CIIM Business School
Faculty - Department of Management
Dean of the CIIM Business School
Department of Management, Department of Economics and Finance
Prof. Doron Sonsino is the Dean of the CIIM Business School and an accomplished academic in economics and finance, with a diverse educational background and a strong commitment to quality education and frontier research. He earned his PhD in Business Economics from Stanford University, California. Most recently, he served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics at Ben-Gurion University, Israel (2018–2021). Professor Sonsino is well known for his top-tier publications in economics and finance, particularly in the fields of behavioural and experimental finance. His current research on the financial decisions of private investors and professionals offers valuable insights into their preferences and behaviour regarding advanced financial investment instruments.
Vice Dean of the CIIM Business School, Chairperson of the Department of Management, Director of the MBA and MPSM.
Department of Management
Dr Paris Cleanthous is the Vice Dean of the CIIM Business School, Chairperson of the Department of Management, and Director of the MBA and MPSM programs at the University of Limassol (UoL). He is an Associate Professor of Strategy and Marketing. Dr Cleanthous holds a PhD in Economics from Yale University. He has served as an Associate Professor at CIIM (2012–2023) and has previously held academic and professional positions at New York University (Stern School of Business), the University of Cyprus, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His research and teaching interests focus on strategic growth, strategic innovation, marketing strategy, competitive advertising, and market research, with applications primarily in the fields of tourism and healthcare.
Director of DBA
Department of Management
Prof. Waldemar Pfoertsch is Professor of Marketing at UoL. He holds a PhD from the Free University of Berlin, Germany. His research has been published in top-tier journals. He wrote more than 30 books, five of them co-authored with Philip Kotler, the marketing Guru, globally acknowledged as the father of marketing. Together they developed thought-leading concepts in the area of B2B and B2B2C brand management and now created the H2H Marketing principles, which has been translated in many languages including Greek. He has been a visiting professor at some of the world’s most prestigious business schools, including Kellogg Graduate School of Management, the Mannheim Business School, and the Technical University Munich.
Prof. Brian Howieson is a Professor of Leadership whose research spans the broad field of leadership, from its historical foundations to the contemporary state of the discipline. He is particularly interested in developing models of leadership, with a focus on mission leadership and empowerment. Drawing on his extensive practitioner background, Professor Howieson is actively involved in executive education, praxis, and public engagement. He is also a co-author of the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) White Paper (2023), “The Future is Now: Redefining Executive Education for Turbulent Times”, a provocation paper on the future of executive education.
Dr Olga Kandinskaia, Director of the MSc in Green and Digital Management, is an Associate Professor of Finance at UoL. She has a PhD in Economics from the MGIMO-University in Moscow, Russia. She has 25+ years of experience in teaching undergraduate, postgraduate and executive courses in different universities in Cyprus, UK, Portugal, and Russia. Professor Kandinskaia is a passionate advocate and avid user of innovative teaching methods such as experiential learning and the case method. She is the recipient of several case writing awards including the ‘Outstanding New Case Writer’ (2017), the ‘Jonathan Welch Award for Best Case in Accounting, Finance and Economics’ (2018) and the ‘Best Case Gold Award’ (2019).
Director MSc in Shipping Operations and Managemenτ
Department of Management
Dr Antonis Violaris, Director of the MSc in Shipping Operations and Management, is an assistant professor in Economics & Finance at UoL. He holds a PhD in Finance and Economics from University of Durham, UK. He has extensive experience in shipping investments and analysis of the international markets, shipping and energy. He has been instrumental in setting up and successfully managing a number of investments in the shipping sector. Prior to joining UoL he was a visiting lecturer at Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) and has previously served as Lecturer in other local Universities and colleges and at the University of Durham.
