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Businessman and ship owner Vardis Vardinogiannis died earlier in the day, aged 91.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis announces that the beloved father and grandfather of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis passed away today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
The funeral procession and burial will take place in a close family circle.”
Who was he?
Vardis Vardinogiannis was born in the Diocese of Rethymno on December 4, 1933. He was the head of the Vardinogiannis Group and was considered one of the strongest actors in the Greek economy with a fortune worth 2.3 billion dollars (according to Forbes November 2024 data) . ). According to Lloyd’s, he was included in the list of powerful players in world shipping.
He graduated in 1955 from the Naval Cadet School and pursued a career as an officer in the Navy (then the Royal Navy), like his brother, Nikos.
The anti-dictatorship attitude
Forcedly immobilized in July 1967 by the dictatorial regime of 21 April with the rank of Admiralbecause of his democratic views and resistance activity and he was exiled to Amorgos, because he was of Venetian origin.
It was initiated in the anti-dictatorship Naval Movement that took place in 1973 and helped to ensure the supply of the ships in case of movement. He dealt with his brother’s businesses and from 1972 he took over the management of them, after his untimely death.
He was married to Marianna Vardinogianni (née Bournakis) from 1961 until his death in 2023, and they had five children: Giannis (1962), Christianna (1964), George (1967), Nikos (1974) and Vardianna (1976).
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He and his wife had developed important philanthropic actions.
The exile
Marianna Vardinogianni said during the exile of Vardis Vardinogiannis, during the junta, in Amorgos.
“My memories bring my thoughts to Amorgos, where as a young woman, leaving behind two small children and an infant in the care of my mother, with a heart full of anguish but above all full of love, I went to meet my husband was. in exile, as a resistance officer with the Navy, the bottom of my heart for their love and support.
His business activity
Since 1972, Vardis Vardinogiannis has managed one of the largest Greek business groups, having created an international range of activities from the oil, shipbuilding, banking and hotel sectors as well as the media.
The most important of these were Motor Oil, Optima bank, Vegas Oil and Gas (Egypt), Avin Oil, Piraeus Bank, ANEK Lines, Ellaktor, Star Channel, Alpha TV, NJV Athens Plaza, AVE Group of Companies, Odeon , etc. a. The Motor Oil Hellas refinery unit is considered the flagship of the group.
Motor Oil Milestones
The operation of the Motor Oil Hellas refinery begins in 1972 with a crude oil refining unit, a base oil production unit and a wharf. In 1978, the catalytic reformer unit is built for the production of gasoline. In 1984, the electricity production unit is built with gaseous fuel as raw material.
In 1996 Saudi Aramco buys 50% of the company, and in 2000 the new units are built and the naphtha reformer is converted into a continuous regeneration unit to produce fuels according to EU specifications.
In 2001, the share capital was increased through public registration and trading of the shares began on the main market of the Athens Stock Exchange.
In 2002, 100% of the petroleum trading company AVIN Oil is acquired, and in 2005 the operation of the Hydrocracker plant begins, which enables the production of clean fuels according to EU standards. In the same year, Motor Oil Holdings acquires the percentage in Aramco Overseas in the company.
In 2010, the acquisition of the companies Shell Hellas and Shell Gas was completed, as well as 49% of the aviation fuel trade, and in 2014, 100% of Cyclon was acquired. In 2019 MOH enters the RES sector, and in 2021 Motor Oil Renewable Energy (MORE) is established.
Attempted murder
In November 1990, the terrorist organization attacked with three rockets against him, November 17. The rockets hit the car he was riding in, but
Friendship with the Kennedy family
V. Vardinogiannis and his wife, Marianna, were among the founders of Robert Kennedy’s leadership council along with Bill Clinton and other world leaders. The marriage of Rory Kennedy, daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy to Mark Bailey, was celebrated at the Vardinogiannis Mansion in Ekali.
Even the marriage of Rory’s older sister Courtney Kennedy to Irishman Paul Hill was celebrated in 1993 on the V. Vardinogianni Varmar luxury yacht.
