Dimitris Melissanidis, son of Zoras Melissanidis and Vera, was born in Kokkinia in 1951.

He founded the AEGEAN Group of companies, which operates in a range of sectors in Greece and Internationally, such as shipping, marine fuels and lubricants, the domestic petroleum and lubricants market and environmental protection.

He is member of the Union of Greek Shipowners and in 2014 he was included in Lloyd’s List of the 100 largest shipowners in the world.

In recognition of his successful business career and his contribution to the society and the Church he has received a series of awards. In 2014 he was granted the title of “Archon Kouropalates” of the Holy Great Church of Christ by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

He is married to Polyxeni (Jenny) Melissanidis and they have a son Giorgos.