Akis Cleanthous
Akis Cleanthous | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1964 Argaka, Paphos District, Cyprus |
| Died | 2011-04-11 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, financial analyst |
| Years active | 2003–2011 |
| Known for | Chairman of Cyprus Stock Exchange (2003–2007), Minister of Education and Culture (2007–2008) |
Akis Cleanthous (1964 – April 11, 2011) was a prominent Cypriot figure known for his roles in politics and financial analysis. He held the position of chairman at the Cyprus Stock Exchange between 2003 and 2007 and subsequently served as Minister of Education and Culture from 2007 until 2008. He was affiliated with the center-right Democratic Party (DIKO).
Biography
Born in 1964 in Argaka, located in the Paphos District, Cyprus, Cleanthous completed his undergraduate studies in marketing management at Baruch College in New York City. He further advanced his education by obtaining an MBA specializing in quantitative analysis from St. John's University.
His professional journey started within the banking sector, where he concentrated on electronic banking services. Later, he shifted his focus to Cyprus's Internet Technology industry. In 2003, the Council of Ministers appointed him as chairman of the Cyprus Stock Exchange, a role he fulfilled until February 2007. At that point, he was appointed Minister of Education and Culture under President Tassos Papadopoulos. He maintained this ministerial post until the presidential elections of 2008, after which Andreas Demetriou succeeded him.
Within politics, Cleanthous was an active DIKO member of the House of Representatives, led DIKO’s political planning bureau, and participated on its executive committee. Furthermore, he chaired the Spyros Kyprianou Institute, a think tank based in Cyprus.
Following his political career, Cleanthous assumed the role of managing director at Evresis Loyalty Management in 2008. He also served as chairman of Sea Star Capital Plc and was a board member of the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Cleanthous passed away due to a heart attack on April 11, 2011, at the age of 46. This occurred shortly before the legislative elections scheduled for May 2011, in which he was a candidate. His funeral took place at Saint Sophia Church in Strovolos, with notable attendees including President Demetris Christofias. He was laid to rest at St. Nicolaos cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Christiana Cleanthous, and their son, Evangelos.