Our Leadership Team

Menelaos
Kyriakopoulos
Kyriakopoulos
Principal
Menelaos founded Optimal Business Action in 2005 with the vision to offer bespoke HR services to companies operating in Greece and, as of 2012, in the Middle East.
His international experience includes working in the USA and Greece as a Portfolio Manager and Sr. Investment Consultant for wealth management firms, brokerage houses, and a family office. He is a serial entrepreneur, having established three other companies in varying industries during the last 15 years.
During his endeavors he has always strived for excellence in customer experience, in which he is a certified Master Practitioner. He currently heads the Group's Middle East operations, its international mobility services, and oversees the strategic alliance with Gi Group.
His international experience includes working in the USA and Greece as a Portfolio Manager and Sr. Investment Consultant for wealth management firms, brokerage houses, and a family office. He is a serial entrepreneur, having established three other companies in varying industries during the last 15 years.
During his endeavors he has always strived for excellence in customer experience, in which he is a certified Master Practitioner. He currently heads the Group's Middle East operations, its international mobility services, and oversees the strategic alliance with Gi Group.
MBA, Finance, Babson College, USA
BSc, Marketing, Bentley University, USA
Master Practitioner, Academy of Service Excellence, UK
BSc, Marketing, Bentley University, USA
Master Practitioner, Academy of Service Excellence, UK

Alexis
Doukas
Doukas
CEO
Alexis joined Optimal in 2007 and later assumed the position of CEO. He has more than 25 years of Managerial, Consulting and Recruiting experience, both as an entrepreneur and as an Executive for the Public and Private sectors.
Alexis has served as a Consultant for the Greek Prime Minister's office, as an Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism and to the President of GNTO and a member of joint Committees between the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organization. He has worked in Hospitality as a Hotel General Manager and HR Manager, and as a Consultant for International tenders and studies. He has organized and addressed national and international conferences and meetings among them Ministerial meetings for the Greek EU presidency.
Throughout his professional life his focus and drive was always Human Resources management and employee engagement, coaching and development. Most of all he enjoys building new companies, heading projects which bring diverse talent together focusing on the Human factor.
Alexis has served as a Consultant for the Greek Prime Minister's office, as an Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism and to the President of GNTO and a member of joint Committees between the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organization. He has worked in Hospitality as a Hotel General Manager and HR Manager, and as a Consultant for International tenders and studies. He has organized and addressed national and international conferences and meetings among them Ministerial meetings for the Greek EU presidency.
Throughout his professional life his focus and drive was always Human Resources management and employee engagement, coaching and development. Most of all he enjoys building new companies, heading projects which bring diverse talent together focusing on the Human factor.
MA, International Economics, Reading University, UK
BSc, Political Economy, City University, UK
Global Career Development Facilitator
Certified Trainer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
NLP practitioner
BSc, Political Economy, City University, UK
Global Career Development Facilitator
Certified Trainer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
NLP practitioner

Dr. Nikolaos
Dimitriadis
Dimitriadis
Head of Neuro Consulting
Dr. Nikolaos Dimitriadis is an award-winning communications professional, educator and consultant. He is the author of the books "Neuroscience for Leaders: A Brain Adaptive Leadership Approach” and "Advanced Marketing Management: Principles, Skills and Tools”, both for Kogan Page London. He spoke at TEDx University of Strathclyde for the urgent need for Brain-Based Communication, he is a certified NeuroMarketer and he lectured at the NeuroMarketing Manager Program at Hamburg Media School. He is a highly sought-after speaker and consultant, teaching regularly in MBA and corporate programs around the world.
Dr. Dimitriadis has studied more than 5,000 brains in 25 countries for neuromarketing, neuroHR and scientific purposes and currently holds the position of Country Manager for Serbia for The University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College.
He has worked with major brands such as IKEA, IBM, JTI, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, T-Mobile, Pierre Fabre, Coca-Cola, Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Microsoft, CISCO, SAP, VMware, Emirates NBD, Raiffeisen Bank, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, Rauch, Teekanne, USAID and others.
He is the Director of Neuroscience Services at OptimalHRGroup, offering neuro-testing, neuro-consulting and neuro-training services. Dr. Nikolaos Dimitriadis is a strong advocate of brain-based solutions to business challenges.
Dr. Dimitriadis has studied more than 5,000 brains in 25 countries for neuromarketing, neuroHR and scientific purposes and currently holds the position of Country Manager for Serbia for The University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College.
He has worked with major brands such as IKEA, IBM, JTI, Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, T-Mobile, Pierre Fabre, Coca-Cola, Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Microsoft, CISCO, SAP, VMware, Emirates NBD, Raiffeisen Bank, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole, Rauch, Teekanne, USAID and others.
He is the Director of Neuroscience Services at OptimalHRGroup, offering neuro-testing, neuro-consulting and neuro-training services. Dr. Nikolaos Dimitriadis is a strong advocate of brain-based solutions to business challenges.

