2 32 2 3 he B n sponsored the oper dy cbeth of tsens produced by the ree tion l per p 27 3 2 32 2 3 he public tion ith isdom nd ision lph B n th 2 st Century E m il communic tion lph gr will be sold by lph B n t discount of throughout une 2 p 28 communic tion lph gr he lph B n ibr ry ri olydouri p 29 Design roduction D E he Costopoulos ound tion p 30
Contents CONTENTS
IN FOCUS p. 33
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES More Bonus at super markets with the Diners Club cards! p. 37 Big “Contactless Missions” Competition by Visa!! p. 38 Affinity Mastercard®: The card that renews your spring wardrobe! p. 39 The everyday transactions of businesses are now simpler! p. 40 Alpha Tourism Entrepreneurship p. 41
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY p. 42 5 2019 • Issue 57 “Together, for better health” “Helping Hand” p. 43 The Bank supports the work of the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens p. 44 Alpha Bank sponsors the National Hellenic Research Foundation p. 44 Alpha Bank supports the system of shared bikes of the Municipality of Nafplio p. 45 The Bank assists the work of the Association of Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece p. 46 The Bank supports the work of the Panhellenic Association against Juvenile Diabetes p. 46
CULTURE SPECIAL ART NETWORK Frosso Michalea p. 47 Ν C C EC Prefecture of Preveza The Koinon of Epirots (Epirot League) p. 50 Editor: CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION 40, Stadiou Str. PORTRAITS FROM THE BANK’S HISTORY 102 52 ATHENS, GREECE Leonidas A. Canellopoulos p. 51 Τel 3 2 32 2 3, 3 2 32 2 3 3 2 32 2 3 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] GROUP COMPANIES Design - Production: GOD A.E. Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd p. 53 Alpha Bank Romania p. 56
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“Accelerating growth” Presentation by the CEO of Alpha Bank Vassilios Psaltis to representatives of the business industry in Crete
Vassilios Psaltis.
he Alpha Bank Chief Executive Officer Vassilios Psaltis highlighted Greek economy’s important potential, with tourism as T the main engine, as well as Alpha Bank’s active participation in economic growth, while addressing representatives of the business community at an event organised by the Bank on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Heraklion in Crete.
Greek economy is finally growing, after a 25% contraction, Mr. Psaltis pointed out, while confidence is gradually restored and private deposits are steadily returning back to the system. He estimated, nonetheless, that the return of growth to pre-crisis levels requires, among other things, consistent yearly growth rates of 3%-4% over the next few years, with a significant increase of incremental investments, which should rise by additional Euro 20 billion per annum, of which Euro 4 billion should go to the tourism industry.
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The growth of tourism has been mostly based on the increase in arrivals, while greater attention is expected to be paid to the average spend per visit as well as the greater length of stay, according to Mr. Psaltis. Crete, which is known for providing quality services, can set an example for the country’s overall tourism growth, and has significantly upgraded its tourism infrastructure and achieving a steadily high occupancy rate.
Alpha Bank actively supports growth, invests in modernisation and digital innovation and consistently improves its products and services, in order to meet its Customers’ evolving needs in the best possible way, the CEO said.
International Relations expert and Director of Research at the Institute of International Relations Dr. Constantinos Filis analysed, in a presentation titled “Greece in a changing world”, the geopolitical and energy challenges associated with the region and further stressed the importance of ensuring stability for the island’s economic prospects.
Executives from the Alpha Bank Financial Products Division presented the latest specialised financial tools available to the Bank’s Business Customers, designed to reinforce healthy businesses’ development plans.
It should be noted that Alpha Bank frequently organises events that are designed to provide direct information and to exchange views with businesspersons and institutions around Greece, regarding the prospects of the economy and businesses at national and local level.
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Snapshots from the event.
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i3 innovation and new ideas competition
3, the first innovation and new ideas competition of Alpha Bank, which is addressed to all its Employees, with the key message: I “inspire, innovate, implement”, is now under way. Launched on May 6, 2019, the new competition forms part of the Bank’s overall Digital Transformation Programme and invites us all to take part in building the new digital era for Alpha Bank, by drawing on our professional experience, academic backgrounds, expertise and creativity, while also taking advantage of the new capabilities offered by the digital technology.
The input and contribution of all of us, in the form of new ideas and proposals, is of particular significance. New ideas represent a valuable tool for improving the products and services that we offer to our Customers, as well as our overall operation.
To support the submission of ideas, a dedicated microsite on the Alpha Bank Intranet was developed.
The competition’s subject areas are the following: 1. Improvements to existing services / products or development of new ones 2. Enhancing Customer experience 3. Reducing operating costs 4. Improvements to internal procedures.
Participation was very high as applications exceeded initial expectations rising above 220 submissions, indicating a strong interest by Employees to contribute to the Digital Transformation journey of Alpha Bank. The ideas to be submitted will be evaluated using criteria such as the completeness of the idea’s description and its originality / innovation, applicability and impact in practice. The best ideas will qualify to the next stage of the competition, in order to be further developed with appropriate guidance. The ideas to qualify will be presented at an open event, which will be attended by the Management of Alpha Bank. During the final evaluation stage, the winners will receive unique gifts.
Participation in the i competition is a significant contribution to the efforts to further improve Alpha Bank, through the prospect of applying and implementing one or more of the ideas that will gain a distinction.
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Alpha Bank participated in the AgroExpo Ierapetra 2019 Fair
lpha Bank was a gold sponsor of the 3rd AgroExpo Ierapetra Fair, a joint initiative of the Lasithi Chamber of Commerce A and Industry and the Municipality of Ierapetra, held from May 9 to 12, 2019, at the Misedakeio Stadium of Ierapetra, Crete. The aim of the Fair was to showcase the agricultural products of Crete and promote the enterprises active in the agricultural sector, while also presenting the latest developments in agricultural technologies and products.
The Bank, which was present in the Fair with its own stand, promoted the Flexible Contractual Entrepreneurship Programmes and distributed promotional material to inform the Fair’s visitors about the Alpha Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Alpha Tourism Entrepreneurship and Alpha In Business programmes.
