Ilias Psinakis facts for kids

Ilias Psinakis (born April 8, 1948) is a well-known Greek businessman, politician, and TV personality. He has had a varied career, from managing famous singers to appearing on television. He also served as the Mayor of Marathon, a historic city in Greece, from 2014 to 2019.

Early Life and Education

Ilias Psinakis was born in Greece. His father owned a factory that made electronics. His uncle, Steve Psinakis, owned a large energy company in the Philippines. Ilias grew up living in both the Philippines and Greece. Later, he went to university in the United Kingdom. There, he studied international business and marketing. He earned master's degrees in both subjects.

Career Journey

From Modeling to Entertainment

Ilias Psinakis started his career as a fashion model. After that, he became a writer for a TV show in Greece. He then became the manager for a famous Greek singer named Sakis Rouvas. They worked together for 16 years.

In 2004, their working relationship ended. Psinakis then decided to manage his own career in entertainment. He became a judge on popular Greek reality TV shows. These included Super Idol, Dream Show, Greece's Got Talent, and The X Factor. During this time, he also continued to manage other singers and actors in Greece.

Stepping into Politics

Serving on the City Council

In 2010, Psinakis started his political journey. He was elected to the Athens city council. A city council helps run a city and make decisions for its people. He worked to make Athens look good both in Greece and around the world.

He also started a special project called "For a Plate of Food." This project helped people in Athens who were struggling. It worked with the Archdiocese of Athens and a government group called "Apostoli." Together, they provided free food and help to thousands of people in need.

Becoming the Mayor

In 2014, Ilias Psinakis decided to run for Mayor of Marathon. He had lived in Marathon for over twenty years. The people of Marathon elected him as their mayor in the first round of voting. He won with more than half of the total votes.

Psinakis officially became mayor in August 2014. In his speech, he shared his goals for Marathon. He wanted the city to be open and honest in its dealings. He also aimed for fair decisions and new growth for the area.

In August 2018, Marathon faced terrible fires. The city council then asked Psinakis to resign. They said he was not managing the situation well. Psinakis refused to step down. He said their action was not allowed by law. He urged everyone to work together to help the city recover from the disaster.

Mayor's Projects and Activities

In early 2015, Psinakis was chosen to lead international public relations for the Central Union of Municipalities (KEDE). In this role, he worked to bring the Elgin Marbles back to Greece. These ancient sculptures are currently in the British Museum in London. As mayor, Psinakis also took part in discussions at the Hellenic Parliament, which is Greece's main law-making body.

To honor important Greek people, Psinakis created the Medal of the Legion of Marathon in 2015. This award celebrates athletes, celebrities, and others who have made a difference. In May 2015, he gave the first award to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Other people who have received this award include Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Hollywood director James Cameron, and actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Many foreign ambassadors also received the award. Those who get the medal are called "World Ambassador of Marathon."

Psinakis also started the Marathon Foundation. This is a non-profit group that helps promote tourism, sports, and culture in the Marathon area. It also organizes charity events. These events provide food, water, and medical care to people in need across Greece.

In March 2016, Psinakis created the Amphictyony of Ancient Greek Cities. This group aims to connect different parts of Greece that have ancient sites and historical landmarks. Its main office is in Marathon. The group works to protect and share Greek culture and history. Many cities in Greece have joined this association.

Psinakis worked with investors from Greece and China to improve Marathon. He wanted to create a beautiful tourist spot, like a Riviera. His plan included building an entertainment center with a casino, a marina for boats, hotels, and a golf course. He also planned for Marathon Lake to become a park with boating and bike trails.

He also worked with other officials to create a scuba diving park. This park would be in the Evian Gulf. To attract more tourists, Psinakis traveled to China in May 2016. There, he discussed plans to build a history museum in Marathon.