7 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Evangelos Pistiolis Biography: From Athens College to Global Shipping
Introduction
Evangelos Pistiolis is a Greek entrepreneur with diversified activities in shipping, investment, and real estate. He is best known as the founder and CEO of Top Ships Inc., a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). He has also served as Honorary Consul of Hungary in Greece, and is actively involved in visual arts, motorsports, and philanthropy.
Early Life and Education
Born in Athens in 1973, Pistiolis graduated from Athens College in 1991. He then pursued a degree in Shipping Operations at Southampton Solent University in the United Kingdom, graduating in 1999. While studying, he worked in shipbroking firms in London, including Howe Robinson & Co. Ltd., gaining early experience in the maritime industry.
Business Career
In 1996, he founded Compass United Maritime Ltd., and in 2000, he launched Ocean Holdings Inc., the core holding company of his maritime interests. In 2004, he founded Top Tankers Inc., which went public on NASDAQ raising $146 million — according to this detailed article by Mononews. The company quickly grew into a major global player, with its fleet expanding to 31 vessels in just two years. In 2007, it was renamed Top Ships Inc. and transitioned to the NYSE.
Investments and Parallel Activities
Beyond shipping, Pistiolis has invested heavily in real estate across the United States, United Kingdom, Greece, Switzerland, and the UAE — as reported by The National News. He is a known collector of fine art, including works by Picasso and Banksy, as well as high-performance cars. He maintains a private museum in Switzerland to house his collections.
Philanthropy
Through the Evangelos Pistiolis Foundation, he has supported the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece, along with various initiatives in culture, education, and public safety.
Evangelos Pistiolis exemplifies the modern multifaceted entrepreneur who bridges shipping, finance, and culture. His journey from Athens College to the NYSE reflects the trajectory of a truly globalized investor with a strong presence in both business and civic life.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