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Participation of the Bank in the Microsoft Summit 2019
n the context of its cooperation with Microsoft, Alpha Bank participated, for the third consecutive year, as Gold Sponsor, I in the Microsoft Summit 2019 Conference, which was held on May 14, 2019, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, with Artificial Intelligence as its main theme.
During the Conference, in which internationally recognised experts participated as speakers, the Bank had the opportunity to present to distinguished market actors, as well as to the general public, the digital solutions which it offers via myAlpha and which further reinforce its focus on innovation and its interest in new technologies.
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Informative Event for Customers of the Private Banking Division in Thessaloniki
Ioannis M. Emiris. Professor Kostas Kostis. Professor Panos Tsakloglou.
O n Monday, May 6, 2019, an informative event for Customers of the Private Banking Division, took place in Thessaloniki.
Following a short speech by the Executive General Manager Private and Investment Banking Ioannis M. Emiris, Athens University Professor and Advisor to the Bank’s Management Kostas Kostis, as well as Mr. Panos Tsakloglou, Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business, gave presentations titled “From the past to the future of Greek Economy”.
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Informative Events titled “Financial Tools for a modern enterprise”
Snapshot from the event in Larissa. Snapshot from the event in Xanthi.
n Thursday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Alpha Bank organised informative events in Larissa and Xanthi, O respectively, titled “Financial Tools for a modern enterprise”.
These events form part of the cycle of similar events and meetings with Businesses which the Bank organises on a regular basis, in order to strengthen its cooperation and communication with local business communities and to present information about the range of the Bank's products and services that address the needs of modern enterprises.
In Larissa, the event’s opening speech was given by the Executive General Manager - Chief Digital Officer and Retail Banking Products Damianos I. Charalampidis, who spoke about the Bank’s digital transformation, while in Xanthi, the Executive General Manager - Treasury Georgios V. Michalopoulos spoke about the developments in the international capital markets and their impact on Greece’s macroeconomic environment.
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During the events, the Executives of the Financial Products Division Adamantia Peleki, Athanassios Cholevas and Georgios Markouizos gave detailed presentations of the banking transaction products (fund transfers, international trade, international markets) of Alpha Bank, making special references to the digital solutions that support the daily transaction cycle of enterprises.
Moreover, the Manager of the Small Business Banking Division Sypridon Rentetakos presented the Bank’s initiative to support enterprises active in all sectors of the economy, by utilising the modern financing tools available under various development programmes such as Entrepreneurship Fund II - Business Funding, COSME, InnovFin, the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), the new Investment Incentives Law etc. With these programmes, the Bank provides funding under favourable terms to support the productive forces of Greek entrepreneurship, contributing substantially and effectively to the reinforcement of competitiveness and sustainable development. The Manager of the Wholesale Banking Lending Division Georgia Farmaki presented alternative forms of hybrid funding solutions, combining syndicated loans, bond issues and development programmes of supranational organisations, in the context of the opportunities emerging in the modern business and economic environment, and aimed at supporting the achievement of the specific business goals of each enterprise. She also focused on the Bank’s competitive advantage and its role as a pillar of stability and as a point of reference in the Greek banking system.
The events and the speakers were coordinated by the Manager of the Financial Products Division Athanassios Pavlidis.
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Participation of the Bank in the Workshop titled “Energy, Transport and Trade: Challenges and prospects for Greek Shipping”
he Bank was one of the sponsors of the Workshop titled “Energy, Transport and Trade: Challenges and prospects for Greek T Shipping”, which took place on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at the Institute of International Relations.
The Bank was represented in the Workshop by the Executive General Manager Private and Investment Banking Ioannis M. Emiris, who also gave a speech.
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Annual Evaluation of the Internal Audit Division in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 Standard
he Bank’s Internal Audit Division completed successfully the annual evaluation of the Audit Procedures according to the T International Management Standard ISO 9001:2015.
A total of eleven Audit Division procedures have been ISO certified, including the operations of the Special / Fraud Investigations Unit.
The certification process was run together with Organisation Division. The evaluation was carried out by the independent certification body BUREAU VERITAS Holding SAS-UK Branch.
The Internal Audit Division continues to be the only Bank Internal Audit Unit to have been ISO certified in Greece. This initiative enhances further the Internal Control System of Alpha Bank Group.
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Investment Portfolio Division Bonds or Shares?
he third educational video on investments, titled “Investing: Bonds or Shares?”, was posted on the Bank's channel on T YouTube in April.
The video, which presents a comparison of the two basic categories of investments in an investment portfolio, marks the completion of the basic training cycle titled “Get to Know the World of Investments”, under which the Bank had previously presented two more educational videos – “Save and Invest” and “Mutual Funds: Entering the World of Investments”.
By adopting a modern communication approach, in the format of the educational videos, which complement the Bank's publication “Together in Investments”, Alpha Bank seeks to introduce its Customers to the world of investments in a way that will make it easier for them to understand how investments work.
In order to watch the educational video, please click here.
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Human Resources Division Volunteer Blood Donation Days
n Thursday, May 9, 2019, the Volunteer Blood Donation Days, which took place in Athens and Thessaloniki, with O the participation of 284 Volunteer Blood Donors, were successfully completed. It was a great pleasure to welcome 53 new Volunteers, a fact that gave us hope and faith that with these Volunteer Blood Donation Days we will be able to help even more fellow human beings.
It should be noted that Volunteer Blood Donors are entitled to free blood tests once a year, at the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens and the Ippokrateio Hospital in Thessaloniki, upon arrangement with each hospital’s blood donation centres.
We thank all those who, once more, responded to the call of the Human Resources Division and participated in the Volunteer Blood Donation Days.
Together we give hope!
