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Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s Philanthropic Journey with The Hellenic Initiative

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Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet, has joined The Hellenic Initiative’s board, supporting Greece’s economic recovery through entrepreneurship and job creation. His Stelios Philanthropic Foundation enhances THI’s impact with strategic guidance and financial assistance, showcasing a powerful collaboration for positive change.

What is Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s role with The Hellenic Initiative?

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet, has joined The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) board, bringing his philanthropic vision to support Greece’s economic recovery. He aligns with THI’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and create jobs, enhancing the impact of his Stelios Philanthropic Foundation through strategic guidance and financial support.

A New Chapter in Philanthropy

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has recently taken on a new role by joining the board of The Hellenic Initiative (THI). Known for his trailblazing work in the airline industry with the inception of easyJet in 1994, Sir Stelios has long been recognized for his business acumen. This new appointment signifies his continued commitment to philanthropic endeavors, especially those aimed at supporting Greece’s economic recovery and development.

THI, a global non-profit organization, has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and people to aid Greece following the financial crisis that struck the nation. Their mission revolves around fostering entrepreneurship and generating job opportunities, which aligns with Sir Stelios’ own vision of nurturing talent and innovation.

The “easy” Legacy and Beyond

The “easy” brand family has become synonymous with innovation and accessibility, largely due to Sir Stelios’ vision. Knighted in 2006 for his contributions to entrepreneurship, he has extended his business ethos into the realm of philanthropy. Through his Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, a wide array of initiatives have been funded in his homeland of Greece, Cyprus, and other locations where his businesses thrive.

In 2017, exemplifying his commitment to giving back, Haji-Ioannou signed The Giving Pledge, promising to donate half of his wealth to continue his philanthropic efforts. His foundation has made a significant impact, seen through initiatives such as the Food from the Heart program, which provides free snacks to thousands of individuals in need across Greece.

Impactful Initiatives for Economic and Social Development

THI’s work has had a profound effect on Greece’s path to recovery, with investments exceeding $21 million since its establishment in 2012. This has made THI a powerhouse within the Greek diaspora community, fostering a global network of support for the Mediterranean nation.

Sir Stelios’ contribution to THI is multifaceted, with both financial support and strategic guidance. His philanthropic foundation donates the majority of profits from the “easy” brand to causes such as the Food from the Heart program, positively affecting about 100,000 beneficiaries each month.

A Hub for Philanthropic Collaboration

In an effort to further support the charitable sector in Greece, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation recently acquired and renovated a historic building in Athens. The venue, located at 22 Kydathinaion Street in the vibrant Plaka district, now serves as a conference hall and is offered at no cost to Greek philanthropic organizations for their events.

Furthermore, Sir Stelios has agreed to lead the Monaco chapter of THI and to host a charity event in June 2024 to benefit THI’s Summer Youth Academy. These initiatives reflect his belief in collaborative efforts and his dedication to creating spaces that encourage the growth and success of philanthropic ventures.


The involvement of Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in The Hellenic Initiative marks a significant milestone in the organization’s journey towards economic and social revitalization in Greece. With his experience and commitment to philanthropy, the future of THI’s efforts looks even more promising. The fusion of innovative business practices and a heart for service continues to shape the landscape of philanthropic work, with Sir Stelios leading by example.

What is Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s role with The Hellenic Initiative?

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has joined The Hellenic Initiative’s board, supporting Greece’s economic recovery through entrepreneurship and job creation. His Stelios Philanthropic Foundation enhances THI’s impact with strategic guidance and financial assistance, showcasing a powerful collaboration for positive change.

How has Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s philanthropic vision impacted Greece?

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s philanthropic vision has had a significant impact on Greece, especially through initiatives such as the Food from the Heart program, which provides free snacks to thousands of individuals in need across the country. His commitment to giving back, as seen through The Giving Pledge, has further solidified his dedication to supporting Greece’s economic recovery and development.

What has been the impact of The Hellenic Initiative on Greece’s path to recovery?

The Hellenic Initiative has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and people to aid Greece following the financial crisis. With investments exceeding $21 million since its establishment in 2012, THI has become a powerhouse within the Greek diaspora community, fostering a global network of support for the nation’s economic and social development.

How is Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou promoting philanthropic collaboration in Greece?

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou’s Stelios Philanthropic Foundation recently acquired and renovated a historic building in Athens, which now serves as a conference hall offered at no cost to Greek philanthropic organizations for their events. Additionally, he has agreed to lead the Monaco chapter of THI and host a charity event in June 2024 to benefit THI’s Summer Youth Academy, showcasing his belief in collaborative efforts and dedication to creating spaces that encourage the growth of philanthropic ventures.

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