Vicky
Paroni
Paroni
Workforce Mngt & HR Director
Vicky joined Optimal in 2011 and has more than 12 years experience in HR processes and systems.
Vicky is highly motivated and results oriented, with expertise in the fields of HR payroll, compensation & benefits and demonstrated strengths that include assessing organizational needs, setting strategic direction, and implementing initiatives that enhance corporate performance.
She has worked in a wide variety of industries and with employees under different statuses (temporary, outsourced, and internal) and, thus, ensures end-to-end service excellence and full compliance with Labor Laws.
Vicky is highly motivated and results oriented, with expertise in the fields of HR payroll, compensation & benefits and demonstrated strengths that include assessing organizational needs, setting strategic direction, and implementing initiatives that enhance corporate performance.
She has worked in a wide variety of industries and with employees under different statuses (temporary, outsourced, and internal) and, thus, ensures end-to-end service excellence and full compliance with Labor Laws.
ED, Human Resources, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR
ED, Finance & European Labor Law, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR
BSc, Finance & Business Administration, Deree College, GR
ED, Finance & European Labor Law, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR
BSc, Finance & Business Administration, Deree College, GR

George
Bampaliaris
Bampaliaris
Partner, Learning Services
George has been working for more than 25 years in sales and the last 15 in adult learning. He is specialized in Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Customer Experience, Loyalty, and Teamwork.
He established The Training Thinking Company, as a learning designer & provider. His previous working experience was with S.C. Johnson & Son, Henkel Hellas, Germanos, and OTEAcademy.
George approaches adult learning with a holistic view,respecting the trainee and professional, adapting to his personality, accepting his diversity, utilizing his experiences and inspire change. He believes that individual development stems from the individual and his will power.
His mission is to enable the individual to question existing practices, think differently and decide which skills and behaviors to change in the workplace, while all this takes place while adhering to the values and cultural beliefs of the company who entrusts their employees to our programs.
He established The Training Thinking Company, as a learning designer & provider. His previous working experience was with S.C. Johnson & Son, Henkel Hellas, Germanos, and OTEAcademy.
George approaches adult learning with a holistic view,respecting the trainee and professional, adapting to his personality, accepting his diversity, utilizing his experiences and inspire change. He believes that individual development stems from the individual and his will power.
His mission is to enable the individual to question existing practices, think differently and decide which skills and behaviors to change in the workplace, while all this takes place while adhering to the values and cultural beliefs of the company who entrusts their employees to our programs.
BA, Business Administration, Macedonian University of Thessaloniki
MSc, International Marketing, Paisley University of Scotland
Certified Adult trainer, EOPPEP
Master Practitioner, Academy of Service Excellence, UK
MSc, International Marketing, Paisley University of Scotland
Certified Adult trainer, EOPPEP
Master Practitioner, Academy of Service Excellence, UK