Depart. Chair of Information Technologies, Director of BSc in Computing and Business Technologies and MSc in Data Analytics for Business
Department of Information Technologies, Department of Management
Dr Christodoulos Efstathiades is the Department Chair of Information Technologies, and the Director of the BSc in Computing and Business Technologies and the MSc in Data Analytics for Business. He is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Limassol (UoL). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and an MSc in Networked Computer Systems from University College London (UCL). Dr Efstathiades has held positions in both academia and industry in the fields of Data Management, Data Science, and Analytics. He has worked as a Data Analytics Engineer at the Bank of Cyprus and as a Technology Consultant and Data Engineer at EY Cyprus. He has also lectured at the Department of Computer Science at both the European University Cyprus and the University of Cyprus. His research interests include database systems, geospatial data management for big data, genomic data science, and the application of data mining and machine learning across various scientific domains.
Vice Chair of the Department of Management and Director of the MSc in Green Transition and Sustainable Development (Distance Learning).
Department of Management
Dr Georgia Sakka Vronti is the Vice Chair of the Department of Management, Director of the MSc in Green Transition and Sustainable Development (Distance Learning), and an Assistant Professor of Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, and Sustainability at the Department of Management, CIIM Business School, University of Limassol (UoL). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Aristotle University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and School Improvement from the University of Manchester, a Master’s degree in Management from Brunel University, and a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Nicosia. Her research interests include Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Social Media in the workplace. Dr Sakka Vronti has published her work in ranked and indexed top-tier journals and has participated in numerous international conferences and workshops, where she has presented her research, served as a session chair and paper discussant, and contributed to organizing committees. In addition, her professional background includes extensive involvement in European-funded research projects as a project manager, responsible for both the scientific and administrative implementation of these initiatives.
Co-Director MSc Shipping
Department of Information Technologies, Department of Management
Dr Ioannis Filippopoulos, co-Director of the MSc Shipping and Operations Management, is an Assistant Professor at UoL. He holds a PhD in Computer and Networks Engineering from the University of Thessaly. Prior to joining UoL he was the Academic Director of Informatics and Engineering at Hellenic American University. He took part in many conferences as a speaker, in exhibitions, in research projects on the subject of cyber security and vessels, internet of things platform, digital transformation in shipping. Among his many publications, is his most recent book (2021): “ICT Solutions and Digitalisation in Ports and Shipping,” which records the volumes of global ship traffic and the solutions needed to reduce waiting times, costs, energy consumption and emissions.
Dr Dimitra Kavarnou is currently holding the position of Assistant Professor of Real Estate Economics, Development and Management and the Director of MSc in Real Estate at the University of Limassol. She has a 15-year professional career in Real Estate mainly in academia. She has been awarded her PhD in Real Estate Economics from Henley Business School, University of Reading UK (2016), her MSc in Construction Project Management from Heriot-Watt University, UK (2011) and her BSc in Business Administration from the University of Piraeus, Greece (2007). Before joining the University of Limassol, she was an academic in other institutions in Cyprus and the UK (Cambridge, Nottingham Trent, Reading) whereas she has also worked as an economist for Homes England (London, UK).
Dr Andreas Frangos holds a Dprof from University of Middlesex in London in the field of Maritime Education (Tanker Chartering) and Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers. He also holds Captain A Class Certificate worked in Bulk Carriers, Tankers and LNG/LPG vessels.
He has been substituting representative of CSC (Cyprus Shipping Chamber) in BIMCO (Baltic International Maritime Council) from 2013-2017.
He main research is in maritime education and writing Curriculum on Tanker Chartering and has written scientific articles in various academic magazines. He is also involved in Academic affairs for 20 years having lectured in various Universities (Public and Private) and Academic Institutions in Cyprus.