Farewell to the “Hope” foundation.
“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to the great Greek, great patriot and national benefactor Vardis I. Vardinogiannis.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis has always stood by the ELPIDA children very sensitively and generously and the whole ELPIDA family owes him a great deal of gratitude.
We will be forever grateful.”
Detailed biography of Vardis Vardinogiannis
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis was born in 1933 in the Diocese of Rethymnon. He came from a heroic family of Sfakia, descended from Ioannou Vardinogiannis, leader of the Cretan rebellion against the Ottomans. The fifth child of the family of Ioannis and Chrysis Vardinogiannis.
He graduated from the Naval Academy and began his career as an officer in the Navy, serving his country with loyalty, love and devotion. Because of his deep democratic conscience, the dictatorial regime forced him to retire and he was exiled to Amorgos. Later the Greek State honored his action and awarded him the title of Honorary Admiral. The principles and values of the Navy carved his heart, followed him throughout his life and was the compass of his course and action.
After his retirement from the army and the sudden death of his brother Nikos in 1972, he took control of MOTOR OIL (HELLAS) SA, and with steady steps, solid business decisions and commitment to the goal was the result. international level. With vision, enthusiasm, modesty and hard struggles, he turned the small oil refinery in Agios Theodoros into today’s energy group with an international scope: MOTOR OIL, the flagship of the Vardinogianni Group.
Aislingí, a leader, led the Group with firmness and a deep sense of responsibility for a full 52 years: half a century of supporting the country’s national economy, through exports, thousands of jobs, investments and energy stability.
At the same time, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis developed a wide range of business activities, in Greece and abroad, in the oil, shipping, banking and hotel industries, as well as in the media. Greece remains the basis of the Group at all times.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis was a living example of the incredible Greek spirit and entrepreneurial spirit. A true Cretan, always moderate, Doric, authentic, he did not forget his place or his colleagues, offering a great and beneficial work to his special homeland, Crete.
His strength is his family. Married to Marianna V. Vardinogiannis, they had five children: Giannis, Christiana, George, Nikos and Vardianna. Their family grew up with 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Together, Vardisand Marianna offered a huge social and humanitarian project in Greece and internationally.
For the entire family of MOTHAR OLA employees, and for the entire Group, he stood as a father, always opening his door to everyone, imposing but also knowledgeable, always helping in every need. “Taking care of your neighbor” were the words he always said. He never stopped imagining, never stopped working tirelessly.
With a high sense of responsibility and duty, he was the patriarch of the family and a living symbol of entrepreneurship. A true patriot, he was always present in the difficult moments of the country. With a deep democratic conscience, he always believed in national unity to move the country forward. He nurtured the new generation with his morals and determined principles of life, which left a great legacy.
His ideals were always deeply engraved in his heart: the family, the navy, Crete, his homeland.
From Crete to the world and from the hardships to the triumphs of life, she deserves a place in history.
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His family and the business empire he built. His dedication to his work and his community established him as a beloved figure among his colleagues and the general public alike.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis’s unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity defined his career. Under his leadership, Motor Oil (Hellas) SA not only became a prominent player in the energy sector but also exemplified corporate responsibility and civic engagement. His emphasis on ethical business practices earned the company immense respect within the industry and beyond.
Throughout his life, he also remained deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting numerous charitable causes and initiatives. His generosity extended to education, healthcare, and cultural heritage, establishing a legacy that will continue to impact future generations.
Vardinogiannis’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and hard work. His ability to navigate challenges, adapt to changing markets, and continuously innovate set a standard for business leaders everywhere. As he transitioned into roles of greater influence, both in business and society, Vardinogiannis left an indelible mark on Greece and its economic landscape.
the life of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis reflects a remarkable journey characterized by perseverance, familial devotion, and an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and national service. His contributions to the business world and society underscore the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a community and a nation. The legacy of Vardinogiannis will be felt for many years to come as he is remembered not only as a business magnate but as a devoted family man, a patriot, and a benefactor who served his country with pride.