Dr. Antonios Michail is an experienced executive and strategic consultant with over 20 years of international experience in marketing, business development, and strategic planning. He is the Founder and COO of easyStudies.io and the Founder of Think Growth Consulting, delivering specialized services in growth strategy, digital marketing, and innovative business practices. He holds a PhD in Business and Competitive Strategies from the University of Central Lancashire, an MA in International Business, and a BSc in Economics from the University of Athens and is a Certified Chartered Marketer (MCIM). He has extensive C-level experience in international organizations and has led major projects in areas such as AI, digital marketing, CRM, and go-to-market strategies. He is also an Expert Trainer at PwC Academy, with over 10,000 hours of training delivery, and has taught in higher education institutions abroad. He is the author of books on digital marketing and GDPR, while his research and publications have appeared in international academic journals. He teaches the courses of Research Skills and Visitor Economy.

Dr. Christos Akrivos holds a PhD and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Piraeus and a postgraduate degree in Tourism from the Strasbourg Academy in France. His undergraduate studies are in the Department of Economics at the University of Athens and in Law at the same University. He teaches topics related to Business Administration at Universities in Greece and abroad at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, such as the University of Athens, Hellenic Open University, Panteion University, University of Piraeus, UNiWA, Neapolis University of Cyprus, Wroclaw University of Poland. He has long-standing experience as an executive in private colleges in Athens and in tourism businesses. He is the president of the Institute for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Ioannis Aznaouridis is a retired Lieutenant General who served as Director of the Army Finance Corps (2017–2019), with 40 years of service in the Hellenic Armed Forces and extensive experience in command and staff positions. He also has significant teaching experience in Higher Education (Universities and Colleges). He holds a PhD and an MSc in Economics from the University of the Aegean, as well as two bachelor’s degrees in economics and in Political & Social Sciences. He has an extensive research and publication record, with numerous scientific works and conference participations, and has received multiple distinctions for his academic and professional achievements. His research interests focus on political economy, finance, institutional sustainability, and the intersection of ethics, economics, and artificial intelligence.

Mrs Maria Karalazarou is a PhD holder from the International Hellenic University, in the Department of Organization, Management, Marketing and Tourism. She is a graduate of the Tourism Department of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and holds a certification in pedagogical and teaching competence. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Tourism and Hospitality from the English-taught Program of the Technological Educational Institute of Central Macedonia, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Unit Management from the International Hellenic University. Mrs Karalazarou has extensive professional experience in the hospitality industry, having worked for more than 20 years at Porto Palace Hotel & Conference Center, with specialization in Event Sales and Food & Beverage (F&B) Operations. She currently holds the position of F&B Manager at the hotel and is actively involved in the planning and management of high-level events and catering services. She is also fluent in five foreign languages. Since 2017, she has been working as a Lecturer at Mediterranean College, contributing actively to teaching in the field of tourism and hospitality.

Ms Eleni Kolliga is a PhD candidate at the International Hellenic University, in the Department of Organization, Management, Marketing and Tourism. She holds an MSc in e-Business and Digital Marketing from the International Hellenic University (2016) and a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BA) from the University of Macedonia (2014). She has been working as a Lecturer at Mediterranean College since 2018, teaching across Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs in the Schools of Business Studies and Tourism and Hospitality. Her academic responsibilities include delivering modules such as Marketing Fundamentals, Digital and social media, Marketing Across Cultures, Marketing Metrics, Consumer Behaviour and Integrated Business Management, as well as supervising undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations. Ms Kolliga is also the Founder of Growthtale, a digital marketing agency, and works as an online instructor at Skillbox, a Greek e-learning platform. In recent years, she has developed digital marketing strategies for businesses across various industries, including fashion, tourism, technology, and startups, both in Greece and internationally. She actively participates in conferences and professional training sessions as a speaker.

Ms Eleni Liogka holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Tourism Business Administration from the Hellenic Open University (2017) and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Piraeus (2009). She has extensive and high-level professional experience in the fields of marketing and hospitality. She currently holds the position of Director of Marketing for Greece at Brown Hotels. Previously, she served as Director of Marketing & Public Relations at Grand Hyatt Athens, while she has also worked as Senior Digital Marketing Manager at TOPOSOPHY in Athens. In addition, she has held the roles of Senior Digital Marketing Manager and Marketing Manager at Mitsis Hotels, gaining significant experience in strategic planning and the implementation of marketing initiatives within the hospitality sector. Alongside her professional career, she serves as a Module Leader at Mediterranean College, where she actively contributes to the delivery of Programs in the field of tourism and hospitality, bringing contemporary industry practices and market insights into the classroom.

