Yiorgos Vardinogiannis
Yiorgos Vardinogiannis | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 7, 1936 Episkopi, Rethymno, Greece |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Shipping industry leader |
| Known for | Former owner and chairman of Panathinaikos football club |
Yiorgos Vardinogiannis (; born 7 April 1936) is a prominent Greek entrepreneur and shipping industry leader, known for his former role as owner and chairman of the Panathinaikos football club. Originating from Episkopi in the Rethymno region, he is the sibling of oil and shipping magnate Vardis Vardinogiannis and the father of Chrysí Vardinogiánni, who is married to Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark.
Maritime profession
Following the completion of his nautical education in Southampton, Vardinogiannis achieved the rank of captain before partnering with his brothers to establish their family enterprise specializing in shipping and petroleum.
Breaching Rhodesian sanctions
In February 1966, while commanding the oil tanker MV Arietta Venezelos, Vardinogiannis contravened directives from the Greek government by delivering oil to Beira, Mozambique. This action bypassed international sanctions imposed on Rhodesia, utilizing a pipeline that transported oil to landlocked Rhodesia.
Involvement in football
On 17 July 1979, ownership of a controlling interest in the Greek football club Panathinaikos FC was secured by the Vardinogiannis family, who subsequently appointed Yiorgos as president. He held this leadership position for 21 years (1979–2000), during which he was affectionately called Kapetanios (Captain) and Ringo. Under his presidency, Panathinaikos clinched six Greek league titles (1983-84, 1985-86, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1994-95, 1995-96) along with nine Greek Cup victories (1981-82, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1988-89, 1990-91, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1994-95).