Sir Christopher Pissarides is the 2010 Nobel Prize laureate in economics, the Regius Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and the Professor of European Studies at the University of Cyprus. He is current President of the Royal Economic Society. The professor is a macroeconomist who specialises in the economics of labour markets, economic growth and structural change, especially as they relate to obstacles to free-market clearing. He has published extensively in academic journals and his book Equilibrium Unemployment Theory is a standard reference in the academic literature on unemployment, which has influenced extensively labour market policies. He has received several prizes, awards and prestigious Academy fellowships for his work, including the Grand Cross of the Republic of Cyprus and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. In the last decade, he has mainly worked on the employment implications of automation and artificial intelligence and the emergence of China as a global economic power. He has recently been involved in the preparation of a Report on the development of the Greek economy, which bears his name, and through his position as Co-Chair of the Institute for the Future of Work in London he is actively involved in securing the conditions for the creation of good work in the age of automation.
It’s based on the “IFOW Pissarides Review of the Future of Work and Wellbeing” https://pissaridesreview.ifow.org/
CHRO Genel Energy
President of the EAPM Board (European Association of People Management)
Board Member of WFPMA (World Federation of People Management)
Berna Oztinaz currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Genel Energy, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company based in London. In this role, she oversees Global HR, IT, and ESG functions. Berna has executive experience at companies including Genel Energy Plc., DeFacto, STFA Holding, Enerjisa Holding A.Ş., and Kordsa Global, where she managed various functions such as strategy, HR, brand management, industrial relations, business excellence, and culture transformation. She has also held board positions at Ayedas Electricity Distribution Company and Toroslar Electricity Distribution Company and currently serves on the board of Passage A.S. and HR Tech Solutions.
Berna is the first female President of the European Association of People Management (EAPM) and the first female board member representing Europe in the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA).
She holds academic qualifications in Business Administration from Istanbul University and an Executive MBA from Sabancı University.
With a global perspective, experience in diverse cultural environments, and a professional background covering industries like Energy (Oil and Gas), Electricity, Retail, Manufacturing, Tech, and Construction, Berna excels in guiding businesses through challenging periods and leading successful organizational transformations.
Berna’s voluntary work focuses on enhancing leadership practices and fostering collaboration among people management professionals globally. Her dedication lies in leadership studies and practices, and she has focused on strategy development, stakeholder relations, people management, culture, change management, and diversity and inclusion.
Enthusiastic about catalyzing positive change and fostering growth, Berna is a firm believer in the power of individuals to create a meaningful impact and elevate the world around them.
Anthony Ariganello is currently the President and CEO of the Chartered Professionals of Human Resources (CPHR) Canada, and CPHR BC & Yukon.
Anthony also currently serves as President (Chair) of the World Federation of People Management (WFPMA). Throughout his career Anthony has served on several boards and committees contributing to the success of other organizations.
His significant contributions for advancing National practices and Standards as a leading financial executive in the Accounting and Human Resources professions, respectively, earned him an appointment to the Order of Canada in December 2023.
Anthony holds several designations in both HR and Accounting including Fellow CPHR, Fellow CPA/CGA, and Fellow CCA (UK). He also holds the ICD.D accredited director designation.
“The Future of Work & Wellbeing event is a great opportunity to gain insights from thought leaders from around the world in the ever-evolving world of HR, and to engage in networking with global colleagues and peers.”
Anthony Ariganello, President WFPMA
CM,FCPHR,FCPA,FCGA,ICD.D.
Valentinos Polykarpou studied Political Science at the University of Cyprus and went on to complete a Master’s in Political Science at the French National School of Political Sciences (Sciences Po Paris). Building on his academic background, Valentinos began his career in political communication and electoral analysis before transitioning into the business world.
In 2014, he joined Wargaming, an award-winning online game developer and publisher, as Communication and HR Manager. Over the years, he advanced within the company, most recently serving as Executive Director Global HR Ops and Services, where he oversaw human resources operations on a global scale. Since 2018, Valentinos has been serving as General Manager for Wargaming’s Headquarters and Operations in Cyprus. In addition to this ongoing role, Valentinos has recently taken on new responsibilities as Locations Platforms Director at Wargaming Group.
Furthermore, since March 2023, Valentinos has been serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TechIsland, a non-profit tech association dedicated to transforming Cyprus into a hub for technology and innovation..
