Evangelos Marinakis

Evangelos Marinakis Biography

Evangelos Marinakis is a renowned Greek businessman and investor known primarily for his significant influence in the shipping, media, and football industries. He is the principal shareholder of numerous companies including Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, Alter Ego Media S.A., and football clubs Olympiacos in Greece and Nottingham Forest in England. As the president of Olympiacos, he led the team to historic victories, including becoming the first Greek club to win the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 2023-2024 season. His prominence spans business, sports, and political spheres, often drawing both admiration and controversy.

Childhood

Born on July 30, 1967, in Piraeus, Greece, Evangelos Marinakis is the son of Miltiadis Marinakis, a well-known shipowner and politician originally from Crete, and Irini Marinaki. Raised in a family with strong ties to shipping and politics, Marinakis grew up in an environment that closely linked him to the maritime industry and public life. His father’s active involvement in Piraeus's shipping sector and political scene helped shape Marinakis’s early interests and ambitions.

Education

Evangelos Marinakis pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, attending the American International University in London. There he earned a Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration and a Master's degree in International Relations. His academic background provided a foundation for his later pursuits in international business, shipping, and investments, helping him equip the skills needed to navigate global markets effectively.

Career

Marinakis began his professional journey in the shipping sector by working as a chartering broker and commercial manager in various firms before founding Capital Maritime & Trading Corp in 2005. He expanded his influence in shipping through key leadership roles, including chairman of Capital Product Partners L.P. and CEO of Crude Carriers Corporation. His career in football started in 2010 when he acquired a majority stake in Olympiacos, leading the team to multiple championship victories. In 2017, he broadened his sports investment portfolio by acquiring the historic English football club Nottingham Forest. Beyond sports and shipping, Marinakis also ventured into media, becoming a leading figure in the Greek media landscape through Alter Ego Media, which owns major television, radio, and print outlets.

Family Life

Evangelos Marinakis is married to Athanasia Marinakis, and they have four children together—three daughters and one son. The family resides primarily in Athens. His son, Miltiades Marinakis, has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including establishing his own company in London. Marinakis maintains a close-knit family life while balancing his demanding business and sports leadership roles.

Achievements

Among Marinakis's most notable achievements is his transformative leadership at Olympiacos, steering the club to win multiple Greek championships and the prestigious UEFA Europa Conference League, a first for any Greek team. In shipping, he is recognized as one of the most influential figures globally, appearing regularly in Lloyd's List's "One Hundred Most Influential People in the Shipping Industry." His media company has grown to dominate Greek broadcast and publishing sectors. Additionally, Marinakis has made significant philanthropic contributions, including charitable donations to disaster recovery efforts and partnerships supporting child immunization programs worldwide.

Controversies

Despite his successes, Marinakis’s career has been marked by controversies, primarily relating to allegations within the football world such as match-fixing and referee interference. However, he has been acquitted in all related legal cases. He was also implicated but subsequently cleared in the 2018 Noor 1 ship case due to lack of evidence. His extensive involvement in politics, business, and sports has sometimes led to him being labeled as a Greek oligarch, reflecting the contentious public perceptions around his influence.

Evangelos Marinakis Summary

Evangelos Marinakis exemplifies a multifaceted career distinguished by leadership in shipping, sports, and media. From his roots in Piraeus to becoming a global shipping magnate and influential football club owner, his journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurial skill and public engagement. While his legacy includes major sporting triumphs and philanthropic endeavors, his life and career have also experienced significant controversies, underscoring the complexity of his public persona. Marinakis continues to be a pivotal figure shaping Greek and international business and sports landscapes.