Alpha Bank`s Training Centre

THE BANK
PRODUCT NEWS
IN FOCUS
CORPORATE
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Mazi
GROUP
COMPANIES
CULTURE
SPECIAL
THE WORLD
OF ALPHA BANK GROUP
Alpha Bank’s Training Centre
AT A GLANCE
Μazi
C NTENTS
THE BANK
Alpha Bank was awarded “Bank of the ear” in reece for 2014 by “The Banker” magazine
Μazi
Article of the eneral
THE WORLD
OF ALPHA BANK GROUP
anager – CR Spiros A. Andronikakis
Fotis P. Costopoulos (1929-2014)
p. 2
p. 3
p. 5
Training and Development Division
p. 7
Trading Division
p. 10
p. 11
lpha Bank Bulgaria
CULTURE
News of the Bank s Library during November and December 2014
p. 13
Holiday ffer
p. 15
p. 16
p. 17
History of Coins –
acedonia
Daring Explorers and Pioneer Colonists
PR DUCT NE S
11-12 2014
Issue 13
Alpha Bank welcomes Diners Club in the largest card family in reece
p. 18
Season s reetings and profit x2 from Diners Club
p. 19
For minor or ma or needs, Alpha Leasing is by your side
p. 19
Bonus Loyalty Programme
p. 20
The avant premiere of “Penguins of
adagascar” for Diners Club members
IN F CUS
p. 21
p. 22
C RP RATE S CIAL RESP NSIBILIT
Together ... in live Picking
p. 32
p. 34
“Helping Hand” Programme
p. 36
The Bank supported the 12th Corporate Social Responsibility Conference
p. 37
The Bank supports Boccia Paralympic athlete rigoris Polychronidis
p. 38
Together
for environmental actions in Athens and Thessaloniki
R UP C
PANIES
Alpha Bank Romania
p. 39
p. 40
Alpha Bank Srbi a a.d.
p. 42
Alpha Bank Albania SHA
p. 43
Alpha Bank a.d. Skop e
p. 43
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd
Editor CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
40, Stadiou Str.
102 52 ATHENS, REECE
Τel. 30 210 326 2413, 30 210 326 2435
Fax
30 210 326 2439
E-mail communication alpha.gr
communication1 alpha.gr
Design - Production
D A.E.
CULTURE SPECIAL
“Art Network”. Τakis Katsoulidis – Paintings with Light
p. 44
AT A LANCE
p. 47
<
Contents
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Alpha Bank was awarded “Bank of the Year” in Greece for 2014
by “The Banker” magazine
A
lpha Bank was named “Bank of the Year” in Greece for 2014 by “The Banker” magazine, the world’s premier
banking and finance edition and a member of the Financial Times Group, at the awards ceremony hosted in London on
November 27, 2014.
According to the jury of “The Banker”, the award goes to Alpha Bank due to the impressive recovery of its operating
performance, underpinned by a superior capital position in the Greek banking sector.
Alpha Bank’s CEO Demetrios P. Mantzounis, stated the following: “The award is a significant international recognition of our
Employees’ persistent efforts to successfully meet the challenges that derived from the adverse economic circumstances.
Following the European Central Bank’s Comprehensive Assessment, we clearly stand out as the Greek Bank with the best-in-class
capital base, demonstrating our ability to become a key pillar to the growth of the Greek Economy. Going forward, we focus on
delivering our Restructuring Plan targets and restoring the Group’s profitability, aiming at the full privatisation of the Bank”.
<
2 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
The European Single Supervisory Mechanism:
Alpha Bank emerges as the top Greek Bank
from the ECB’s EU-wide Stress Test
Article
of the General Manager – CRO
Spiros A. Andronikakis
O
n October 26, 2014, the results of the EU-wide Stress
Regulatory Authorities on matters regarding the supervision
Test organised by the European Central Bank (ECB) in
of the credit institutions in their local jurisdictions.
collaboration with the national regulatory authorities were
published. The purpose of the test was to assess the
The ECB will directly supervise all credit institutions classified
capability of the EU banking sector to absorb significant
as “significant” and, more specifically, around 120 Banking
economic and financial shocks and, in parallel, to
Groups, including the Alpha Bank Group. Day-to-day
strengthen banking sector stability in the EU and in the
supervision will be conducted by joint supervisory teams,
euro area. First and foremost, however, it served as the
composed of personnel from both the National Regulatory
basis for launching the ECB’s Single Banking Supervision.
