A committed alumnus, Honorary Visiting Fellow and senior professional with 15 years’ experience in finance, climate and sustainability, Antonios spoke with us at the recent Bayes Alumni Forum 2025. He shared his thoughts on the event, his student days and the ways in which he has adapted to the shifting business landscape in which he has forged an impactful career, as well as providing tips for those interested in a similar trajectory.
You are part of a panel at the Bayes Alumni Forum – what are your hopes and expectations?
“I’ll be contributing on the theme of “Sustainability in Times of a Political Backlash” as part of a breakout session led by Dr Itziar Castello-Molina (Reader in Sustainability and Digital Economy, Bayes Business School). I’m fully expecting some very targeted questions around sustainability and its trajectory, particularly in light of recent political challenges. My aim is to contribute meaningful insights—both theoretical and practical—that participants can apply across various contexts.
“I’m especially looking forward to this opportunity, which comes not long after being confirmed as an Honorary Visiting Fellow at Bayes. In many ways, this is what the School is about – blending academic theory with real-world industry expertise via events such as the Bayes Alumni Forum. I’m also keen to hear from fellow panellists on how sustainability is evolving, and how we can better prepare the next generation of professionals to navigate the many risks that are emerging.”
What motivated your choice of Bayes and the MSc Energy, Trade & Finance programme?
“Bayes stood out to me for its unique combination of energy and finance within a business school framework—an offering that was rare, especially in London, at the time when I was applying. The location itself added further appeal, providing access to one of the world’s leading financial and energy hubs.
“Even back then, the link between energy consumption and emissions was clear. Today, with the growing urgency of climate change, these issues are no longer theoretical—they are tangible risks. The MSc programme at Bayes equipped me with the tools to succeed not only in energy-related roles but across a broad spectrum of industries, making the transition from graduation to professional life pretty seamless.”
What direction did your career take after graduating from Bayes?
“I graduated in 2007, just as the financial crisis was starting to unfold. Despite the turbulence, I was able to enter the energy sector, beginning my career in oil and gas. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in refining analysis, shipping, and now sustainability and climate change—areas that align closely with both my professional focus and personal passion. Being able to apply the skills and knowledge gained from Bayes to my day-to-day work and across these different fields has been incredibly rewarding.”
What links have you kept with Bayes since student days?
“Nearly two decades after completing my MSc, I continue to maintain close ties with Bayes faculty, including Michael Tamvakis (Professor of Commodity Economics and Finance, Director, MSc in Energy, Trade & Finance at Bayes) and others from my cohort. Bayes is more than just academic excellence—it’s also about community. The alumni network is one of the strongest I’ve encountered, and many of my closest friendships were formed during my time at the School.
“The Greek alumni community, in particular, has a long-standing presence, especially in the shipping sector. The support of the Costas Grammenos Foundation has been instrumental over the years, serving as a beacon for Greek students and professionals alike. So, in short, the bond has never been lost and being at an event like the Forum is just another example of ways in which it can be not just maintained but also strengthened.”
What advice would you give students considering a similar path to yours?
“The key one is to remain curious. While a strong theoretical foundation in finance is essential, it’s equally important to understand the real-world implications of financial decisions. Broaden your perspective by exploring topics beyond finance—such as climate science and sociology—which can enrich your understanding and decision-making.
“Also, work hard on developing strong data skills. As industries become increasingly data-driven, the ability to manage, interpret, and extract insights from large datasets will be a critical asset. And finally, aim to build a multidisciplinary profile that combines technical expertise with strategic thinking – this will open up even more career opportunities for you and make you even more attractive to recruiters. Oh, and best of luck and seize the opportunity if Bayes ends up being your destination for studies!”
Look out for the next Bayes Alumni Forum in June 2026!