Elena Gavala collaborates with Mediterranean College as a Lecturer in the School of Tourism and Hospitality (Athens Campus), while also working as an operations and financial consultant for hotel units. She holds a BSc in Informatics and an MSc in Decision Sciences from the Athens University of Economics and Business. She has extensive experience in the hospitality sector, having held senior roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Training Director for the opening of Grand Hyatt Athens. Her professional expertise focuses on financial control, budgeting analysis, and revenue management, with strong knowledge of ERP systems (SAP). She teaches courses such as Hotel Revenue Management & Innovation and Concept Development.

Gerasimos Spiliotis is a graduate of the Department of European and International Studies at Panteion University and holds a Master of Arts in European Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management from Warwick Business School. He has been active in the Human Resources sector for the past 17 years. He began his career as a Human Resources Advisor at Crème de la Crème Human Resources and later joined Delta Singular as a Human Resources Account Manager, specializing in HR and Payroll software. From 2005 to 2010, he worked at KPMG in the People Services department as an E-Recruiting Coordinator, supporting online recruitment and assessment platforms (www.justjobs.gr and www.justtests.gr). During his time at KPMG, he collaborated closely with recruitment managers from leading Greek and multinational companies, gaining in-depth insight into the requirements and competencies needed for successful career development at a high professional level.

Dimitra Karathanasi is a hospitality professional with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in sales strategy, business development, hotel management, and human resources. Since 2008, she has been the Managing Director of DK & Associates and works as a Hotel Management Consultant. She holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from the renowned Les Roches School in Switzerland and an MSc in German Literature from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She started her career in London with Hilton and later worked for more than 12 years with the largest hotel group in Greece, the Daskalantonakis Group, where she held senior roles in Sales and Marketing, reaching the position of Executive Director (Commercial) and leading large sales teams in Greece and abroad. She has extensive expertise in developing commercial strategies, expanding market presence, managing budgets, and driving profitability, while also possessing deep knowledge of the Greek tourism industry and contributing to major hotel projects, including hotel openings during the 2004 Olympic Games.

Maria Theofilopoulou has been working at Mediterranean College since 2021, teaching courses in Tourism, Hospitality, and Marketing. She strongly believes in lifelong learning and remains committed to continuous personal and professional development, aiming to inspire students to embrace learning as an ongoing process. She holds an MBA in Tourism from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens, a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management and Organizational Analysis from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and additional specialization in digital skills and social media from the Athens University of Economics and Business. She has extensive professional experience in hospitality, food service, and education, having worked in hotels and tourism businesses in Athens and popular destinations, as well as in managerial roles such as Operations Manager. She is also active as a marketing consultant for hospitality businesses and has teaching experience in private higher education institutions. Additionally, she volunteers as a Digital Marketing Coordinator at HUMANNERA. She has participated in industry exhibitions and conferences, including HORECA 2022.

Polymnia Panagiotopoulou is a graduate of the School of Tourism Management and holds a Master’s degree in Tourism Planning, Management and Policy from the University of the Aegean. In 2012, she completed with distinction the annual pedagogical training program of the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE). She has professional experience in the fields of tourism and hospitality and has been teaching since 2010 in public and private Institutes of Vocational Training (IEK) and Colleges, in tourism- and hospitality-related departments. Since 2023, she has been a PhD candidate at the Department of Economics and Sustainable Development of Harokopio University of Athens. Her research interests relate to destination management, sustainable destination frameworks, and the role of stakeholders in destination development. Her research has been published in academic journals. She speaks English, German, and Spanish.

Maria Panidou is a PhD candidate at the International Hellenic University, in the Department of Organization, Management, Marketing and Tourism. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Human Resource Management from the University of Macedonia. Ms Panidou has gained extensive professional experience in the hospitality industry, having worked for several years in leading five-star hotels, both in city hotel environments and resort properties. In addition, she served for seven years as a Scientific Associate at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. Since October 2016, Maria Panidou has been working as a Program Leader at the School of Tourism and Hospitality at Mediterranean College in Thessaloniki, where she actively contributes to academic planning and the development of innovative study Programs. She has also participated in academic and professional initiatives, supporting the advancement of tourism and hospitality education.

PhD candidate at the University of Thessaly in the field of Human Resource Management, holder of an MSc in Business Administration from the Staffordshire University and graduate of the Department of Economics at the University of Ioannina. He has publications in international journals. At the same time, he has worked in the private sector in business consulting, banking and as a consultant for the development and implementation of vocational training programmes. His research interests focus on the areas of modern Human Resource Management practices using Information Systems, Workforce Analytics, Leadership Strategy and Organisational Behaviour, Organisational Ambidexterity and Organisational Diffusion of Knowledge and Organisational Culture.