Authorities and the European Central Bank.
The primary objective of the European Single Supervisory
Thus, in preparation for assuming its duties in the framework
Mechanism is to safeguard the security and robustness of
of the Single Supervisory Mechanism, the ECB carried out a
the European banking system. The Single Supervisory
particularly extensive test of 120 significant European
Mechanism took effect on November 4, 2014, and draws
Banking Groups, conducted over a period of 12 months.
on the ECB’s experience on macroeconomic and financial
The test involved the evaluation of the banks’ loans and the
stability issues, as well as on the substantial and
stress-testing of key balance sheet items, based on two
long-standing knowledge and experience of the National
scenarios:
<
3 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
(1) The baseline scenario, which adopts the current
Management, Financial Services and Banking Supervision
macroeconomic estimates, and (2) the adverse scenario,
Units, as well as to those of the Non-Performing Loans and
which incorporates extreme risks relating to a significant
Credit Operations Units, because rising successfully to
deterioration in macroeconomic conditions (unemployment,
the challenge of such a highly demanding test requires
level of real estate property prices etc.). In the case of
hard work, good coordination and, most of all, efficient
Greece, the adverse scenario assumed a deeper recession
management of the problems that arose all the time.
compared to the current forecasts of the international
organisations, coupled with deposit interest rates at
The assumption by the ECB of the Single Supervisory
substantially higher levels than the current ones.
Mechanism marks a new beginning for the Greek banking
The test covered the four largest Greek banking groups
system and, at the same time, positions Alpha Bank
(Alpha Bank, National Bank, EFG Eurobank, Piraeus Bank),
among the most credible banks in Europe. For all of us in
which account for more than 90% of the Greek banking
Alpha Bank, our common task from now on should be to
system’s total assets.
keep the Bank at this very high level, working to ensure
that, in addition to being a Bank that inspires confidence
For Alpha Bank, the results were extremely positive. More
and constitutes a consistent point of reference in the
specifically, in both the baseline scenario and the adverse
Greek Banking System, it will continue to finance Greek
scenario, the Bank was evaluated as particularly healthy,
businesses and households, contributing to the efforts for
with more than adequate capital, and was ranked first among
the country’s economic recovery.
all Greek banks and as one of the 25 best European Banking
Groups. This excellent performance is the result of the
concerted actions and business decisions taken by many
of the Bank’s Units in the course of the past years.
Congratulations are due to all Executives of the Risk
<
4 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Fotis P. Costopoulos
(1929-2014)
H
e was born in Kalamata in 1929 and was the son of Panos J. Costopoulos (1891-1965), the secondborn child of the Bank’s
founder J.F. Costopoulos, and Ioanna Stasinopoulou (1899-1989).
In 1946, having completed his secondary studies, he was admitted into the School of Law of the University of Athens and
in 1955 he travelled to Great Britain to pursue his postgraduate studies in Maritime Law.
Following his return to Greece, he practised as a lawyer and in 1958 was appointed Legal Advisor to the “Commercial Credit
Bank”. His participation in the operations of the Bank, together with that of his cousin Yannis S. Costopoulos which followed a
few years later, marked the presence of the third generation of the Costopoulos Family in the Bank.
Inauguration of the Ioannina Branch of the Commercial
Credit Bank, 1965.
From left to right: Yannis S. Costopoulos,
Fotis P. Costopoulos and Constantinos S. Manouilides,
architect of the Bank.
Photograph
Alpha Bank Historical Archives
In 1969, he was elected member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, a position that he kept until 2004.
In the same year, he assumed the chairmanship of “La Commerciale” S.A. d’Assurances Générales which, after its merger
with “Hellenobretanniki Life Company” and “Hellenobretanniki General Insurances Company”, was renamed “Alpha Insurance
Company”. Fotis P. Costopoulos held this position until December 22, 2004, when the Board of Directors unanimously elected
him Honorary Chairman, “as a minimum reward for his contribution to the development of the Company for over 40 years”.
It should be mentioned that during all the years of his administration the Company was profitable.
<
5 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Fotis P. Costopoulos, Member of the Board of Directors
of the Credit Bank, at the 6th Managers’ Conference in
Kavouri, 13-15 March 1981.