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Training Division Key training programmes in April 2019
I n April 2019, a total of 46 training programmes took place, attended by 2,520 persons. The following is an indicative list of related activities:
Technical Banking Programmes
• Know Your Customer (KYC) • CRO and Insurance Products • Corporate Acts Applications • Tellers - Transactions (advanced) • Supervision of Branch operations • Branch Lending Procedures • Transition to Business Operations • New BROs • International Trade - Letters of Credit
Management Programmes
• Time & Stress management • BRO - Sales (advanced) • Customer service for Individuals • Effective meetings management • Enhancing Positive Influence
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Re-training and Re-certification in Bancassurance
For the Executives and Employees of the Bank who were unable to take or who failed the first exam (Comprehension Test) of the Section C - Customer and Sale e-learning courses, four additional exam dates were scheduled, from April 15 through April 18, 2019. A total of 119 persons took the exam, of whom 118 passed. Attendance of the e-learning courses and successfully taking the exams foreseen for the three Sections (A: Products, B: Legislation, C: Sales) which have been established by the Bank of Greece are two key prerequisites for the renewal of the Certifications held.
Compliance awareness programme
Following a request from the Compliance Division and after relevant consultations, an informative event on Compliance was organised. The Event is addressed to Branch Managers and CTOs and is structured in three broad subject areas:
• Regulatory Framework Overview • Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) • Banking Secrecy under which the following are discussed in detail:
• Ethics and Transparency • Financial Action Task Force (F.A.T.F.) • Protection of Banking Services Consumers • Suspicious Transactions • Restrictive Measures • Banking Secrecy and Professional Confidentiality Concepts
The Programme was launched in April, starting with the Branches under the responsibility of the Attica and Eastern Continental Greece Branch Division. The relevant Event was attended by 367 persons and achieved an average satisfaction rating of 4.4 / 5 in the final evaluation.
In May and June, 2019, similar Events will take place in Patras and Thessaloniki, while during the second half of the year the Programme is scheduled to conclude with Events in Larissa, Komotini, Heraklion (Crete), Ioannina and Athens (for Branches in the islands).
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Guided tour of the exhibition “The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek art from 1950 until today” for students from the University of Ioannina
Snapshot from the guided tour.
n Thursday, April 11, 2019, the students of the Department of Visual Arts and Art Sciences of the School of Fine Arts O of the University of Ioannina, were given a guided tour of the exhibition “The Alpha Bank Collection. Greek Art from 1950 until today”, presented in the Municipal Gallery of Ioannina.
The tour was given by the Curator of the Alpha Bank Art Collection Irene Orati.
The students had the opportunity to discover the works of some of the major contemporary Greek artists, through which the evolution of Greek art from the mid-20th century to this day can be observed. These works are not confined by the strict boundaries of painting but also signal the beginning of an era characterised by experimentation and the use of non-conventional materials. The tour was also followed by a discussion of specific works which intrigued or impressed the students. The donation of publications of the Bank to the Department’s Library was also initiated.
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Snapshot from the visit.
Students from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens visited the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection
n Tuesday, May 21, 2019, students from the Department of Archaeology and History of the National and Kapodistrian O University of Athens, accompanied by Professor Eleni Psoma, visited the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection’s permanent Exhibition. The visit was part of a course in ancient numismatics.
During their visit, the students were informed about the history of the Bank’s Numismatic Collection, as well as the invention and the evolution of coinage. Then, their Professor presented the theme that it had been chosen according to their Studies Programme.
The Bank gave publications of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection to the students, which will be used as part of the relevant course that they are attending.
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The Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection participates in the exhibition “The Order and the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George in Corfu”
n Sunday, May 19, 2019, a new temporary exhibition titled: “The Order and the Palace of O St Michael and St George in Corfu” opened at the Corfu Museum of Asian Art.
The Exhibition takes place as part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George and the construction of the homonymous Palace in Corfu, which has the same name and houses the Museum of Asian Art today.
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is the principal British honour for overseas service. Her Majesty the Queen of England is the Sovereign and Chief of the Order. The motto of the Order is “Auspicium Melioris Aevi” (“Token of a Better Age”).
The Bank’s Numismatic Collection participates in the Exhibition with five coins of the Ionian State, which circulated in the Ionian Islands when they were under British rule.
Exhibition’s duration: May 19 – November 17, 2019
Corfu Museum of Asian Art Palaia Anaktora Coin of 2 obols of Ionian State, 1819. Corfu Athens, Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection
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“Architectural Monuments of Antiquity on Greek Banknotes” Educational Activity at the Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank in Corfu
n the occasion of the International Museum Day (18.5.2019), themed “Museums as Cultural Hubs: The future of tradition”, O the Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank in Corfu held, from Wednesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 19, 2019, the educational activity titled: “Architectural Monuments of Antiquity on Greek Banknotes”.
The children became acquainted with the most important architectural monuments of Ancient Greece, the main rhythms of Architecture in antiquity and with some historical buildings of Corfu, followed by a special educational material. In addition, they searched amongst the exhibits of the Museum the banknotes that depict ancient monuments. By means of discussion and group games, the children discovered the past and cogitated the present, thus understanding the concept of architectural tradition.
Overall 326 children as well as 32 teachers and adults volunteers from five Primary Schools, the Scouts of Greece (Soma Hellinon Proskopon) and the Greek Guiding Association (Soma Hellinikou Odigismou) attended the educational Activity.
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“Night of Museums 2019” Alpha Bank Cultural Centre - Nafplio
n Saturday, May 18, 2019, the Alpha Bank Cultural Centre in Nafplio participated, for the 10th consecutive year, in the O “Night of Museums”, the global event established by ICOM (International Council of Museums), whereby most museums in the world remain open until midnight for one night in May.
At this year’s “Night of Museums”, young composer Katerina Polemi performed her show “Love, Amor”. Accompanied by violinist Vangelis Tountas, Katerina Polemi presented a selection of Greek songs, including the “Minore tis avgis” and “Mi milas allo gi’ agapi”, well-known foreign songs as well as her own compositions, all of which focus on love and which are representative of her career so far.
The performance took place at the pedestrian street outside the Bank’s Cultural Centre.