Elli Matsouka is an accomplished Consultant and Executive Coach specializing in organizational culture, leadership development, corporate well-being and diversity and inclusion matters in the workplace.
She is the founder of Elli & Co and The Inclusion Space, where she collaborates with a network of professionals at an international level with the aim of transforming the world of work into a more human, inclusive, enjoyable and caring place for people where individuals’ wellbeing, and business success can coexist.
She has worked with leading consulting companies applying world-class solutions and approaches and advising hundreds of companies and business leaders. During her corporate career, she has worked for Deloitte, she has led the EMEA HR function for Amicorp Group and was the Head of Consulting Unit of People Advisory Services at EY.
Elli holds a holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development & Consulting from Lancaster University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Sciences – Sociology from the University of Cyprus. She is an EMCC accredited Coach (EIA), a licensed practitioner in running Emotional Intelligence assessments (TEIQue) and a certified Chakra Yoga Teacher.
Elli is also an elected member of the Board of Directors of the European Association for People Management (EAPM) and was for many years a member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Human Resources Association – CyHRMA.
Charis Anastassiadou is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Human Resource Management Association (CyHRMA).
Charis is a graduate of The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management, and a graduate of Boston University (BU) with an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
She worked at PwC, an «Investors in People Platinum» accredited employer, for 16 years before taking up her current role in 2020 as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), an «Innovator of Inclusion» accredited employer.
Over the course of her career, Charis has led numerous strategic projects on optimizing human capital so as to deliver maximum value to the business and holds a track record of outstanding performance, achieving global and national awards / accreditations for designing and implementing HR best practices.
She is an accredited «Equality Ally» for women and LGBTQI+ in the workplace and an accredited «Chief Happiness Officer», promoting happiness at work.
Gold Sponsor
CMS Training Centre was formed in July 1998 primarily to offer Health and Safety Training to all people who wished to be trained to European Standards, although Cyprus was not in Europe then. Christina set up her office in a small flat using various hotel conference rooms for the training that was organized.
A few years later she moved the whole operation to a building which was designed originally as a school and expanded her operation to offer the training within her own facilities. CMS Training Centre can now offer delegates, training in 3 large conference rooms and workshops.
CMS is a leader in Health and Safety training and is always at the front bringing new ideas to Cyprus.
CMS Training Centre in association with SETA Training and Advisory Services from the UK and Now HSB – Holistic Safety Business has been offering training courses such as Nebosh, and IOSH since 1998 with excellent results.
Recently CMS Training Centre was approved by BPEC to become the first LPG (ACS) Gas Centre in Europe and outside of the UK.
For more information: click here
Silver Sponsor
CIM-Cyprus Business School was established in 1978 in Nicosia as The Cyprus Institute of Marketing and has been operating also in Limassol since 1984. Originally set up to promote the science of Marketing in Cyprus and abroad, during the last 46 years CIM-Cyprus Business School has evolved into an all-round Business School, offering an array of programmes at both Undergraduate as well as Postgraduate level – from Marketing, Business, to Accounting and Finance, Shipping, and Human Resource Management, Law and other.
Over the years, CIM-Cyprus Business School has provided the opportunity to more than 10,000 students to acquire acclaimed qualifications and fulfil their aspirations. A lot of our students are individuals who had missed out, for one reason or another, on the opportunity to study after graduating from secondary school, yet who always had the desire to pursue learning, gain further knowledge and qualifications, and advance their careers. Though CIM serves students of all ages and all walks of life, we still offer evening classes exclusively – in order to cater for the needs of working individuals. We still put emphasis on combining theory and practice and remain committed to offering the best and most accessible education at the most affordable fees.
Exelsys is an independent software vendor specializing in the design, development, and delivery of cutting-edge software solutions as a service. Our expertise lies in creating comprehensive, AI-enabled HR management systems that are seamlessly delivered through the cloud. Exelsys solutions are distributed globally through a robust network of business partners.
Foody is the easiest way to order food, coffee, groceries and more in Cyprus from more than 2300 stores.
We are part of a fast-growing multinational company, with endless opportunities for professional growth and the acquisition of new skills. Our team consists of talented and ambitious people who make Foody a great place to work!
We know that working and having a good time isn’t the opposite and that’s why every day at Foody is a new adventure!
We always aim higher and we thrive in finding solutions to push our limits further! We care about our customers, our employees and our society.”
Media Sponsor
Institutional Supporters