Sofia Matzourani is the BA Program Leader of the BA (Hons) International Hospitality Management and Industry Relations Manager at the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Mediterranean College, Athens Campus. A graduate of the Greek National Tourism Organization’s (GNTO) School of Tourism Professions (Department of Travel Agency Executives) and recipient of an Excellence Scholarship for International Practical Placement in the UK (1994), she has been active in the tourism industry since 1994. She has held senior positions in inbound and outbound travel organizations, hotel management companies, and luxury resorts, with responsibilities spanning strategic operations, quality management, human resources development, and corporate identity. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive educational and training activity, participating as a speaker and moderator at industry conferences, exhibitions, and seminars in Greece and abroad. She has served as keynote speaker at the 100% Hotel Show and at events held under the auspices of SETE and regional Hoteliers’ Associations and has contributed as exhibitor and organizer at leading international tourism fairs, including WTM London and ITB Berlin. The enterprises she strategically led have received significant distinctions, including the World Luxury Hotel Award for Best Luxury Management Group in Europe (Athens 2023), Best Hotel Management Award (Stockholm 2019), the World Boutique Hotel Award for World’s Best Honeymoon Hideaway (London, 2017), and multiple accolades at the Greek Hospitality Awards & Tourism Awards. In 2021, she served as Chair of the Electoral Committee for the election of the new Board of Directors of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE). Her academic credentials include a Certificate in Teaching Techniques for Adult Learners from the Hellenic Open University (2024) and accreditation as a Lecturer by the University of Derby (2025).

Daniil Thomas Theodoridis collaborates with Mediterranean College as a Lecturer in the School of Tourism and Hospitality (Athens/Glyfada Campus), teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels courses such as Hospitality Societies, Service Excellence Co-Creation, Menu Design, Facilities & Venues Design, Sustainable Hospitality & Leisure Operations, and Service Improvement & Business Performance in Hospitality. He holds a multidisciplinary academic background in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Organisational and Social Psychology, and International Hotel and Tourism Leadership. He has professional experience in both the hospitality and education sectors and holds SHL certifications. He has been awarded a scholarship from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and has participated in academic conferences. His research interests focus on sustainable hospitality, human resource management, employee well-being, and diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Panagiota Xanthopoulou works as a Lecturer and Acting Program Leader at the School of Tourism and Hospitality of Mediterranean College. She holds three postdoctoral titles and serves as a researcher and Academic Fellow in the Department of Business Administration at the University of West Attica. She is a graduate of Panteion University, where she completed her undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. Her first PhD focuses on Business Education, while her second PhD, obtained from the University of Western Macedonia, specializes in the use of Digital Technologies in Public Administration. Her teaching and research interests include Public Administration, Organizational Behavior, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Her research work has been published in Greek and international academic journals and presented at international conferences. She is also a collaborating academic staff member at the Hellenic Open University and Neapolis University Pafos and teaches in professional training programs in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, she has served as academic staff in private colleges and universities in Greece and Cyprus.

Mr. Zafiriou Pantelis has thirty years of international experience in the field of tourism and related education. After a long career in Hospitality, Tourism, Conferences and Events in the United States of America, he began his academic career by teaching Hospitality and Tourism professions at the Clark County Skills Center in collaboration with Clark College in Washington State (2002-2006) He returned to Greece in 2007 where he served as Course Tutor for the Event and Convention Management program, as well as a Lecturer in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Alpine Center and City Unity College. In 2014 he started working with the SWISSAM Hospitality Business School in St. Petersburg, Russia, as Lecturer in Postgraduate Programs and Head of Education until August 2016 His collaboration with the Μediterranean College began in February 2018.

Dr. Efstratios Zikopoulos is an Accredited Lecturer at the School of International Hospitality Management (B.A) at Mediterranean College (Athens Campus). He holds academic qualifications in Geopolitics (BA & MSc) as well as in Hospitality and Tourism, with further studies in Strasbourg and professional training in Marketing and Sales at Cornell University. He has extensive teaching experience in public and higher education and a long-standing professional career in the hospitality industry, including a senior role at Divani Caravel Hotel. He has taught International Relations and Geopolitics at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and specializes in corporate training in Hospitality & Tourism. He is fluent in French, Turkish, English, and Greek. His research interests focus on geopolitics, international relations, and hospitality theory.