Photograph
Alpha Bank Historical Archives
In December 2005, he was awarded an honorary prize by the Athens Bar Association for having successfully practised as
a lawyer for fifty years.
He was also Chairman of the Efstathia J. Costopoulos Foundation, member of the Board of Directors of the J.F. Costopoulos
Foundation, member of the Board of Directors of the Society for Peloponnesian Studies, founding member of the Society of
Messenian Archaeological Studies, as well as honorary member of various Cultural Associations in the region of Messinia.
Having a thorough knowledge of history and being a critical scholar and a diligent researcher, he wrote a number of articles
and books.
Additionally, he contributed to the dissemination of the Greek civilisation and folklore by sponsoring book publications and
monument restorations and by supporting educational associations.
The Board of Directors of the Bank, having been informed of his passing, resolved at its meeting held on 27.11.2014 on
the donation in his memory of Euro 5,000 to the “Efstathia J. Costopoulos Foundation” and Euro 5,000 to the “Society of
Messenian Archaeological Studies”.
<
6 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Training and Development Division
The most important training programmes of October 2014
Renewal of Certifications – Recertification Exams
On October 11, 2014, the exams for 245 Employees of the Bank holding Investment Services Provision Certificates granted in
2007, took place. Of this total number, 181 Employees (74%) succeeded in the Regulatory Framework exams and their
certificates were renewed for a further seven-year period, while those who failed will re-take the exams in December.
During October, the preparatory training of the second group of candidates in the same category was also continued. Overall,
ten training programmes were carried out, in which the principal Trainers were prominent Law Experts and Professors from
various Greek Universities. The next exams will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2014, with participations numbering a
total of 230 candidates.
Insurance Brokers Certification Exams
The results of the 3rd Exams Session of 2014
for the Certification in the Bancassurance
operations were also announced in October, with
another 45 successful candidates joining the
thousands of the Bank’s Employees who have
obtained Bancassurance Certifications so far.
These exams have become a well-established
practice and their significance for the Bank,
expressed by the consistent participation of its
Personnel in them and by the relevant success
rates, is shown in the following graphs:
<
7 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Training in the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)
In October, the Training and Development Division, in collaboration with the Compliance and Project Management Divisions,
held a series of briefing meetings on the requirements for harmonisation with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and
the gradual adjustment of the Bank’s systems and procedures to the U.S.A. regulatory framework.
The first such briefing meetings were attended by 1,278 persons in total, comprising the Branch Managers, Assistant Managers /
Holders of authorised signature type A, Customer Relationship Officers, AlphaPrime Officers, and Cash Transactions Officers
of the Attica and Eastern Continental Greece Branch Division. They were followed by similar meetings held to brief the Personnel
of the Northern Greece Branch Division, which took place in the Training Hall of the Monastiriou Branch in Thessaloniki, with
participations numbering a total of 320 persons. The rounds of briefing meetings were completed in November 2014, with the
briefing meetings held at the other Branches of the Network.
<
8 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Coverage of specialised training needs
Following a request from the Audit Division, in the context of the constant professional training of its Executives, three
different in-house training programmes were carried out during October 2014.
More specifically, the training programmes were the following:
1. The theoretical part of the Money Laundering and the use of the new SIRON application. Three different training
programmes were carried out with the participation of 44 Auditors. The training was conducted by an Executive from the
Compliance Division and Trainers of the Training and Development Division.
2. The programme entitled “The Internal Audit Report” lead by Mr. Constantinos Triantafillides took place from October 9,
to October 10, 2014 with the participation of 23 Executives from the Audit Division.
3. The programme entitled “The International Framework for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing” took place from
October 30, to October 31, 2014, again lead by Mr. Constantinos Triantafillides, with the participation of 25 Executives
from the Audit Division.