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“Platforms Project - Talks” Talk given by the Curator of the Alpha Bank Art Collection Irene Orati at the “Nikos Kessanlis” Exhibition Hall of the Athens School of Fine Arts
he Platforms Project is an international independent art fair, organised since 2013, Τ for seven years now, in Athens. This year, it was inaugurated on May 16, 2019, at the Nikos Kessanlis Exhibition Hall of the Athens School of Fine Arts, and ran until May 19, 2019.
It was initially created as an effort to map artistic action as this is produced in the context of collective initiatives by artists. To this end, in every annual event, groups of artists, primarily from Europe, are invited to present, in a shared space, works by
Snapshot from the event. representative artists. In this way, an interesting mapping of the activity of visual arts groups is produced and communication channels with other countries are created for collaboration, composing a global network.
In the context of the Platforms Project, a parallel activity titled “Talks” also takes place. These are talks given by art professionals such as museum directors, art professors, curators, artists and representatives of cultural organisations, on the subject of the promotion of modern art.
In this year’s event, the Curator of the Alpha Bank Art Collection Irene Orati gave a talk titled: “Four collections in one. The formation of the Alpha Bank Collection in the last twenty years”.
She presented the history of the Collection’s formation post-2000, with the unification of the art collections of Credit Bank, Ioniki Bank, Emporiki Bank and Citibank. She also analysed the Collection’s profile today and presented its exhibition activities which relate to contemporary Greek art.
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Human Resources Division Completion of the Second Cycle of the “Alpha Culture: Course Cycles”
n 2018, the Bank’s Art Collection, the Numismatic Collection and the Historical Archives, in collaboration with the I Human Resources Division, launched a series of internal courses for Personnel, titled “Alpha Culture: Course Cycles”.
After the great success of the first Course Cycle, it was decided to repeat the same courses in a new Cycle during the spring of 2019, so that more Employees could have the opportunity to attend them. The courses of this cycle were completed on Thursday, April 18, 2019.
The members of Personnel who chose the section of courses of the Art Collection, had the opportunity to attend four lectures titled “A History of Contemporary Greek Art from 1830 until today”, which were given by the Curator of the Bank’s Art Collection Irene Orati and covered the following topics: “The beginnings. The School of Munich and is significance”, “The interwar period. Subversion and developments”, “The 1940-1960 period. Difficulties and quests”, and “Modern art. Moving alongside the international avant-gardes”.
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The members of Personnel who chose the section of courses of the Numismatic Collection, had the opportunity to attend four lectures titled “Introduction to Greece’s Numismatic History”, which were given by the Curator of the Bank’s Numismatic Collection Dr Dimitra Tsangari and covered the following topics: “The emergence of the coin and the basic principles of numismatics”, “Coins issued in Greece during the antiquity”, “The concept of ‘international’ and ‘common’ coin”, and “Coins issued by the modern Greek State”.
Finally, the members of Personnel who chose the section of courses of the Historical Archives, had the opportunity to attend four lectures titled “Four moments from the History of the Greek State”, which were given by the Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Athens and Advisor to the Bank’s Management Kostas Kostis and covered the following topics: “The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832)”, “Trikoupian Transformation (1875-1895)”, “National Schism (1915-1940)”, and “Civil War (1943-1949)”.
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Human Resources Division Together ... at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, to visit the exhibition “George Zongolopoulos: The Vision of Public Sculpture”
n Friday, April 15, 2019, a guided tour of the exhibition “George Zongolopoulos: the Vision of Public Sculpture”, on display at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, took place for members of the Bank’s Personnel. The tour was given by Mr. Angelos Moretis, Director of the George Zongolopoulos Foundation and Curator of the Exhibition. The members of Personnel who participated in the tour had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with major works of the iconic sculptor G. Zongolopoulos and to understand how these works mark the spaces where they are located and interact with them.
......
Together … at an Educational Action for Children at the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum
n Saturday, May 18, 2019, a special educational action for Employees’ children aged from 6 to 12 took place at the Thessaloniki Cinema Museum, aimed at introducing children to the magic of the cinema in a creative way.
At the same time, the children’s parents / accompanying adults were given a short tour of the Museum’s facilities, during which they had the opportunity to become acquainted with its collection of cinematographic cameras and projectors, old cinematographic equipment and accessories, film development facilities etc.
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The Bank sponsored the opera “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” produced by the Greek National Opera
n Sunday, May 12, 2019, the Bank held a Customer event in the context of its sponsorship of Dmitri Shostakovich’s opera O “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk”, directed for the stage by Fanny Ardant and conducted by Vassilis Christopoulos. The event took place at the building of the Greek National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. The event was also attended by Members of the Bank’s Management and Executives of the Bank.
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The publication “With Wisdom and Vision: Alpha Bank 19th - 21st Century” will be sold by Alpha Bank at a discount of 40% throughout June 2019
lpha Bank offers the publication “With Wisdom and Vision: Alpha Bank 19th - 21st Century” at a discount of 40% A throughout June 2019. Scientific Supervision Kostas Kostis Athens 2015 (Greek edition) Athens 2017 (English edition) Alpha Bank Dimensions 29 x 24 cm 264 pages Greek, English ISBN 978-618-5072-15-5 (Greek edition) ISBN 978-618-5072-32-2 (English edition)
Price: Euro 24.00
The Publication narrates the history of the Bank, starting from the time when J.F. Costopoulos embarked on his first commercial ventures in the 19th century, until the present day. It includes rich and unpublished iconographic material taken for its most part from the Alpha Bank Historical Archives, while material from other organisations, banks or foundations, public and private, has been drawn upon as well. The Publication is structured in seven sections that present corresponding periods of the Bank’s history. The first section describes the time when J.F. Costopoulos (1856-1918) matures businesswise and branches out into banking activities by establishing the J.F. Costopoulos Bank in Kalamata. It is followed by the sections describing the activities of the Bank of Kalamata, with its seat also in Kalamata (1918-1924), and the Banque de Crédit Commercial Hellénique (1924-1947) which had its registered seat in Athens. The next sections present the post-war activities of the Commercial Credit Bank (1948-1972), now nationwide, and then its successor, Credit Bank (1973-1992). The final sections are dedicated to Alpha Credit Bank (1993-1999) and to Alpha Bank (2000-2015).
