Shipping magnate Vardis Vardinogiannis has died at age 91. His death was announced in a public statement by the Vardinogiannis family:
His wife the late Marianna Vardinogianni (née Bournaki) was a prominent philanthropist, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador who died 2023 at the age of 86.
“With profound sadness, the family of Vardis I. Vardinogiannis announces that our beloved father and grandfather, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, passed away today, Tuesday, 12 November 2024.”
Born on December 4, 1933 in Episkopi, Rethymno, Crete, to Ioannis Vardinogiannis and Chrysi Theodoroulaki, he was the fifth of eight children, with four older siblings—Pavlos (1925-1984), Amalia (1927-2016), Sifis (1929-2002), and Nikos (1931-1973)—and three younger ones: Giorgos (1936), Theodoros (1942-1996), and Eleni (1946).
After graduating in 1955 from the Hellenic Naval Academy, Vardinogiannis pursued a career as an officer in the Hellenic Navy (then the Royal Navy), like his brother Nikos. Due to his anti-dictatorship activism, he was forced into retirement in July 1967 by the regime of the April 21st junta and was exiled to Amorgos Island.
Involved in the Navy’s anti-dictatorship movement, he helped secure resources for ships in the event of a revolt. Following his brother’s untimely death in 1972, he took over managing the family business.
Since 1989, Vardinogiannis expanded into mass media, founding TV stations Mega (which he owned until 2019) and Star, as well as broadcasting entity Alpha. Together with his wife, Marianna, he established several charitable foundations.
Starting in 1972, he led one of Greece’s largest business groups, with global operations spanning oil, shipping, banking, hospitality, and media.
Key ventures include 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, and Odeon. The Motor Oil refinery is regarded as the group’s flagship.
In November 1990, he survived a rocket attack by the November 17 Greek terrorist group; the rockets hit his car, but he escaped unharmed thanks to its heavy armour.
He was an anti-dictatorship activist and a steadfast advocate of moderation, despite his influential role in both Greek and international economies—a role that made him appear unapproachable, though he was, in reality, a humble person. He remained devoted to his wife, cherished his children, and adored Crete – Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Vardinogiannis and his wife Marianna were among the founders of the Robert Kennedy Leadership Council, alongside figures like Bill Clinton and other global leaders.
Following the news, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his condolences, calling Vardinogiannis “a prime example of a successful Greek who believed in teamwork” and “the patriarch of a family that has profoundly influenced our country’s economic and social landscape over recent decades.”
“I bid farewell with sorrow to Vardis Vardinogiannis, the patriarch of a family whose influence left a lasting impact on our country’s economic and social reality. Behind his serious demeanour lay many qualities: entrepreneurial courage and dynamism, countless charitable initiatives—many of which he kept private.
“Our family ties and his commitment to public life allowed me to know him personally. He was an anti-dictatorship activist and a steadfast advocate of moderation, despite his influential role in both Greek and international economies—a role that made him appear unapproachable, though he was, in reality, a humble person. He remained devoted to his wife, cherished his children, and adored Crete.
“He will now be reunited with his beloved Marianna, assured that his visions will be realised by his capable successors. He leaves a legacy of collective responsibility: ‘Take care of those around you,’ he advised his colleagues in one of his last meetings. His words on the duty of all influential figures resonate, ‘Above all, we must put our country first.’
“My condolences to his family. My thoughts are with them.”
Motor Oil Group and its employees also expressed their grief, saying, “For more than four decades, Vardinogiannis generously and boldly contributed to the business sector of our country and supported the thousands of employees in his companies. His values will continue to guide the company’s direction.”
In a separate statement, the employees of Motor Oil shared, “We bid farewell to our President and co-founder, Vardis I. Vardinogiannis. He was the pinnacle of an extraordinary journey we shared. His loss deeply affects each of us. The legacy of his multifaceted work, both in business and society, will remain a guiding light for us.
“He instilled principles and values in his successors and collaborators, who will honor him by continuing to build on the strong foundations he established.
“Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. He will live on in our memory.”