<
9 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Trading Division
O
n October 31, 2014, a Delegation from the Bank
Greece since, as the Delegation members stated,
of Communications Co., Ltd., China’s sixth
Alpha Bank is their bank of choice for cooperation.
largest bank and 27th in the world, with more than
During their visit, they were briefed about the Greek
96,000 Employees, visited the Bank. In addition to
and European economy, the developments in the
202 branches in its local market, the Bank of
Greek banking sector and, more specifically, the
Communications Co., Ltd. also operates a total of
issues related to the Bank, as well as about
2,690 branches in 159 countries and 215 cities,
compliance issues, the Banks’ s Code of Ethics and
including New York, Frankfurt, Hong Kong,
the tools and systems applied for controlling illegal
San Francisco, Tokyo, Seoul and Sydney.
activities such as fraud, bribery etc. In addition to
the Executives of the Trading Division, the meeting
Delegation members included the bank’s Executive
with the Delegation was also attended by the
Vice President, the General Manager responsible for
Manager and Assistant Manager of the Compliance
personnel issues, and the General Manager of the
Division and the Managers of the Economic Analysis
bank’s Frankfurt branch. It should be noted that Alpha
and Shipping Divisions.
Bank was the only bank the Delegation visited in
<
10 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Alpha Bank Bulgaria
Alpha Bank Bulgaria supports the initiative “The Emblematic Buildings of Bulgaria”
A
lpha Bank Bulgaria and the National Contest "Building of the Year" of City Media Group organised the initiative
“The Emblematic Buildings of Bulgaria”. This innovative project showcased legendary buildings that have been renovated or
restored over the past few years, all of which are an integral part of the country’s cultural and historic heritage.
The initiative was promoted through the website www.emblematichnitesgradi.com and a specially developed mobile
application. Using these platforms, the public had the opportunity to make an exciting journey to 12 cultural monuments from
all over the country and vote for their favourite emblematic building.
The initiative presented the following buildings: Aprilov National High School (Gabrovo); Boyana Church “St. Nikola and
St. Panteleymon” (Sofia); State Opera Varna; Small Basilica (Plovdiv); Museum under “St. Sofia” Church (Sofia), National Theatre
“Ivan Vazov” (Sofia), National Art Gallery (Sofia), National Opera and Ballet (Sofia), Slaveykov School (Tryavna), Drama Theatre
“Sava Ognyanov” (Rousse), Hadji Nikoli Inn (Veliko Tarnovo), and Tsari Mali Grad (Belchin).
<
11 / 48
>
Μazi
THE BANK
Alpha Bank Bulgaria Introduces a Cutting-Edge Electronic Platform
for Payments under its DYNAMIC loyalty programme
A
lpha Bank Bulgaria presented one of the most advanced
directly when payments are made using the card at Alpha
systems for card payment transactions in Bulgaria. With the
Bank POS devices, in the form of a corresponding deduction
innovations introduced to the DYNAMIC loyalty programme,
from the cardholder’s bill in all Carrefour stores across the
Customers can now use even more easily the amounts
country. Customers can choose to redeem the entire amount
accumulated from their card purchases.
available or keep it for the future.
The innovative platform was presented at a special event for key
Cardholders can also check the amount available in real-time
media and partners of the Bank. Keynote speakers at the event
online, via the MyDynamic web platform. All receipts issued
included the Country Manager of Alpha Bank Bulgaria Evangelos
by Alpha Bank POS devices display the accumulated balance
Lytras, Visa Europe General Manager for Greece, Bulgaria and
which is available for redemption. This information is also
Cyprus Mr. Nikos Kabanopoulos, Household Lending Executive
shown on the Customers’ monthly statements.
General Manager of Alpha Bank Leonidas D. Kasoumis, and
With the implementation of this new system, Alpha Bank
Alpha Bank Bulgaria Retail Banking Business Unit Manager
Bulgaria is setting the agenda in the card services sector,
Sevdalina Vassileva.
guaranteeing DYNAMIC cardholders efficiency, convenience,
With this new, cutting-edge platform, DYNAMIC cardholders can
promptness and flexibility.
now use the accumulated amounts electronically, with paper
More information about the programme is available at:
vouchers no longer being issued. Redemption takes place
www.alphabank.bg.
<
12 / 48
>
Μazi
THE
Τ BANK CULTURE
News of the Bank’s Library during
November and December 2014
T
he Alpha Bank Library organises the exhibition entitled “ALPHA BANK: PUBLICATIONS 1957-2014”, which is showcased
at the Exhibition Area of the Main Building of the Bank in Athens, from Tuesday, 21 October 2014.
The Exhibition is dedicated to the publishing activity of the three Banks which have composed Alpha Bank.
Credit Bank, Ionian and Popular Bank of Greece and Emporiki Bank of Greece, in cooperation with accredited scholars,
well-known authors and distinguished artists, have published, for more than fifty years, books related to the arts, history and
archaeology, aiming mainly to enhance and highlight our cultural heritage through both known and unknown aspects of Greek
history and art.