Dr Kyriakos Petrou
Department of Management
Dr. Kyriakos Petrou holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Cyprus, along with an MSc in Economic Analysis, an MSc in Monetary and Financial Economics, and a BSc in Economics. He was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellow at UCLA Anderson and the University of Cyprus, where he led a project on social identity and preferences for redistribution. His research focuses on empirical econometrics, inequality, beliefs and perceptions, political economy, and social identity. He has published in leading international journals on these topics. His teaching spans Statistics, Econometrics, Quantitative Methods, Mathematics, and Economics. He has also held senior academic leadership roles, including MBA Director, Research Department Director, and Head of the Research Centre.
Dr Andreas Sousanis is a scientific expert specializing in nanotechnology sciences, with a particular focus on the development and implementation of low-consumption energy devices and applications. With a strong background in research and a passion for innovation, Andreas has made significant contributions to the field of hydrogen sensing devices. With a Ph.D. in Experimental Physics from Ghent University, Andreas has a deep understanding of experimental methodologies and laboratory techniques. His research has primarily focused on advancing the design and fabrication of thin film and nanostructured materials for optical hydrogen sensors among others, driving progress in this important area of sustainable energy technologies. Andreas has published several articles, including works on thin film and nanostructured Pd-based materials for optical hydrogen sensors. Finally, Andreas’s multidisciplinary educational background (BSc and MSc in Materials Science, Ph.D. in Physics, MSc in Educational Leadership, MSc in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship) equips him with a broad perspective and a solid foundation in various fields, enabling him to contribute effectively to research, education, and management endeavours.
Co-Director of Bachelor in Law program
Department of Management, Department of Law
Dr Kriton Dionysiou is a Lecturer of Civil and Commercial Law at the University of Limassol. He is a practicing lawyer and founder of his own law firm, specialising in civil and commercial disputes, and also participates in arbitration proceedings.
He has held teaching and research positions at the University of Nicosia, the University of Cyprus, and the University of Manchester. He completed his law studies in Nottingham, United Kingdom, before obtaining a Master’s in European Law from Leiden University in the Netherlands and an LL.M. from the University of Law in the United Kingdom. He later earned a PhD in Law from the University of Manchester, where he also lectured. His doctoral dissertation, “CETA’s Investment Chapter – A Rule of Law Perspective”, was published by Springer.
He is the author of “Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Cyprus” (in Greek) and a co-author of “Cypriot Civil Procedure”, a comprehensive Greek-language reference on the procedural rules governing civil litigation in Cyprus.
Dr Dionysiou is a founding member of the Institute for Political and Democracy Studies and serves as Vice-President of the International and European Law Committee of the Cyprus Bar Association. He is certified as a human rights trainer by the Council of Europe, has served on the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Branch of the International Law Organisation, and has received specialised arbitration training from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
Director of the HRM and Organizational Behavior
Department of Management
Dr Evdoxia Kyriacou is the Director of the HRM and Organizational Behaviour program and a Lecturer (tenure-track) in Human Resource Management and Marketing at the Department of Management, CIIM Business School, University of Limassol (UoL).She holds a PhD in Communication and Marketing from the Cyprus University of Technology, with a dissertation titled “The Influence of Internal Marketing and Values on Employee Engagement in Higher Education.” She also holds an M.A. in New Technologies for Communication and Learning and a B.Sc. in Hotel and Tourism Management from the same university.
Lecturer in Strategy Management, Operations & Supply Chain Management
Department of Management
Dr Nasia Nalmpanti holds a PhD in Management from Leeds University (2022) and an MBA from Cardiff University (2006). She is currently a Lecturer in Strategy Management, Operations, and Supply Chain Management at the Department of Management, CIIM Business School. Her research and teaching focus on open innovation, strategy, supply chain innovation under disruptive conditions, and the impact of collaboration on organizational performance. Dr. Nalmpanti’s work has been featured in leading international journals and conferences. She has also contributed to numerous national and European-funded projects and brings over a decade of professional experience in the Transport and Infrastructure industry.