Annita
Pakioufaki
Pakioufaki
Corporate Development Director
Annita joined Optimal in January 2018 as an Associate Director for Talent Acquisition. Before joining Optimal Annita was the Managing Director of Stanton Chase International in Bucharest for 5 years. She has worked extensively on an international level in many countries in the EMEA region and has successfully managed client assignments at the Executive and Senior Management levels for local and international companies in all industries. She has appraised executives and has provided seminars and trainings for HR professionals and their companies. Having a passion for equal opportunities in the workplace, she promotes Diversity and Inclusion through her work.
Annita possesses a wealth of professional experience having worked with prominent multinational companies in the Consumer Products and Services, as well as Life Sciences and Healthcare market sectors holding leading positions in Sales, Marketing, Trade Marketing, Commercial and Supply Chain departments for over 18 years.
Annita started her career with the Commercial service of the United States Embassy in Athens. She then moved to Gr. Sarantis S.A. where she was responsible for the business in Cyprus, Lebanon, Malta and Portugal. After four years, she joined Johnson & Johnson in Greece holding several positions in the Sales and Trade Marketing departments. She then moved to Merck Sharp & Dohme as the Commercial & Supply Chain Manager.
Annita possesses a wealth of professional experience having worked with prominent multinational companies in the Consumer Products and Services, as well as Life Sciences and Healthcare market sectors holding leading positions in Sales, Marketing, Trade Marketing, Commercial and Supply Chain departments for over 18 years.
Annita started her career with the Commercial service of the United States Embassy in Athens. She then moved to Gr. Sarantis S.A. where she was responsible for the business in Cyprus, Lebanon, Malta and Portugal. After four years, she joined Johnson & Johnson in Greece holding several positions in the Sales and Trade Marketing departments. She then moved to Merck Sharp & Dohme as the Commercial & Supply Chain Manager.
BA in Sociology, The American College of Greece, Deree College

Nasos
Gouras
Gouras
Head of Talent Development & Employee Excellence
Having capitalized more than 10 years of applied experience in critical HR roles, both in-house and in the consulting industry, Nasos is the Head of Talent Development and Employee Excellence at Optimal.
He is passionate in delivering high quality HR policies and procedures positively impacting performance through Reward Management strategies, Compensation & Benefits Surveying, Performance Management initiatives, Engagement Surveying, HR metrics, People Assessment, Employee & Career counseling, and Change Management. He is also eager to exemplify programs and endeavors that reflect on improving employee experiences throughout organizational operations and lead employee excellence programs that secure employer branding.
He is an active academia member, and Adjunct Lecturer at Athens University of Economics and Business, and holds a drive seeing HR trends and reflections behind numbers and big data.
He is passionate in delivering high quality HR policies and procedures positively impacting performance through Reward Management strategies, Compensation & Benefits Surveying, Performance Management initiatives, Engagement Surveying, HR metrics, People Assessment, Employee & Career counseling, and Change Management. He is also eager to exemplify programs and endeavors that reflect on improving employee experiences throughout organizational operations and lead employee excellence programs that secure employer branding.
He is an active academia member, and Adjunct Lecturer at Athens University of Economics and Business, and holds a drive seeing HR trends and reflections behind numbers and big data.
Phd in organizational behavior and HRM, AUEB
MSc in HRM, AUEB
BSc in management Science and technology, AUEB
Certified Hogan consultant
MSc in HRM, AUEB
BSc in management Science and technology, AUEB
Certified Hogan consultant

Nikos
Sarlis
Sarlis
Talent Acquisition Manager
Nikos has joined Optimal since February 2020, holding the position of TA Manager. Nikos is responsible for Project allocation to TA team members workflow and deliverables, ensuring quality of deliverables to the clients. In addition he takes over the implementation of senior and complicated TA projects.
Nikos was employed by ICAP Group for 11 years (2008 – 2019), holding the position of Manager in the Executive Search & Selection Department. Although he was primarily engaged in all levels of Executive Search Projects, he was also active in outplacement programs, in training programs and in assessment centres.
Before joining ICAP Group, he was employed by Larco SA as Human Resources Supervisor, being responsible for the Recruitment and the Compensations & Benefits department. His prior working experience was in the Consultancy sector, in Priamos SA (AIMS) as a Recruitment Consultant and in CRÈME de la CRÈME Human Resources as a Human Resources Consultant. His professional experience in Consulting lasts almost 17 years.
He is fluent in Greek and English.
Nikos was employed by ICAP Group for 11 years (2008 – 2019), holding the position of Manager in the Executive Search & Selection Department. Although he was primarily engaged in all levels of Executive Search Projects, he was also active in outplacement programs, in training programs and in assessment centres.
Before joining ICAP Group, he was employed by Larco SA as Human Resources Supervisor, being responsible for the Recruitment and the Compensations & Benefits department. His prior working experience was in the Consultancy sector, in Priamos SA (AIMS) as a Recruitment Consultant and in CRÈME de la CRÈME Human Resources as a Human Resources Consultant. His professional experience in Consulting lasts almost 17 years.
He is fluent in Greek and English.
Bachelor degree in Psychology, Deree College
2 Master’s Degrees MA in Community Care (Learning Disabilities) and ΜΑ in Industrial Relations & Human Resources Management from Keele University
2 Master’s Degrees MA in Community Care (Learning Disabilities) and ΜΑ in Industrial Relations & Human Resources Management from Keele University
Consultants

