Recently he had problems health where is it they were suffering although his condition was even worse after the death of his wife, Marianna.
Quiet and measured, o Vardis Vardinogiannis he avoided journalists and interviews – although he himself was active in the media until the end of his life.
There was, however, someone known by the secular Athens and with his wife, Marianna, they grew rich charity work.
Vardis Vardinogiannis / PATERAKIS DIONYSIS – Eurokinissi
According to the ForbesVardis Vardinogiannis created a fortune of 1.9 billion dollars during his life and for several years he was in the 1,575th place on the list of billionaires in the world.
It was also included in the list of strong factors her global shipping.
The name Vardis Vardinogiannis was known throughout the world – not only because of her business of action but also because of his attempt to promote Greece.
He had also developed relationships with important people in the world of international business and politics, perhaps the most typical example being his friendship with Canadian family.
The Vardinogiannis couple during the 2019 US Independence Day celebrations / Alexandros Beltes – APE / MPE
Born on December of 1933 in the Diocese of Rethymno as the fifth of eight children –Paul, Amalia, Sifi, Nikos, George, Theodore and Helen- of Ioannis Vardinogiannis and Chrysis Theodoroulakis.
According to family tradition, Vardis Vardinogiannis chose a career in the navy and joined the Leisure Cadets of the Navyfrom which he graduated in 1955.
His career i Fleet but his resistance activism was short lived and his career took a different turn.
He met his life partner at a young age at a friend’s house in Piraeus and some time later they got married.
herself Marianna Vardinogianni was spoke in one of her last interviews about her life partneremphasizing the unknown aspects of their family life but also their commitment to each other.
Vardis and Marianna Vardinogianni in their last public appearance for the entrepreneur award from the Hellenic Initiative / Alexandros Beltes – APE/MPE
“We’ve been through a lot i our common life. Struggles and worries, comfort and sadness but always together” said Marianna Vardinogianniportraying her husband as the source of her strength.
The couple also made sure that she always found some time to spend a few minutes together, despite the demanding schedules of both.
“The most sacred time of the day is lunchtime, which I always make sure to be at home to have lunch with Vardis. It’s a habit that hasn’t changed over the years. No matter how busy the day’s schedule is, no matter how serious our obligations may be, at noon we are always at home to have lunch together and whatever we are concerned about discussion,” Marianna Vardinogianni pointed out.
Together they had five children – Johnthe Christianthe Georgethe Nico and the Wards– although they were lucky enough to see their grandchildren grow up and give them great grandchildren.
Creation of an empire
The foundations of the family’s financial empire were laid by Nikos Vardinogiannis, who founded the ship supply station in the late 60s. Port Maith in Crete.
A few years later, the 1972add first”pebbles» a refinery Motor Oil, which, however, he did not see moderately.
Vardis Vardinogiannis during the General Assembly for Motor Oil / AXIOTIS STELIOS - APE/MPE
In 1973, Mr Nikos Vardinogiannis died suddenly, and the administration of his descendants passed into the hands of his brother, Vardis.
A man with an entrepreneurial spirit and a sixth sense for business, Vardis Vardinogiannis manages to completely change the profile of the group within a few years.
He built ships, closed large deals directly with foreign countries and greatly increased his activity, ie. expanding into the shipping, banking and hotel sectors.
The “flagship” of the Vardinogiannis business group was its refinery unit and it still is Greece Motor Oil, but the family has also shown significant activity through its involvement with companies such as Bank Piraeus, excellent Bank, Vegas Oil, Gas, Anyone Oil, ANEK LINES, Elector, Star Channel, Alpha television, ΝJV Plaza of Athens, AVE Group of Companies and Odeon.
Credit is given to Vardis Vardinogiannis move «riot police” to modernize Motor Oil in 1996, which was made possible after the strategic agreement with the Saudi giant Aramco.
The company was listed on Athens Stock Exchange in August 2001 and in 2005 the collaboration with Aramco completed.
Vardis Vardinogiannis / KONTARINIS GIORGOS / Eurokinissi
presence “
On the morning of November 20, 1990, two armored vehicles Mercedes They are ambushed by a vehicle armed with rockets Dilboi square of New Eritrea.
The goal was Vardis Vardinogiannis.
