Stefanos Kasselakis

Stefanos Kasselakis
Name	Stefanos Kasselakis
Birth date	29 March 1988
Birth place	Marousi, Athens, Greece
Alma mater	University of Pennsylvania (BA), Yale University (MBA)
Occupation	Businessman, politician
Party	Syriza (2023–present)
Office	President of Syriza
Term start	24 September 2023
Predecessor	Alexis Tsipras

Stefanos Kasselakis is a Greek businessman and politician who has served as the president of the Syriza party since September 2023. His rapid ascent to the leadership of the major opposition party followed a career in international finance and shipping in the United States. Kasselakis's political entry, marked by a surprise victory in the party's leadership election, has significantly reshaped the landscape of the Hellenic Parliament.

Early life and education

Stefanos Kasselakis was born on 29 March 1988 in Marousi, a northern suburb of Athens. He attended the prestigious Athens College, a private preparatory school. For his undergraduate studies, he moved to the United States, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Finance from the University of Pennsylvania. He later pursued a Master of Business Administration from the Yale School of Management, graduating in 2021.

Business career

Following his undergraduate studies, Kasselakis began his professional career as a Goldman Sachs analyst in London and later in New York City, focusing on investment banking. He subsequently transitioned into the shipping industry, working for companies including Excelerate Energy and Seanergy Maritime Holdings. In 2022, he co-founded and served as CEO of a Miami-based shipping company, while also establishing a non-governmental organization focused on supporting Greek small and medium-sized enterprises.

Entry into Greek politics

Kasselakis announced his candidacy for the leadership of Syriza in August 2023, following the resignation of longtime leader Alexis Tsipras after the party's defeat in the 2023 Greek legislative elections. His campaign, conducted largely through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, presented him as a political outsider with private sector expertise. He defeated Efi Achtsioglou in a runoff election on 24 September 2023, becoming the new president of the party.

Leadership of Syriza

Upon his election, Kasselakis became the leader of the official opposition in the Hellenic Parliament, facing the governing New Democracy party led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis. His leadership has been characterized by efforts to modernize the party's structure and communication strategy, while navigating internal debates regarding Syriza's ideological direction. His tenure has included significant public debates with government ministers and the articulation of an alternative policy platform.

Political positions and views

Kasselakis advocates for a social market economy, emphasizing economic growth coupled with robust social welfare policies. He supports strengthening the National Health System, increasing the minimum wage, and implementing tax relief for middle and lower-income families. On foreign policy, he supports Greece's membership in the European Union and NATO, while advocating for a firm but diplomatic stance in relations with Turkey regarding the Aegean dispute and Cyprus dispute. He is a proponent of LGBT rights in Greece and marriage equality.

Personal life

Stefanos Kasselakis is openly gay. In October 2023, he married American nurse and Tyler McBeth in a civil ceremony in Athens. The couple divides their time between Greece and the United States. Kasselakis is a licensed private pilot and holds both Greek and American citizenship. He is fluent in Greek and English.

Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:Greek politicians Category:Syriza politicians Category:Businesspeople from Athens Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni Category:Yale University alumni