Fani
Chalvatzoglou
Chalvatzoglou
Workforce Mngt & Senior HR Consultant
Fani joined Optimal in 2018 as an HR and Payroll Consultant in the Workforce Management.
She is a results driven HR professional who is highly organized, has strong attention to detail and who is capable of working with confidential information. She has extensive knowledge of all activities related to HR and payroll.
She has over 11 years of experience in the HR area in Greek and multinational leading companies of their fields with increased administrative responsibilities. During these years, she has always focused on results and therefore she has developed a solid professional background.
She is a results driven HR professional who is highly organized, has strong attention to detail and who is capable of working with confidential information. She has extensive knowledge of all activities related to HR and payroll.
She has over 11 years of experience in the HR area in Greek and multinational leading companies of their fields with increased administrative responsibilities. During these years, she has always focused on results and therefore she has developed a solid professional background.
MSc degree, Economic and European Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB)
Bachelor Degree, Public Administration, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences with specialization in Public Economics.
Bachelor Degree, Public Administration, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences with specialization in Public Economics.

Despoina
Foniadaki
Foniadaki
Workforce Mngt & Senior HR Consultant
Despoina joined Optimal in 2020 as an HR and Payroll Consultant in the Workforce Management.
Her fifteen years of professional Background includes Customer service and HR administration in several industries, such as public and bank sector and employment services.
Despina is a dedicated, team worker, enthusiastic professional with empathy and a passion for Human Resources Management and people. Proven experience within challenging environments, with an ability to communicate with others and deliver results in line with requirements.
She is a highly motivated person, constantly seeking to improve her skills with the aim of adding value to an organization.
Her fifteen years of professional Background includes Customer service and HR administration in several industries, such as public and bank sector and employment services.
Despina is a dedicated, team worker, enthusiastic professional with empathy and a passion for Human Resources Management and people. Proven experience within challenging environments, with an ability to communicate with others and deliver results in line with requirements.
She is a highly motivated person, constantly seeking to improve her skills with the aim of adding value to an organization.
BSc in History and Archaeology, University of Athens
MSc in Strategic Human Resources Management , Alba Graduate Business School
MSc in Strategic Human Resources Management , Alba Graduate Business School

Giovanni
Dimitriadis
Dimitriadis
Senior Business Consultant
Giovanni is a Chemistry degree graduate from the Aristoteles University of Thessaloniki with a Doctorate Degree in Polymers & Materials Science from Universite Paris Xiii. Following a period in Research, he began a career in Raw Materials Trading on an International level. In his career he has worked as a Retail Marketing Stores Development & Performance Director for some of the largest retail brands in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans. OTE, Cosmote, Germanos, MTN, Neptun and many more are included amongst them. He oversaw every aspect from Branding to Design and Operations to store Development & Expansion.
He is now GioRetail’s Founder while also holding the following positions: Senior Business Consultant at Optimal and Store Design Advisor for ΜΤΝ Cyprus, Shop & Go Romania, NEPTUN of BALFIN Group Albania/Skopje/Kosovo, along with several other individual Stores from different companies.
Throughout his career, his primary focus is the management of all of his clients’ design and development programs, concentrating primarily in serving client requirements and upscaling their buying experience.
He is now GioRetail’s Founder while also holding the following positions: Senior Business Consultant at Optimal and Store Design Advisor for ΜΤΝ Cyprus, Shop & Go Romania, NEPTUN of BALFIN Group Albania/Skopje/Kosovo, along with several other individual Stores from different companies.
Throughout his career, his primary focus is the management of all of his clients’ design and development programs, concentrating primarily in serving client requirements and upscaling their buying experience.