The Publications may be obtained either by visiting the “ALPHA BANK – CULTURE store” (40 Stadiou Street, ATHENS) and the e-shop www.alphapolitismos.gr/eshop or by placing an order via telephone or e-mail (tel.: +30 210 326 2465, e-mail: [email protected]).
For any further clarification or information please contact the Alpha Bank Library at +30 210 326 2440 and 210 326 2446.
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The Alpha Bank Library Maria Polydouri
oet Maria Polydouri was born in Kalamata in 1902. She spent her childhood in Gytheio and Filiatra, and graduated from the P Kalamata High School. In 1918 she was appointed to the Prefecture of Messinia, where she worked for two years. In 1921, after the death of her parents, she was transferred to the Prefecture of Athens, where she met poet Kostas Karyotakis, with whom she had a romantic, although short-lived, relationship. In 1922 she enrolled in the Law School of the University of Athens, from which she was later to drop out in order to enrol in the Drama School of the National Theatre. In 1926 she moved to Paris, where she attended dressmaking classes; however, the financial difficulties that she was facing, coupled with the effects of tuberculosis, by which she had been affected, forced her to return to Athens in 1928. That same year, the news of the tragic death of Karyotakis aggravated the state of her health. She died two years later, in 1930, at the Christomanos Clinic, where she was hospitalised. Her involvement with literature began at puberty, with the prose-poem “The pain of the mother”. From time to time, she published poems in literary magazines such as the “Hellenic Review”, “Pandora” etc. She published the collections of poetry “Trills that fade” (1928) and “Echo in the chaos” (1929), while she also left behind two works in prose, her Diary and one untitled novella. Her collected works were published for the first time in the 1960s by Hestia Publishers, edited by Lilli Zografou. Clearly influenced by the neo-romantic poets of the interwar period (the Generation of the 1920s) Kostas Karyotakis, Tellos Agras, Napoleon Lapathiotis and Kostas Ouranis, she addressed the themes of love and death, writing in a style that is strongly driven by her personal experiences. Her poetry is full of lyricism, while in some cases her emotional outbursts cover certain technical weaknesses of her work. Her life and work inspired various artists, among which many composers who set poems of hers to music. The Bank’s Library Collection includes several works by Maria Polydouri, such as poems, works in prose and more.
Please click here in order to view the titles.
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The J.F. Costopoulos Foundation
t the beginning of May, the Acropolis Friends Association printed, with the kind support of The J.F. Costopoulos Foundation, A the archaeological guide "Acropolis and Museum" in Spanish. The guide describes the Acropolis Monuments and the exhibits of the Acropolis Museum and belongs to the unity "Archaeological walks around the Acropolis".
The unity includes seven archaeological guides, as follows: "Acropolis and Museum", "Ancient Agora of Athens - Areopagus Hill", "Roman Agora - Library of Hadrian", "Hills of Philopappos - Pnyx - Nymphs", "Museum of Ancient Agora of Athens", "North, East and West Slopes of the Acropolis" and "South Slope of the Acropolis".
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The J.F. Costopoulos Foundation
n important Greek presence in U.S.A.: On April 4, 2019, Elli Papakonstantinou / ODC Ensemble's new opera “Oedipus – Sex A with Mum was Blinding” premiered at Stanford University. It is an innovative hybrid opera conceived, written and directed by visionary multimedia artist Elli Papakonstantinou. The piece draws from cognitive science and the myth of “Oedipus Rex”.
Honored with a Fulbright Artist’s Award, Elli Papakonstantinou was invited as a visiting scholar at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics CCRMA at Stanford University for a 6 month research period to develop new software applications for her new creation.
A full production of the piece will take place in BAM Theatre, New York and afterwards in Athens, in autumn 2019 with the participation of Greek and American collaborators. The project is being developed in collaboration with researchers at the CCRMA, and the Warburg Institute, associated with the University of London, and it kindly supported by The J.F. Costopoulos Foundation, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, and NEON organisation.
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The J.F. Costopoulos Foundation
rida Classical has released its new album, Dimitris Dragatakis - The String Quartets, which performs the internationally I renowned New Greek Quartet. String quartets hold a prominent place in the award-winning workshop of Dimitris Dragatakis, as they are all considered to be his most complete work. The presentation was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at the Music Teaching Hall Library Lilian Voudouri, at the Athens Concert Hall with speakers Giorgos Demertzis, Philippos Tsalahouris, Thomas Tamvakos, Iakovos Konitopoulos, Giorgos Monemvasitis, Magdalini Kalopana and Valia Dragatakis.
The album was produced with the kind support of The J.F. Costopoulos Foundation and Friends of the Society Dimitris Dragatakis.
< 32 / 56 > IN FOCUS
Garmin Pay: The new, innovative way of payments with smartwatch!
lpha Bank introduced the most innovative way of payments with smartwatch, Garmin Pay, to the Greek market. The latest A payment innovation is a collaboration between Alpha Bank, Visa and Garmin, and follows Alpha Wallet, the first digital wallet to enable mobile phone payments, which Alpha Bank was the first to launch approximately two years ago, with great success.
Garmin Pay is the most cutting-edge payment method, as it enables Alpha Bank debit and credit cardholders to easily and securely make contactless payments to POS contactless terminals, simply by wearing a Garmin “smart” watch. Initially only applicable to Visa cards, it will soon be available for all Alpha Bank cards. The application was first introduced to the Greek market at Spetsathlon, the annual landmark Greek triathlon event, held in the island of Spetses from Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12, 2019. Alpha Bank was present at the event with its own stand, where Bank’s representatives informed athletes and visitors about the new application and showed them how easy it is to register and make contactless payments to POS contactless terminals.
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The Manager of the Alpha Bank Cards and Personal Loans Division Grigorios Politis said: “Alpha Bank once more confirms its commitment to creating groundbreaking and innovative products, as it presents consumers with a unique, for Greek standards, contactless payment product. For the first time in Greece, the new international Tokenization Service technology is applied, whereby the actual card number is not stored, hence making payments significantly safer and easier to manage. Our goal is to incorporate these new possibilities in other cutting-edge products and services soon.”
