Ilias Psinakis facts for kids

Ilias Psinakis (Greek: Ηλίας Ψινάκης) is a well-known Greek businessman, politician, manager, and television personality. He was born on April 8, 1958. From 2014 to 2019, Psinakis served as the Mayor of Marathon, a city in the Attica region of Greece.

Early Life and Education

Ilias Psinakis was born in Greece. His father owned a factory that made electronics. His uncle, Steve Psinakis, owned an energy company in the Philippines. Ilias grew up living in both the Philippines and Greece.

When he went to university in the United Kingdom, Psinakis studied international business and marketing. He earned master's degrees in both of these subjects.

Career Journey

Entertainment World

Early in his career, Ilias Psinakis worked as a fashion model. After modeling, he became a writer for a TV show in Greece. He then started working as a manager for the famous Greek singer Sakis Rouvas.

After working with Rouvas for 16 years, Psinakis decided to manage his own career. He became a judge on popular Greek TV reality 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.

Entering Politics

City Council Role

In 2010, Psinakis began his political journey. He was elected to the Athens city council. While on the council, he worked to make Athens look good both in Greece and around the world.

He also started a project called "For a Plate of Food." This project helped poor people in Athens. It worked with the Archdiocese of Athens and a government group called "Apostoli." Thousands of people in need received free food and help.

Becoming 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 on May 18, 2014. He won with 53.55% of the 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, to reward hard work, and to grow.

In August 2018, after terrible fires in the region, the city council of Marathon asked Psinakis to resign. They said he was "undesirable" and "incapable." Psinakis refused to resign. 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 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. Psinakis also took part in discussions at the Hellenic Parliament.

To honor Greek athletes, celebrities, and other important people, Psinakis created the Medal of the Legion of Marathon in 2015. The first award was given to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, in May 2015.

Other people who received this award include Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Hollywood director James Cameron, Jim Gianopulos from 20th Century Fox, actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, and many foreign ambassadors. Those who receive the award are called "World Ambassador of Marathon."

Psinakis also started the Marathon Foundation. This non-profit group helps tourism, sports, and culture in the region. It also organizes charity events to provide food, water, and medical care across Greece.

To connect different parts of Greece with ancient sites, Psinakis created the Amphictyony of Ancient Greek Cities in March 2016. This group is based in Marathon. Its main goal is to protect and share Greek cultural heritage. Many cities in Greece have joined this group.

Psinakis worked with investors from Greece and China to improve Marathon. He wanted to create a Riviera-style area and a place for international tourists. His plans for Marathon included building an entertainment center with a casino, a marina, hotels, villas, and a golf course. He also planned for Marathon Lake to become a park with boating, biking, and jogging paths.

Working with other officials, Psinakis also planned a scuba diving park in the Evian Gulf. To attract more tourists, Psinakis traveled to China in May 2016. There, he discussed building a history museum in Marathon.