Yiannis
Georgakopoulos
Georgakopoulos
Senior Business Consultant
Accredited Business Coach
Accredited Business Coach
Yiannis is a Senior HR Consultant, Trainer and accredited Business Coach, offering consulting services and customized solutions and products for large and medium companies, drawing upon his professional experience in HR Consulting sector, combined with an economic background and hands-on experience in Sales Development and Financial Analysis, during his 10 year stay in the private banking sector.
He is highly engaged in helping organizations create a culture that supports and reinforces people’s development, facilitating their enhancement of work performance, their personal responsibility and engagement in continuous learning and finally their personal and professional success and fulfilment.
The last 4 years he has facilitated & delivered numerous Training & Development Programs in areas such as PM and TM systems, Leadership, Sales, Customer Service, influence and Negotiations Skills, in large and medium enterprises such us: Coca-Cola 3E, Mytilineos Group, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank, AB, Lidl, Loreal, Mondelez, Cepal, Leaseplan, Dixons-Kotsovolos, Adidas, British American Tobacco, Onassis Group, Siemens Healthcare, Loulis Mills.
He is highly engaged in helping organizations create a culture that supports and reinforces people’s development, facilitating their enhancement of work performance, their personal responsibility and engagement in continuous learning and finally their personal and professional success and fulfilment.
The last 4 years he has facilitated & delivered numerous Training & Development Programs in areas such as PM and TM systems, Leadership, Sales, Customer Service, influence and Negotiations Skills, in large and medium enterprises such us: Coca-Cola 3E, Mytilineos Group, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank, AB, Lidl, Loreal, Mondelez, Cepal, Leaseplan, Dixons-Kotsovolos, Adidas, British American Tobacco, Onassis Group, Siemens Healthcare, Loulis Mills.
BA, Economics Department, Athens University of Economics & Business
MSc in Applied Economics and Finance, Athens University of Economic& Business
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - International Coach Federation (ICF)
MSc in Applied Economics and Finance, Athens University of Economic& Business
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - International Coach Federation (ICF)

Apostolis
Katsorchis
Katsorchis
Practice Leader, Outplacement / Commercial Specialty
Apostolis holds a background in Human Resources with over than 10 years of working experience in Talent Acquisition, Assessments, Training & Development and Culture alignment. He has been exposed in highly complicated and complexed projects in various industries eg. Professional services | Pharma | Maritime | FMCG | NPL’s & Digital Marketing. Academically has acquired a BSc. in Business Administration and an MSc in International Hotel Management.
As more employers are struggling to fill vacancies, Apostolis gives handpicked talent acquisition solutions.
As more employers are struggling to fill vacancies, Apostolis gives handpicked talent acquisition solutions.

Anna
Skoura
Skoura
Workforce Mngt & Senior HR Consultant
Anna joined Optimal in 2017 as an HR Executive. She has a solid 10+ year experience in HR management, having worked for a multinational hotel brand.
Anna has acquired over the years, an in-depth knowledge of the Greek labor law regulations and demonstrated exemplary time management skills and commitment to meet deadlines, achieving a zero complaint and penalty fine status for the brand. She has successfully managed several challenging workforce tasks in the fields of HR, and effectively performed organizational needs assessments and brand strategic planning.
Anna has acquired over the years, an in-depth knowledge of the Greek labor law regulations and demonstrated exemplary time management skills and commitment to meet deadlines, achieving a zero complaint and penalty fine status for the brand. She has successfully managed several challenging workforce tasks in the fields of HR, and effectively performed organizational needs assessments and brand strategic planning.
BA Technological Educational Institution of Athens