The Acting General Manager of Visa for Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria Mrs. Andriana Pappa said: “We are proud to be taking a step forward, together with Alpha Bank, in our commitment to simplify payments as much as possible for consumers, and to ensure that any connected device used for payments is safe. Introducing smartwatch contactless payments to the Greek market is a landmark in our long-term collaboration with Alpha Bank. Visa cardholders in Greece have adopted contactless payments over the past few years, because of their undisputed advantages: speed, convenience and safety. Wearables not only have all these advantages, but they take them to the next level: they are always in contact with consumers, they are part of their movements, hence payments run smoothly and securely.”
The Marketing & Corporate Communication Director of Garmin Mrs. Nancy Zampeli said: “Garmin has a well-established presence in wearables and is known for quality and innovation. The Garmin Pay contactless payment method is yet another innovation, as the owners of compatible Garmin watches can make payments without needing either their wallet or their mobile phone. It is our pleasure and honour to be partnering with Alpha Bank and Visa in this new venture.”
Additional information about Garmin Pay is available at www.alpha.gr/cards.
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Snapshots from Spetsathlon 2019.
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Snapshots from Spetsathlon 2019.
< 36 / 56 > PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
More Bonus at super markets with the Diners Club cards!
H olders of Diners Club cards can earn even more Bonus points by using their card for their daily purchases at any super market!
Specifically, for monthly purchases worth Euro 200 or more made using their Diners Club card at any super market, they are rewarded with 1,000 extra Bonus points each month.
The offer runs every month, from 1.5.2019 to 31.12.2019, and applies to purchases made using any Diners Club credit card at any supermarket.
This promotion was communicated to Customers via their monthly card account statements, as well as via text (SMS) or instant messages (Viber).
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Big “Contactless Missions” Competition by Visa!
H olders of Alpha Bank Visa cards have the opportunity to win great gifts! Specifically, when using their Visa cards (debit or credit) for their contactless purchases at POS terminals with the contactless symbol, they are automatically entered in the Big “Contactless Missions” Competition, to compete for prepaid Visa cards loaded with a total amount up to Euro 3,000!*
To participate in the competition, all they have to do is send a message to the Visa Messenger BOT, via Facebook, and upload a photograph of the Visa payment receipt.
This promotion was communicated to Customers via their monthly card account statements.
*Applies to purchases made from 15.4.2019 to 15.6.2019.
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Affinity Mastercard®: The card that renews your spring wardrobe!
o communicate the Affinity Mastercard spring promotional offer, an advertising campaign was carried out via magazine T ads, radio mentions and Internet banners, as well as using promotional material placed in the Inditex Group stores.
The offer, which ran from 20.4.2019 to 20.5.2019, gave Customers the chance to win 5% in Affinity euros, participating simultaneously in a draw held on May 28, 2019, for one of the 50 gift vouchers for the Zara stores, worth Euro 100 each.
< 39 / 56 > PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The everyday transactions of businesses are now simpler!
s part of the ongoing projects for modernising and further optimising the e-Banking services, the myAlpha Code functionality A was enhanced with the addition of one-off codes sent to the subscriber’s mobile phone via text (SMS) or instant messages (Viber).
Thus, for transactions requiring an additional password (myAlpha Code), a 6-digit code is sent to the registered mobile phone number of the subscriber business, as additional identification. The new functionality replaces the use of the token device in corporate subscriptions, further simplifying the daily transactions of businesses.
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Alpha Tourism Entrepreneurship
lpha Bank, always standing by the businesses active in tourist areas, offers, A for the fourth consecutive year, the “Alpha Tourism Entrepreneurship” programme, which promotes products and services that cover the complete range of business needs during the tourist season, while at the same time offering benefits, discounts and Bonus Rewards to the participating businesses.
The Programme fully meets the requirements of the modern tourist business, by offering solutions addressing the following:
• Management of Daily Transactions, with modern tools and digital services that facilitate everyday business transactions. • Business Development, with flexible financing solutions to ensure liquidity and support the implementation of investment plans. • High yields on the available cash of the business. • Business Protection with Insurance Plans that cover the entrepreneur, the business and the employees.
The Programme offers complete flexibility, so that each business can establish its own “Alpha Tourism Entrepreneurship” programme, tailored to its particular profile, by choosing the products and services that facilitate the its everyday transactions.
“Alpha Tourism Entrepreneurship” is offered until 30.9.2019 to all businesses active in tourist destinations.
< 41 / 56 > CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“Together, for better health”
he Bank’s Social Responsibility programme “Together, for better health” for 2019 set sail from the island of Kythira on Τ Thursday, May 2, 2019, with the delivery of medical equipment to the Kythira General Hospital - Health Centre, in the presence of representatives of the Bank and of the “Agoni Grammi Gonimi” civil non-profit organisation. Under the Programme, medical equipment and pharmaceutical and medical supplies are scheduled for delivery to the following islands: Agios Esftratios, Agios Nikolaos (Crete), Alonissos, Thirasia, Kimolos, Poros, Hydra and Psara.
< 42 / 56 > CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“Helping Hand”
Nikaia Thermo Pogoni Egaleo
Keramikos Chalkidona Sidirokastro
lpha Bank donated food supplies to vulnerable groups of the population (the poor, large families, the elderly) through its social A contribution programme “Helping Hand”. More specifically, during April 2019, the Programme visited the Holy Diocese of Nikaia, the Social Grocery of the Municipality of Thermo, the Social Grocery of the Municipality of Pogoni, the Social Grocery of the Municipality of Egaleo, the Spiritual Centre of the Holy Church of Saint George (of the Hatzikostas Orphanage) in Keramikos, the Social Grocery of the Municipality of Chalkidona and the Holy Diocese of Sidirokastro. In total, 1,750 carts with food supplies were delivered. The donations made under the Programme also support Greek products, as the food supplies donated are purchased from Greek businesses. Since the launch of the Programme in 2012, 25,750 carts with food supplies have been delivered all over Greece until today.