<
13 / 48
>
Μazi
THE
Τ BANK CULTURE
This long-standing publishing activity has yielded more than 170
titles as well as 40 leaflets pertaining to exhibitions, educational
programmes and lectures.
The Exhibition is structured around eight themes spanning the main
fields of humanitarian and social sciences and taking us from the
Early Cycladic civilisation of the third millennium to modern trends of
artistic creation and historical research.
The Exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, which includes a brief
introduction on the publishing activity of the three Banks and a
detailed illustrated presentation of all the publications which have been issued since 1957 listed per theme
(Archaeology, History - Philology, History: Cities and States, Travellers, Arts, Greek Nature - Folklore - Theatre - Music,
Coinage, Modern and Contemporary History).
Please press here, in order to view the catalogue of the Exhibition and here in order to view the Publications price
list.
The Publications are available at the “ALPHA BANK – CULTURE store”
(40, Stadiou Street, ATHENS, tel.: +30 210 326 2465, e-mail: [email protected],
website: www.alphapolitismos.gr).
<
14 / 48
>
Μazi
THE
Τ BANK CULTURE
Holiday Offer
D
uring the Christmas Holidays (from Monday, 15 December, 2014 until Wednesday, 31 December 2014), all
the publications of Alpha Bank and the J.F. Costopoulos Foundation will be offered at a discount of 30% for the
public and 40% for the Bank’s Personnel.
All publications may be obtained either by visiting the “ALPHA BANK – CULTURE store” or by placing an order via
telephone or e-mail (40, Stadiou Street, ATHENS, tel.: +30 210 326 2465, e-mail: [email protected], website:
www.alphapolitismos.gr).
<
15 / 48
>
Μazi
THE
Τ BANK CULTURE
History of Coins – Macedonia
O
n Wednesday, 22 October 2014, a lecture entitled “History of Coins – Macedonia” was successfully held at the “Koventarion”
building.
The lecture was delivered by the Curator of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection, Dr Dimitra Tsangari, and comprised two parts:
the first part presented briefly the history of numismatics, including the introduction and diffusion of coins, while the second part focused
on the presentation of the ancient coins of Macedonia.
The aim of the event was, on the one hand, to present the history of the main transactional means and, on the other hand, to familiarise
attendees with the history and the archeological sites of Macedonia through the region’s rich coinage.
The event was attended by the Head of the Region of Western Macedonia, Mr. Theodoros Karypidis, the Vice-Mayor of Kozani, Mr. Ioannis
Ioannidis, Customers and friends of the Bank, as well as representatives of the business and intellectual community of the region.
The Bank was represented by the Manager of the Greek Branch Network Division, Athanassios Gatsis, the Manager of the Central and
Northern Greece Branch Division, Ioannis Michailidis, the Manager of the Secretariat of the Board of Directors, George Triantafyllides,
the Assistant Manager of the Central and Northern Greece Branch Division, Harizanis Oumpailis, the Manager of the Kozani Branch,
Georgios Pantias, the Manager of the Kozani-E Branch, Georgios Bouloumpasis, the Manager of the Pl. Nikis Kozanis-E Branch,
Amalia Chatzitriantafyllou, and the Head of the Public Relations and Events Eleni Stergiou.
<
16 / 48
>
Μazi
THE
Τ BANK CULTURE
Daring Explorers and Pioneer Colonists
A
new educational programme entitled “Daring Explorers and Pioneer Colonists” is being carried out as of October at the
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, in the context of the exhibition “The Europe of Greece: Colonies and Coins from the Alpha
Bank Collection”.
The Programme, which addresses Elementary School students of the last three grades and Gymnasium students, focuses on the
voyages and adventures of Greeks, who founded colonies in modern Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria from
the 8th to the 5th century BC.
The children, through narration, by answering questions and by solving riddles, learn about the causes of Greek Colonisation, the
actions carried out by the metropolis for the foundation of a colony and of course about the coins of the new cities, which are an
inexhaustible source of information on their history.
Finally, they play the “Game of the Colonists” and create their own coins, drawing inspiration from the exhibits.
The Programme is accompanied by an educational leaflet, specially designed for the aforementioned age groups.
