Managing Team

Maria Rita Galli- CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Maria Rita Galli is the CEO of DESFA. Previously, she held the position of the Executive Vice President Business Development & Asset Management at Snam S.p.A, a leading global energy infrastructure company and was the Chairman of the SENFLUGA Energy Holdings S.A., a consortium controlling 66% of DESFA's share capital.

Ms. Galli started her career at Eni in 1997, as a graduate in nuclear engineering from the Milan Polytechnic University. At Eni, she went through various roles within the International Business Development Department, joined relevant international projects and was involved in M&A activities. As a member of Eni's Board of Directors, she also oversaw the operations of some of the Group’s companies abroad (Galp, Distrigas, eni Gas&Power Trading BV, eni Gas&Power France, GVS GmbH, etc.)

Since 2006, she has been in charge of the International Business Development unit and, from January 2010, she has been in charge of the International Business Development and Assets Management department.

In October 2016, she joined Snam as the Head of Business Development and International Asset Management.

Marc Vercruysse- CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Marc Vercruysse is the Chief Financial Officer of DESFA.

Mr. Vercruysse has extensive international experience in the gas sector, with more than 30 years of service in the areas of Financial Control, Financial Analysis & Reporting, Internal & External Audit, Project Management & Change, and other areas of the Financial Management Function in multinational companies.

From 2018 until recently, he was the Head of Audit in the Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline (TAP), while earlier, between 2014-2018, he worked at Fluxys, as Group Controlling Manager (CFO), as well as Audit Manager (2009-2013). Previously, he held senior financial positions in the External (1992-2004) and Internal Audit Services (2004-2008) of KPMG in Belgium.

Mr. Vercruysse holds a degree in Commercial Engineering from the University of Brussels (“Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management”) and is a Chartered Accountant from the Royal Institute of Belgian Chartered Accountants (IRE-IBR) and a certified Internal Auditor (CIA - CCSA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors in Belgium.

Ioannis Gyftakis- HR & ORGANIZATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ioannis Gyftakis is the Human Resources & Organization (HR&O) Executive Director of DESFA.

He is an energy professional with a demonstrated international experience in the O&G industry, mainly in the areas of Organization Design, Business Transformation and Growth Strategy for NOC’s and IOC’s in the Middle East and Europe.

Ioannis Gyftakis joined DESFA as Head of Corporate System & Transformation, having previously led the development of the business transformation model for the organization as a Strategy Manager in the Energy & Utilities team of PwC Greece.

Prior to 2019, he was actively involved in the organizational setup and growth of the Middle East practice of the Energy Strategy (ATIOS) team of Accenture UK in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Over the last 15 years of his career, he has worked on process optimization for International Petrochemical major, IPO support of a major O&G NOC as well as the development of business restructuring program for low-performing companies of the NPL portfolio of a Greek major in banking.

He is a graduate from the Athens University of Economics & Business (AUEB) in Athens, Greece and he holds a Masters in Development Economics from the Westminster Business School in London, UK.

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Sophia Michelaki- CHIEF LEGAL & GOVERNANCE OFFICER

Mrs. Sophia Michelaki, lawyer, is the Chief Legal & Governance Officer of DESFA, as of DESFA’s establishment in 2007 and before that she served as Deputy head of DEPA’s department (as of 2005). She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Department of Law) and holds a post graduate degree from ULB, (License Special European Law). 

Mrs. Michelaki is a member of the Athens Bar Association. Her native language is Greek and has a full professional competence in English and French. She also has a limited professional competence in German and Italian.

Serafeim Ioannidis - HSSEQ SENIOR DIRECTOR

Serafeim Ioannidis is the Health & Safety, Physical Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ) Senior Director of DESFA. He is a Graduate Physicist of the Faculty of Sciences from the University of Patras and holds a Master's degree from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens in the field of Disaster and Crisis Management. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 26 years.

Mr. Ioannidis is an evaluator of the National Accreditation System, PE-pipeline of the World Welding Organization IIW, Lead Assessor of ISO Management Systems, NDTs II -RT, UT, MP, LP, VT (National Technical University of Athens), WG Marcogaz Health & Labour Safety, ISPS, Statistical Process Control (S.P.C.), Behavior Based Safety (B.B.S.) and Total Quality Managemnt (TQM).

His mother tongue is Greek; he is fluent in English.

Alex Varonos- ICT & FFM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alex Varonos is the Information & Communication Technology and Facilities & Fleet Management  (ICT & FFM) Executive Director οf DESFA.