< 43 / 56 > CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Bank supports the work of the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
he Bank provides financial assistance to the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment of the National and Kapodistrian T University of Athens, in the form of a sponsorship granted to cover the tuition costs for two postgraduate students of the study course titled “Environmental, Disaster and Crisis Management Strategies” for the academic year 2018-2019. Today, Geology is a key drover of economic growth in all the countries of the world. Geologists are primarily responsible for mapping open lands, underground works and mines, studying earthquakes, carrying out hydrogeological investigations, supervising drilling and technical works, and studying the bored rocks.
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Alpha Bank sponsors the National Hellenic Research Foundation
he Bank has been supporting, for several years now, the “Society of Science” programme of educational events of the T National Hellenic Research Foundation, whose aim is to disseminate scientific knowledge to the scientific community as well as to the general public. By covering part of the expenses for the organisation of the educational events, the Foundation is aided in its effort to contribute to the country's intellectual and cultural development.
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Alpha Bank supports the system of shared bikes of the Municipality of Nafplio
lpha Bank supports, through a relevant sponsorship, the system of shared bikes of the Municipality of Nafplio. The system A is open for use by any resident or visitor of the city, on condition that they are at least 18 years old. Related research shows that the lower congestion levels in the city centre, combined with the easy access offered by bikes, are beneficial for trade and, therefore, for the city’s prosperity.
The use of bikes also results in significant benefits for the environment, as it helps lower petrol or diesel fuel consumption levels, thus leading to reduced CO2 emissions.
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The Bank assists the work of the Association of Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece
lpha Bank assists the work of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Greece (TRAG), by covering part of the feeding expenses for A one of TRAG’s horses. In this way, the Bank is helping the Association’s efforts to offer therapeutic riding to people with mobility, psychological, developmental, sensory and/or emotional impairments, in order to improve the quality of their life and increase their social integration prospects.
Since its launch in 1992, the Association has offered therapeutic services to approximately 1,500 children and 500 adults. TRAG is a member of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) and of the German Council for Therapeutic Riding......
The Bank supports the work of the Panhellenic Association against Juvenile Diabetes
he Bank undertook to cover, through a sponsorship, part of the costs for the performance of T Karmen Rouggeri’s play, organised by the Panhellenic Association against Juvenile Diabetes in order to inform both the children with type 1 Diabetes and the general public, providing useful information and demonstrating that the persons with juvenile diabetes can have a completely normal life.
< 46 / 56 > CULTURE SPECIAL • ART NETWORK
Frosso Michalea Opening to the future Steel construction 100x100x16.5 cm.
Openings to time, 1997 Steel construction 100x100x17 cm.
Agia Paraskevi Branch (138)
he two square metallic wall compositions that adorn the surfaces of the Agia Paraskevi Branch were first showcased T at the Zoumboulakis Gallery, in 1998. They are part of a series of works produced by prominent artist Frosso Michalea, titled Passages-Openings. These works are defined by two main features, features that are representative of the artist’s long career, which started in the 1970s: the absolute control over and taming of the material, be it wood, limestone or steel as well as the particular, genetic even, relationship between her sculptures and their surroundings.
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Frosso Michalea Frosso Michalea Opening to the future Openings to time, 1997 Steel construction 100x100x16.5 cm. Steel construction 100x100x17 cm.
Both Opening to the future as well as Openings to Time are explicit geometric constructions, where the strict square shape is disturbed by powerful diagonal lines. In the case of Opening to the future, a small crack, almost in the centre of the steel surface, allows viewers to gain access beyond, to what lurks and lies underneath the harshness of the impenetrable material. In Openings to time, the crack creates multiple creases, that result in a skillful game of shadow and light.
Regarding the origins of the opening-passage motif, according to one point of view it recalls the island doors with their partly open upper frames, or the half-closed window shutters one often encounters in the Cycladic islands, Sifnos in particular, a place the artist was very close to. Finally, there is a more philosophical and metaphysical interpretation, that of the passage, the transition from reality to beyond, to another world unknown to the senses, that cannot be ruled out.
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FROSSO MICHALEA (Larissa 1936-Athens 2001)
CURRICULUM VITAE
S he studied painting and drawing with Yorgos Bouzianis (1953) and went on to study sculpture at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Geneva, under Max Weber and Ηenri Κönig (1954-58). Following a brief study of stylised human figures, she moved on to abstract sculpture, in order to explore the interaction between object and space, with plain yet sufficient sculpting means and materials. It should be noted that the artist had a particular bond with the Bank, as in the early 1970s she created a landmark composition for the Kolonaki Branch (see MAZI, issue 9/2016).
< 49 / 56 > CULTURE SPECIAL • NUMISMATIC COLLECTION
Frame at the Preveza Branch (420) Prefecture of Preveza The Koinon of Epirots (Epirot League)
he history of the Koinon of Epirots (Epirot League) is linked to the development and expansion of the epirote tribe of T Molossians (Molossi). Initially it was called the Koinon of Molossians. The main characteristics of the period from the 5th through the first half of the 4th century BC, were the political innovation, as well as the experimentation.
Around 300 BC, with the addition as members of other tribes and cities, the name was changed and the Koinon of Epirots was established, which constitutes a model combination of monarchy, state and tribal organisation. Members were cities, towns and tribes, while central authority rested with the king. The character of the new schema was that of a restricted monarchy and there was an annual exchange of vows between king and citizens: the king swore that he would obey the laws and the citizens that they would obey the king. In 232 BC, after the assassination of the last King of the Molossians, Ptolemy, the Koinon of Epirots was reorganised on a democratic basis and the king was replaced by the strategos (general) or a triumvirate of archons. The existence of a Council is also attested.
During the 3rd century BC bronze coins were minted, with the ethnic ΑΠΕΙΡΩΤΑΝ (of Epirots), while from 232 BC, following the reorganisation of the Koinon, silver issues circulated. The principal iconographic types are Zeus Dodonaios, his wife Dione, and the symbol and attribute accompanying the god – the eagle and the thunderbolt.