«They dropped it on us” were his first words, as soon as he jumped out of the car.
“Fortunately we protected her”…
With scary restwhich was also one of his characteristics, o Vardis Vardinogiannis he goes to the booth a few meters from the scene of the attack and makes a phone call.
Only a few minutes have passed and she is at her place attack a third Mercedes is seen, driven by his brother, Giorgos Vardinogiannis.
Without saying a word, Vardis Vardinogiannis takes his place passenger and goes towards the center of Athens.
Vardis Vardinogiannis seems to have heeded the November 17 warnings that “good things take time” and took action, designing the Mercedes to specifications he received from his counter-terrorism services. of France and her England.
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Photo from the scene of the attack against Vardis Vardinogiannis Source: KONTARINIS GIORGOS / Eurokinissi
He was also lucky, however, because the two rockets of the terrorists that found their target did not explode, because, as experts of the time said, they were launched from a distance shorter than 20 meters.
“Saravakos hit a penalty and hit the crossbar” said Vardis Vardinogiannis to his friend Antonis Livanis, who was the director of Andreas Papandreou’s political office at the time.
Vardis Vardinogiannis leaves the trial on November 17, after his testimony / PAPAIOANNOU P / APE BE
The exile in Amorgos and the arch
Vardis Vardinogiannis was immobilized in July 1967 from the dictatorial regime because of his resistance activity to his rank admiral and he was exiled to Amorgos.
Although the businessman himself never spoke publicly about his exile, the Marianna Vardinogianni he had done a related job on Instagram in April 2020.
She described how as a young woman she left two small children and an infant with her mother and went to find exile Vardy Vardinogiannis in Amorgos.
“I felt there, and I will never forget, how much warmth and how much kindness can be in such a small arch. It was the solidarity of the local people that kept us going and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their love and support. All together there and the danger before us. Then not compared to now. Because of the enemy, the danger is different” Marianna Vardinogianni wrote typically, accompanying her post with an old photo of the couple from Amorg
The love for Panathinaikos
Him July 1979the Vardinogiannis family bought the majority in PAE Panathinaikos and George Vardinogiannis appointed president.
the “Captain” or “Ringo“, as Giorgos Vardinogiannis was known, remained at the helm of PAE for almost 21 years, bringing the group some of its greatest achievements in its history.
The Vardinogiannis family saw him all the time Panathinaiks to conquer six Championshipsnine Cups and three Excellent cap and “breath” coming from the top of the Champions Cup twice, the most recent one Champions League.
OR Vardinogiannis family together 54% of PAE, as at that time no one person was allowed more than 20%.
“There is no problem. 20% me, 20% my brother Vardis and 14% my son-in-law, all members of Panathinaikos” Giorgos Vardinogiannis answered at the time.
Although Vardis Vardinogiannis himself did not mention the “reins” of the group, regularly discussed with “Captain” for the issues of the PAE when he was younger he was also regularly present at the games.
Heavy inheritance
He was his “patriarch”. Vardinogiannis family he leaves a heavy legacy for those who will now lead the “baton” of his work and his promises.
This project will not easy…
And that’s because o Vardis Vardinogiannis not only did he remain active in the management of his affairs until the end of his life but also because he and his beloved Marianna worked tirelessly to create their own businesses… family surrenderoffering, among other things, a rich charity work in our country.
Transforming the club into one of the most prestigious in Greek football. Under his leadership, Panathinaikos achieved significant successes, including winning multiple championships and domestic cups.
The Vardinogiannis family’s passion for Panathinaikos goes beyond mere ownership; it reflects a deep-rooted connection to the club and its legacy. They have invested not only financially but also emotionally, often attending matches and engaging with fans. Their commitment to the club has helped solidify its position within Greek sports culture.
In addition to their sporting ventures, the Vardinogiannis family is known for its philanthropic initiatives, contributing to various charitable causes and community projects. Their influence extends beyond business and sports, impacting social issues and local development in Greece.
Despite facing challenges throughout their business and personal lives, including political turmoil and threats to their safety, the Vardinogiannis family has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Their story highlights a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, love for sports, and dedication to making a difference in society.
Vardis Vardinogiannis embodies the characteristics of a visionary leader, personifying the enduring legacy of a family deeply intertwined with Greece’s history, both in business and sports.