President of the Hellenic Institute of Maritime Technology (HIMT)
Department of Management
Dr Nikolaos Liapis is a Mechanical Engineer NTUA and holds a PhD from the School of Chemical Engineering NTUA in fuel quality. His main areas of expertise are fuels, biofuels and lubricants, tanker management and logistics. He is an Energy and Business consultant in the oil, shipping and industry sectors, specializing in the Green Transition. He has worked for more than 29 years in managerial positions in the Petroleum Sector. For the last 15 years he has worked as COO at ELINOIL, an oil distribution company, and as General Manager at ELIN SHIPPING COMPANY, a subsidiary shipping company that manages small tankers. He has extensive experience in project management, overseeing projects such as the design and construction of biodiesel plant, the construction of fuel depots and the management of tankers.
Dr Liapis is President of the Hellenic Institute of Maritime Technology (HIMT), member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Short Sea Shipowners (HSSA), member of the Downstream Committee of the Institute of Energy for Southeast Europe (IENE) and member of the Hellenic Technical Committees of RINA and Lloyd’s Register. He has served as Coordinator of the Energy Products Committee of the Hellenic Association of Petroleum Marketing Companies (SEEPE), while today he is a Consultant to SEEPE. He is a founding member of the Hellenic Association of Biofuel Producers (now SVIVE) and has served as President of the Marine LNG Network, President of the Biofuel Technology Platform and representative of the European Biodiesel Council (EBB) in Greece.
He teaches postgraduate courses at the University of Piraeus, the University of Limassol and the Athens College of Economics and Business and has been a lecturer at Metropolitan College. He is teaching, among others, Energy Policies, Decarbonization of Shipping, Maritime Logistics, Port Operations, Maritime Technology and Strategic Management. He has been a speaker at a significant number of conferences on energy, fuels, biofuels and shipping.
Panayiotis Jacovides
Department of Management
Panayiotis Jacovides holds a Master’s degree in International Management from KEDGE Business School (Grande École), Marseille (2011), and a BSc in Economics from the University Paul Cézanne, France (2008). He began his career as a Business Development Manager in the medical equipment sector, working initially in Canada and later across South America. His professional journey spans both corporate roles with international firms and entrepreneurial ventures, having successfully founded and led his own companies. Upon returning to Europe, he established The Experts Alliance, a business consulting firm specializing in business planning, strategic restructuring, internationalization, mergers and acquisitions, and capital raising. Over the past decade, the firm has completed more than 400 projects and studies. Throughout his career, Panayiotis has lectured at several universities and business schools—primarily at the postgraduate and MBA levels—teaching courses on Internationalization, Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Governance. He is also a certified professional trainer in the fields of productivity, internationalization, entrepreneurship, negotiation, and ethics. In February 2015, he was unanimously elected President of the French-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in Marseille, France—a position he held with distinction until February 2024.
Dr Andreas Mathikolonis has over fifteen years of experience in strategic and operational management across corporate, educational, and non-profit sectors. This has provided him with hands-on experience with setting up organisations, project management, operational leadership, budget planning and strong business acumen, key skills to lead and supervise diverse teams of people. He specialises in strategic oversight, management and licensing of financial entities, whilst ensuring compliance programs, internal audits and AML procedures, meet industry standards for effective governance and reporting. With over a decade in the digital assets industry, he has extensive experience in fund management and administration, private equity, venture capital, token economics design, transaction monitoring and digital assets infrastructure development and integration.
In his current role, Dr Mathikolonis drives market positioning, strategic partnerships, and the development of new crypto products and fin-tech services, while leading cross-departmental collaboration to deliver innovative, regulatory compliant, and scalable solutions. Dr Mathikolonis holds certifications in PRINCE2, CySEC Advanced and AML Compliance and is an HrDA (ΑνΑΔ) certified trainer. He holds a PhD, MBA, and MEng and frequently speaks at Digital Assets and FinTech events. His interests include volunteering, event planning (WiB), water sports, technological innovations and he loves food and wine pairing. Open to Non-Executive Directorship opportunities.
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