Greek business tycoon Dimitris Kontominas, has passed away at the age of 83.

Kontominas, was one of the most popular and active magnates in more than one industry, owning successful companies in the fields of insurance, television, cinema and retail.

Born on 3 June, 1939 in Athens, he studied at the American University of Beirut.

Initially he worked as an insurer at American Life (ALICO), leading him to then co-founded the famous insurance company Interamerican with Alexandros Tambouras in 1969.

Following the accession of Interamerican to the EUREKO Group, he retained the position of President at Interamerican and ventured into establishing and acquiring a slew of other companies, including:

  •  Interbank, which after its huge success was acquired and absorbed by EFG Eurobank
  •  Intertech, a Panasonic Exclusive Product Representative
  •  The Euroclinic of Athens, funding research and employing some of the best professionals in medicine
  •  Novabank, which in 2006 was renamed Millennium Bank mainly targeting younger generations and entrepreneurs
  •  The fleet of Interjet aircraft and helicopters
  •  The organic farming company GreenFarm
  •  For the period between 1998 and 2001 Kontominas owned and managed football team ARIS FC
  •  Owned 33 per cent of the shares of the Alpha TV station and the Alpha radio station, one of the most popular TV and radio channels in Greece
  •  Owned Village Roadshow Greece cinemas; the biggest multiplex cinema company dominating the market in Greece
  •  Channel 9 TV in Athens and Thessaloniki.
  •  He also owned the Mediterra Winery in Crete

Kontominas was also known for his exuberant social, philanthropic and cultural contribution having received many awards.

He was also the Chairman of the Board of the Hatzikonsta Foundation and a member of various cultural associations and organisations while he has been proclaimed ‘Grand Archon of the Ecumenical Throne’ by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and ‘Great Benefactor’ by the Great and Elder Diocese Metropolis of Chalcedon.

Kontominas was married twice – to Frida and Mary – both marriages ending in divorce. He later had several long-term partners. He is survived by his daughter and two grandchildren.