“My elevation to the position of President of the company, in the new era after the renaming, even more so when I succeed Alexandros Kondo, with whom we have a long-term friendship and collaboration, is a great honor for me.

I accept it with a sense of responsibility, assuring each and every one of you, executives, shareholders, partners that I will work with you to achieve the company’s goals.

For the further development of its operations, the expansion of its readability to the general consumer public, the conclusion of strategic partnerships where deemed necessary and beneficial” emphasized the former prime minister Kostas Karamanlis to the members of the Board of Directors of Cooperative Insurance-Sydnea after his election as its president.

Here is the former prime minister’s speech:

“Dear members of the Board of Directors,

ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to be with you today.

In the only Greek insurance company composed exclusively of cooperative associations, banks and leading European cooperative companies.

In the company founded on the initiative of the late Alexandros Baltatzis, who, 46 ​​years ago, envisioned an insurance company made up of agricultural cooperatives, in the interest of their farmer members.

From 1978 to today the company has undoubtedly exceeded the expectations of its founders. Thanks to the professionalism of its executives, but above all to its reliability and solvency which are proven in practice, it achieved its stable financial growth and managed to significantly expand its distribution network. It currently has 1500 points of sale for its products, which are designed and constantly adapted to the insurance needs of modern reality. In addition to cooperative associations, private insurance intermediaries and cooperative banks are included in this network.

Besides, the long-term participation in the share capital of giant European companies, such as Macif, P&V and Unipolsai, which contribute in practice with the know-how and experience of the European insurance market, proves the strong, stable and quality ties that the company creates, maintains and develops.

Having knowledge of its many years of progress, I must emphasize that we are talking about a company characterized by respect for people and their needs, trust in its partners, responsibility towards the consumer and solidarity in society.

The above unique features of the company are its strongest credentials for today and tomorrow.

ladies and gentlemen,

We live in an environment of instability, uncertainty and insecurity. Households, producers and businesses are under pressure, tested in search of a “window” of hope, a way out of perspective. The immediate future brings great opportunities but also enormous challenges for the insurance industry, which will be called upon to contribute decisively to the restoration and consolidation of a climate of security in the economy and society. You are all aware of the concern that is developing throughout Europe about the threatened impasse of public insurance systems, mainly due to the effects of the climate, but also the demographic crisis. A healthy, transparent, reliable and solvent insurance sector must and can emerge as a pillar of stability, sustainable development and prosperity.

ladies and gentlemen,

My elevation to the position of President of the company, in the new post-rebranding era, more so when I succeed Al. Konto, with whom we share a long-term friendship and collaboration, is a great honor for me. I accept it with a sense of responsibility, assuring each and every one of you, executives, shareholders, partners that I will work with you to achieve the company’s goals. For the further development of its operations, the expansion of its readability to the general consumer public, the conclusion of strategic partnerships where deemed necessary and beneficial.

Thank you very much.”