Mr. Varonos has extensive experience in the field of Information Systems and Strategic Planning in Greece and the USA, with more than 36 years in the fields of Informatics, Business Transformation and SAP applications. During his career, he has implemented numerous scientific and business projects for leading companies, such as IBM, SAP AG, FFMC, INTRACOM and KANTOR, specializing in the areas of Digital Transformation, Information Systems Management, Project Management, Change Management and Risk Management.

From 2015 to 2020, he worked as Director of Strategic Planning and Information Systems at the Attica Gas Distribution Company (EDA Attica), having worked from 2004 to 2014, prior to the separation of the company's distribution and commercial activities, as an IT Consultant at EPA Attica. In the past, he served as SAP Project Manager at INTRACOM Group, managing the implementation of SAP systems in Group's subsidiaries, as well as Project Manager (1994-2001) and Developer (1984-1994) at a number of leading companies in Greece and the USA.

Mr. Varonos holds a BSC of Science in Computer Science and a Minor in Statistics and Business Administration from the University of South Alabama, USA.

Fernando Kalligas - CORPORATE AFFAIRS, ESG & COMMUNICATIONS SENIOR DIRECTOR

Fernando Kalligas is currently the Corporate Affairs, ESG & Communications Senior Director of DESFA. Prior to joining DESFA, he was the Country Manager of Enagas for Greece. His responsibilities in Enagas included overlooking participated companies in Greece, DESFA and TAP, and further opportunities in the region.

Born and raised in Greece, with working experience in over 20 countries, mainly in infrastructure projects in Europe, South and Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa, he also holds an MBA from Hult International Business School.

Fernando has also worked for Borealis, developing Extra High Voltage Transmission Systems in Europe and the US and for the Spanish company Comsa Emte in constructions and infrastructure. He has also consulting experience, working for funds on international business development in London. He started his career in Greece in MJ Mailis in the Oinofyta plant.

Alexios Giannakopoulos- SUPPLY CHAIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Alexios Giannakopoulos is the Supply Chain Executive Director of DESFA. He holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering and is a graduate of the Polytechnic School of Romania, specialized in Organic Chemistry Technologies. He has a demonstrated working experience in the oil and gas sector for over 29 years.

Mr. Giannakopoulos is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE).

His mother tongue is Greek and he is fluent in English.

Sotirios Bravos- CHIEF COMMERCIAL SERVICES OFFICER

Mr. Sotirios Bravos is the Chief Commercial Services Officer of DESFA. He has graduated from the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and has a demonstrated working experience of over 24 years in the gas industry in Greece. 

Mr. Bravos is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE).

His mother tongue is Greek and he is fluent in English.

Michael Thomadakis- CHIEF STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Michael Thomadakis is the Chief Strategy & Development Officer of DESFA. Formerly, he was the Vice Chairman and Member of the Board of RAE from 2005 to 2015, responsible for Gas and International Affairs, member of the BoR of ACER and the CEER General Assembly until 2015 and member of the Board of Appeal of ACER since November 2016.

He has extensive personal involvement in the development of the gas legislation as well as the regulatory framework of the Greek gas market for the last 20 years, and was deeply involved in the corresponding developments in South East Europe, in particular in the development of the regulatory framework for several gas infrastructure projects related to the Southern Gas Corridor, such as TAP, IGB and IGI.

He has a Mechanical Engineering degree from National Technical University of Athens and a PhD from the same University and started his off-academic carrier in DEPA, were he worked from the onset of the gas industry in Greece and for 7 years, as the contractual administrator of the Gas Procurement contracts from Russia (pipeline) and Algeria (LNG), the LNG transportation contracts, the development of underground gas storage, the derivation of transportation tariffs and on the establishment of the Gas Distribution Companies in Greece. He is the author of more than 30 papers and invited lecturer in many events of the energy industry worldwide.

Nikos Katsis - CHIEF ASSET MANAGEMENT OFFICER

Nikos Katsis is the Chief Asset Management Officer of DESFA.

A graduate of the Polytechnic School of Patras University and the University of Athens, he holds a Degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master's (MSc) in Marketing of Chemical Products. With over 22 years of experience in the gas industry, he participates in European Organizations related to the Natural Gas sector (GIE, ENTSOG, etc.)

