Nicolas Ioannou
Nicolas George Ioannou | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 8, 1965 Cairo, Egypt |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, yacht and speedboat manufacturer, property developer |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | CEO of Coast and Hills Developments; Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Sinai Peninsula; founder of yacht manufacturing company |
Nicolas George Ioannou (; born 8 January 1965), commonly referred to as "Rudy", is a Cypriot entrepreneur specializing in yacht and speedboat manufacturing since 1991, as well as property development. He holds the position of CEO in various enterprises, including Coast and Hills Developments, which invests in hotel projects, residential skyscrapers, and marina facilities. The Cypriot president appointed him as honorary consul for Cyprus in the Sinai Peninsula.
Boat-racing & Boat-building
During his time living in Egypt, Ioannou took on the role of national president for the Union Internationale Motonautique. As a producer of speedboats, he launched the inaugural red sea rib rally, an event that attracted members of royalty, prominent figures, entrepreneurs, and thrill-seekers. Additionally, he organized landmark competitions such as the first Formula 2 race held on the Egyptian Nile, known as "les 8 heurs du nil".
Although boat racing is primarily a personal interest, Ioannou has actively participated in competitions and secured a victory in Zeebrugge. In 2007, he moved to Monaco to collaborate more closely with the UIM. His shipbuilding enterprise began after completing his initial 105-foot steel yacht at age 26, subsequently shifting focus to producing speedboats and rigid inflatable boats. His firm has been recognized with several accolades for both commercial sales and military contracts, including a prestigious award from the Italian Navy honoring his contributions to their defense fleet.
Projects in progress
Nicolas Ioannou is currently advancing numerous developments throughout Europe, concentrating on mixed-use commercial and residential complexes that incorporate marina facilities. Among these projects are the Paralimni Marina and multiple high-rise towers featuring luxury five-star apartments and hotels, anticipated to rank among the tallest structures in their countries. These initiatives reportedly involve collaboration with billionaire investors from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Politics
Ioannou’s prominence increased following his assistance to Cypriot tourists during the 2005 Sharm el-Sheikh attacks, which led to his designation as Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Egypt. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in ensuring the safe evacuation of Cypriots amid airport closures during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.
Real estate
He possesses extensive land assets within Cyprus, including properties inherited from his grandfather that date back prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in the northern region. Additionally, Ioannou owns real estate holdings in Greece as well as an island located in the Ionian Sea.
See also
Further reading
- "Stelios threatens to grab easyJet's controls as profits nosedive" The Scotsman, 16 November 2008