< 50 / 56 > CULTURE SPECIAL • PORTRAITS FROM THE BANK’S HISTORY
Leonidas A. Canellopoulos (1905-1979)
TITAN Historical Photographic Archives From www.titan.gr Copyright TITAN Group
Member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial Credit Bank from 1951 to 1960.
Leonidas Canellopoulos was born in Athens in 1905. He was the son of Angelos and the nephew of Nikolaos Canellopoulos, two of the Greek industry’s key founders.
After finishing the Varvakeio Practical High School, he enrolled in the School of Electrical-Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens. Very soon after that, he went on to continue his studies at the University of Munich. It was in the same city that he also made his first professional steps, working at the Siemens-Schukert electrical engineering company.
In 1926, he returned to Greece to continue the family’s rich business tradition. He initially joined the E. Charilaos - N. Canellopoulos olive oil and soap factory as an engineer, and then the Titan Cement Co. S.A., which had been founded in 1902 by his uncle, Nikolaos Canellopoulos, in partnership with Andreas Hadjikyriakos. Three years later, he assumed the duties of technical manager of the company’s cement plant in Eleusis. He also worked as technical manager at the Hellenic Chemicals and Fertilizers Co. S.A., one of Greece’s largest industrial companies of the interwar period, which had been founded in 1909 by Nikolaos Canellopoulos, this time in partnership with Leontios Economides.
< 51 / 56 > CULTURE SPECIAL • PORTRAITS FROM THE BANK’S HISTORY
In 1936, following the death of Nikolaos Canellopoulos, his brother Angelos assumes the duties of Chairman of Titan’s Board of Directors. Leonidas is elected Board Member. In 1943, he became Managing Director at the Hellenic Chemicals and Fertilizers Co. S.A. and in 1944 Managing Director of Titan, in a period during which the company’s activities had been suspended because of the Second World War.
Leonidas Canellopoulos Image from the photographic album “Titan, 100 years” Athens, 2002
In 1951, he was elected Member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial Credit Bank. He remained in this position until 1960, when he was forced to resign on the grounds of incompatibility of this capacity with his capacity as Member of the General Council of the Bank of Greece, to which he had been elected that year.
In 1957, Leonidas Canellopoulos assumed the duties of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Titan and, one year later, of the Hellenic Chemicals and Fertilizers Co. S.A. He also served as Chairman of the General Ceramics Industry. He also participated in the establishment of many other companies, such as Interbeton Construction Materials S.A., Intercement LTD and Titan Cement International S.A.
He was for many years a Member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Greek Industrialists and also served as its Chairman from April 1960 to April 1962. In 1962, when the Hellenic Cement Industry Association was established, Leonidas Canellopoulos served as its Chairman.
He remained Titan’s Chairman until his death in 1979. To honour his rich business and social activities, in which Eleusis was the constant point of reference, in 2005 Titan established in his memory the “Leonidas Canellopoulos” Cultural Centre in Eleusis.
< 52 / 56 > GROUP COMPANIES
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd was the Main Sponsor of the 9th Nicosia Economic Congress
lpha Bank Cyprus Ltd was once again, the Main Sponsor of the Nicosia Economic Congress, which took place in A Nicosia. Held for the ninth consecutive year, the Congress has by now established itself as one of the most important financial conferences and features the participation of the main representatives of Cyprus’ economic and political scene.
This year’s Conference featured speakers from Cyprus and abroad who shared their forecasts regarding the Cypriot economy and its prospects for 2020-2025, while issues concerning the markets’ course, the consequences of Brexit, the promotion of the Health Sector as a new platform for foreign investments, as well as the prospects of the tourism industry were thoroughly discussed.
The Leader of the Opposition at the Hellenic Parliament Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis honoured the Congress with his presence. Speakers included the Minister of Finance, Mr. Harris Georgiades and the Minister of Health, Mr. Constantinos Ioannou, while representatives of the business community, including many of the Bank’s Executives, Customers and Associates, further attended the Conference.
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Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd “Alpha Car – Low installment”
lpha Bank Cyprus Ltd launched an advertising campaign in April to promote the Alpha Car Loan, which offers a low A monthly installment.
The advertising campaign was realised via television, radio and selected websites, while the TV spot stars actor Vassilis Charalambopoulos.
In order to watch the TV spot, please click here.
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Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd “Alpha Life Plan”
uring the month of April, an advertising campaign was launched to promote the new bancassurance product, Alpha Life D Plan. Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd, in cooperation with Altius Insurance offers Customers Alpha Life Plan, a unit-linked modern savings plan based on regular or lump sum payments, whose aim is to create capital in order to cover future needs through systematic savings. The Plan also offers insurance coverage in case of death of the insured.
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Alpha Bank Romania Successful issuance of a covered bond by Alpha Bank Romania
lpha Bank Romania successfully completed its inaugural Euro 200 million covered bond issue, as part of its recently A established Euro 1 billion direct issuance Global Covered Bond Programme.
This is the first ever covered bond issue from a Romanian bank and marks a milestone for both Alpha Bank Romania and the Romanian Capital Markets.
The issued covered bond, has a 5-year tenor, pays a floating rate coupon, and is backed by prime Romanian residential mortgages.
The transaction attracted strong investor interest from both local and international institutional investors including the IFC and the EBRD. The transaction was managed by Barclays acting as Lead Manager and Alpha Finance Romania as Co-Manager. The bond will be listed both on the Luxembourg and the Bucharest Stock Exchanges and is rated by Moody’s (P)Baa2.
The Executive President of Alpha Bank Romania and Member of the Group Executive Committee, Sergiu Oprescu, said: “Almost 18 years after the launch of the first ever mortgage loan in 2001, Alpha Bank Romania is opening a new chapter in the Romanian banking market with this new funding tool, demonstrating once again its pioneering capabilities”.
The Group CEO of Alpha Bank, Vassilios Psaltis, commented: “The success of the first ever covered bond issuance in Romania, enhances the liquidity position of our Subsidiary and contributes to its business goal of funding diversification, taking advantage of the strong potential of the Romanian economy.”
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