Mr. Katsis has been entrusted with the management of the Hellenic National Natural Gas Transmission System (NNGTS) and the only LNG Terminal Station currently in operation in Greece, in Revithoussa, with an emphasis on ensuring the technical capabilities and optimal utilization of the entire network. He has a pivotal role in the adaptation of DESFA's infrastructure for the fastest possible transition to renewable forms of energy, with an emphasis on the network's readiness for the injection of Hydrogen and Biomethane, in line with the company's goals.

Mr. Katsis actively participates in all actions to strengthen the Security of Supply in the Greek natural gas market, in close cooperation with all stakeholders. He has also actively participated and prepared a series of studies regarding the operation and development of the NNGS.

He is a recognized executive in the energy sector, promoting leadership and innovation in his field of competence.

Ioannis Chomatas- CHIEF ASSET DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Mr. Ioannis Chomatas is the Chief Asset Development Officer of DESFA. He has graduated from the Polytechnic School of the University of Patras with a Diploma and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and has a demonstrated working experience of 30 years in the oil and gas industry. 

Mr. Chomatas is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece and the Greek Society of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers.

His mother tongue is Greek; he is fluent in English.

Konstantinos Maroulis- PLANT MANAGER, KIPIC LNG TERMINAL

Konstantinos Maroulis is the Plant Manager of the KIPIC LNG Terminal project in Kuweit.

He is an Electrical Engineer & Computer Engineer of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh.), With BCs Electrical Engineering of the U.S.A., with a master's degree from E.E.D.E. in Business Administration.

He has a total of 32 years of work experience, of which 28 years of experience in design, execution, monitoring & supervision, operation and maintenance of integrated gas transmission systems, as well as in the field of total Project Management of major gas projects. He has been a manager in many different subjects (engineering studies, projects’ construction, O &M of gas infrastructure, Contract Management, Project Management, … etc.) for DEPA / DESFA Organization since 1992. He has also served as the General Manager of Transportation, Administrative & Finance Services since DESFA’s  inception in 2007 up to 2009, as well as from other high executive positions in the Company until today.

He has worked in large companies abroad (USA and GCC countries) from Managerial positions in the field of high technology and in the field of Oil & Gas.

Mr. Konstantinos Maroulis is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Member of the Panhellenic Association of Mechanical & Electrical Engineers.

He speaks fluent English, while his mother tongue is Greek.

Giovanna Dakouri - INTERNAL AUDIT SENIOR DIRECTOR

Giovanna Dakouri is the Internal Audit Senior Director of DESFA.

She is a member of the Athens Bar Association since 2006 and licensed to litigate before the Supreme Court. She joined DESFA in 2012, providing advice and handling disputes on asset development projects, insurance and procurement matters. In 2019-2020 she was providing legal support to the legal team of SNAM SpA on corporate governance issues and then transitioned to DESFA’s Internal Audit. Prior to DESFA, she was a lawyer specializing in infrastructure agreements and litigation of relevant disputes before competent courts and an in-house attorney of the Hellenic Railways Organization since 2007.

She holds a degree from Athens Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University and speaks English, Italian and Greek.

Tatiana Zachou- CEO OFFICE, EQUITY PARTICIPATION & TRANSFORMATION SENIOR DIRECTOR

Tatiana Zachou is the CEO Office, Equity Participation & Transformation Senior Director of DESFA. She joined DESFA in 2019 originally as the Finance Transformation Manager, leading an extensive operational transformation program for DESFA’s Finance Division involving business processes, systems and organization.

Prior to joining DESFA, Ms Zachou had developed an over 14 years of experience in management consulting, working as a Manager for PwC Greece focusing on business transformation projects in the energy sector, and as a Project Manager for TAIPED, leading and managing the gas industry related privatizations.

Her areas of professional focus involve large-scale transformation projects, operational excellence, performance improvement and strategy development.

Ms Zachou holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Athens and an MSc in International Management and Consulting from the University of Reading UK. She is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and speaks English, Italian and French.

Andrea Pagano- RISK, COMPLIANCE & INFORMATION SECURITY SENIOR DIRECTOR

Andrea is the Risk, Compliance & Information Security Senior Director of DESFA.

Prior to joining DESFA, he was Compliance Manager in SNAM handling role of increasing responsibility and, before that, he worked for KPMG Italy.

Having an extensive experience in risk, audit and compliance matters in the industrial field, and particularly in the energy sector, Andrea is currently collaborating with the University of Milan as lecturer at the postgraduate course “Corporate Criminal Law and Compliance”.

He is a qualified lawyer, with a Degree in Law (summa cum laude) and a Master of Laws from the University of Macerata.