An inspiring speech and a clear roadmap for Logicom's staff by Varnavas Irinarchos

Varnavas Irinarchos, Managing Director of Logicom Group, addressed the company's employees during a recent corporate event with an inspiring speech filled with allegorical messages, serving as a clear roadmap and guiding direction for the Group and its people.

At a time when Logicom, as the country’s largest technology provider, is strengthening its leadership position, making strategic moves to lay solid foundations for even greater growth, and transitioning from a regional to a global player, Irinarchos motivated employees like a true leader, outlining a clear, one-way path to success.

Using as an example and setting as a model the great Spartan general and hero of the Battle of Amphipolis, Brasidas, as well as his own father, who bore the same name, Varnavas Irinarchos highlighted that, despite living in different eras and facing different challenges, they shared something in common: "The strength to see difficulties as opportunities, to turn the impossible into something achievable and beneficial for all, with speed and skill."

Noting that Brasidas of Sparta led his army to victory because he had vision, purpose, and direction, the Managing Director of Logicom pointed out that "from him, we learn that you don’t need to be the strongest or the most powerful. It is enough to have faith in yourself, to work hard and methodically, and to see failures not as the end, but as opportunities for learning."

"This is the message I want to leave you with today," said Irinarchos, adding that he is defined by a mindset for continuous growth, which has also always been an integral part of the company’s DNA.

"Just as Brasidas did in Amphipolis, we too must see every challenge not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. We must think strategically, collaborate with trust, and act with determination and dedication toward our ultimate goal," he said.

Irinarchos added: "Our goal is to become the Amphipolis of our time: A place where the greatest challenges are transformed into victories through our strategy, with speed, determination, and collaboration."

And, in closing, expressing the company’s commitment to leading with strategic thinking, fostering a culture of integrity and continuous growth, and inspiring everyone to give their best, he set a clear direction for the future:

"Together, we will build a legacy of successes and achievements that will stand the test of time," he declared, sending a strong message about Logicom's continued leadership in the industry where it has been operating with absolute success for years.

Half a billion from sale of stake in Hellenic

Logicom Group is an international corporate group engaged in the distribution of technology solutions and services, as well as the provision of consulting and specialised services in the design, installation, support, and maintenance of telecommunications, IT, and security solutions.

The group has also invested in two desalination plants and in Demetra Holdings Plc, which operates in real estate development and investments in both public and private enterprises.

The group serves more than 8,000 customers across 30 countries, spanning Europe, the Middle East, the Arabian Gulf, Africa, and Asia.

Notably, last November, Logicom Services, a subsidiary of the group, reached a historic agreement with Eurobank S.A. for the sale of its 3.33% stake in Hellenic Bank, for approximately €66 million.

Additionally, in January, Logicom Services acquired an 8.576% stake in Demetra Holdings Plc, where it already held 29.916%, bringing its total participation to 38.492%.

Following this development, Logicom Services, as required by the relevant legislation, proceeded with the submission of a mandatory public offer to acquire 100% of Demetra Holdings Plc, offering €1.55 per share.

It is also worth noting that last November, Demetra Holdings Plc reached an agreement with Eurobank S.A. for the sale of its 21.33% stake in Hellenic Bank, for approximately €426 million.

Essentially, through the agreements between Logicom Services and Demetra Holdings Plc with Eurobank S.A., the group strengthened its liquidity, securing an additional €500 million.

Below, Varnavas Irinarchos’ speech in full:

Happy New Year to everyone.

Although my professional obligations keep me away, I could not let this opportunity pass without sharing a message with you—one that, I believe, we can all draw strength and inspiration from.

I feel the need to begin by mentioning a name that carries history and meaning: Brasidas. He was the great Spartan general, the hero of the Battle of Amphipolis—a battle that defined his legacy.

It is also the name of my father, a man who taught me that discipline, integrity, determination, justice, speed, and faith in a purpose can overcome any obstacle.

Both Brasidas—despite living in different eras and facing different challenges—shared something in common: the ability to see difficulties as opportunities, to turn the impossible into something achievable and beneficial for all, with speed and skill.

In the Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BC, Brasidas, the legendary Spartan general, did not have the luxury of numerical superiority. On the contrary, he faced an enemy that was stronger, better organised, and seemingly invincible. Yet, he did not waver.

He did not fight only with weapons, but with speed and intellect. He thought strategically, studied his opponent, and inspired his men to fight with courage.

That day, his victory was not merely a military triumph—it became a timeless lesson on how strategy, leadership, determination, speed, integrity, and boldness can defy the odds.

I invite you to reflect: How different is this story from our own battles in business? Today, the challenges may not be military, but they are just as demanding.

On the global chessboard of markets, negotiations, and partnerships, we often feel that our competitors appear larger and stronger.

However, as Brasidas of Sparta teaches us, success is not determined by numbers, but by the quality of thought, speed, integrity, faith in a purpose, and the boldness to take risks.

Thinking at a stratospheric level means distancing ourselves from mediocrity and seeing the big picture with breadth and vision. This mind-set allows us to understand our direction beyond our daily professional challenges.

Today's geopolitical developments and changes demand that we be even more focused on the big picture and our vision.

Brasidas of Sparta led his army to victory because he had vision, purpose, and direction. From him, we learn that you don’t need to be the strongest or the most powerful. What matters is having faith in yourself, working hard and methodically, and viewing failures not as the end, but as opportunities for learning.

This is the message I want to leave you with today. Just as Brasidas at Amphipolis, we too must see every challenge not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. We must think strategically, collaborate with trust, and act with determination and dedication toward our end goal.

Our goal is to become the Amphipolis of our time—a place where the greatest challenges are transformed into victories through our strategy, speed, determination, and collaboration.

We draw inspiration from history and the discipline of great leaders, and we are committed to approaching every obstacle with courage, every opportunity with foresight, speed, integrity, and intelligence, and every success with humility.

Our commitment is to lead with strategic thinking, foster a culture of integrity and continuous growth, and inspire everyone to give their best. Together, we will build a legacy of success and achievements that will withstand the test of time.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to my dear friend and esteemed partner, Mr Fokion Karavias, CEO of the Eurobank Group, and his team for our productive collaboration. I wish him the very best in his new business ventures.

Friends, I bid you farewell, wishing you all health, happiness, and success in everything you aspire to, for yourselves and your loved ones.

And remember!

ALWAYS THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND YOUR MIND FOCUSED ON EXCELLENCE!

I wish you all a wonderful evening!

Varnavas Irinarchos

January 17, 2025

Dedicated to my family—my parents, Ariadne and Brasidas Irinarchos, my siblings, and all my relatives, and especially to Antonis, whom we recently lost.