<
17 / 48
>
Μazi
PRODUCT
Τ
NEWS
Alpha Bank welcomes Diners Club in the largest card family in Greece
Global Partner Meeting Diners Club International
W
ith uninterrupted presence since 1949 in abroad, and since 1959 in Greece, Diners Club Cards are the first cards released
worldwide. Originating from the U.S.A., following the philosophy of a “club”, whose members are recognised and enjoy special
services and privileges, Diners Club Cards are issued and are accepted today in 185 countries.
Discover Financial Services has been Diners Club International mother-company since 2008. Its especially dynamic strategy in cards
issuing (1 every 4 households in the U.S.A. has a Discover card), as well as in payment networks development, has secured the
acceptance of Diners Club Cards in 25 million businesses worldwide.
Alpha Bank, as an exclusive Diners Club International partner in Greece, further enhances its position in acquiring services, since it is
now the only Bank in the Greek market to offer such a wide variety of a global cards networks’ acceptance, especially since Tourism
is a basic pillar of our country’s economy.
The Alpha Bank Cards family welcomes Diners Club Cards and their special features and services, Dine Diners (with special offers in
selected restaurants) Diners Airport Lounges (access to 450 airport lounges all over the world), Diners Cosmos Club (special travel
services with the unique privilege of interest free installments for air tickets), as well as the Shop&Win Reward Programme with 23
partners, and the co-branded cards Vodafone, Public and Unicef.
The 80 Diners Club card issuers worldwide met at the Global Partner Meeting in New Orleans last October. The participants had the
opportunity to exchange views and best practices, get informed on important technology and controls developments in the global market,
as well as on the new advertising campaign of Diners Club “BELONG II”.
Alpha Bank participated as the new strategic partner in Greece, represented by the Advisor to the Management on Retail Banking Nadia
Georgakopoulou.
<
18 / 48
>
Μazi
PRODUCT
Τ
NEWS
Season’s Greetings and profit x2 from Diners Club!
T
his Christmas, Diners Club members can benefit from shopping with Diners cards to all
Shop&Win partners with double profit from 15.12.2014 until 10.1.2015.
For more information about the Shop&Win Programme, press here.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
For minor or major needs, Alpha Leasing is by your side!
W
ith the aim of promoting the Group Company, Alpha Leasing, an advertising campaign
was launched via mixed publications in the Press, with the key message: “For minor or
major needs, Alpha Leasing is by your side”.
Leasing or “Financial Leasing” is a modern way of financing fixed assets and property,
alternative and complementary to traditional lending, offering several benefits to the
Customer, such as sustained liquidity, gradual disbursement of V.A.T., long repayment
period and others.
It is worth noting that Alpha Bank was the first Bank to introduce Leasing in Greece.
<
19 / 48
>
Μazi
PRODUCT
Τ
NEWS
Bonus Loyalty Programme
I
n the context of the advertising campaign with the key message: “Earn 20% of your purchases’ value by redeeming
Bonus Points”, promotional material was designed for the Kotsovolos stores.
In parallel, promotional material was also designed for the new promotion (10,000 extra Bonus Points added as a gift for
purchases of household appliances of selected manufacturers via Bonus cards) at the Kotsovolos stores.
This offer ran from 24.10.2014 to 30.11.2014.
<
20 / 48
>
Μazi
PRODUCT
Τ
NEWS
The avant premiere of “Penguins of Madagascar”
for Diners Club members
O
n Saturday, 22 November 2014, Diners
Club hosted an avant premiere of
DreamWorks’ film “Penguins of Madagascar”,
the new 3D cartoon film. More than 500
guests of Diners Club and their families
attended the exclusive avant premiere of the
film at Odeon Kosmopolis in Maroussi.
The exclusive avant premiere in cooperation
with Odeon and 20th Century Fox follows the
series of Diners Club member events that
aim at offering exclusive privileges and
unique moments of joy.
The avant premiere was attended by art and
culture representatives, among which the
actors Costas Apostolides and Thanassis
Kourlabas, who participated in dubbing the
film and enjoyed the original, funny film of
Dreamworks together with their family.
<
21 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
Alpha Bank’s Training Centre
I
n Alpha Bank, Education and Training has a long and important history. Starting in the mid-1980s, it has made a
significant contribution to the Bank’s development and growth.
.
i tor
Since the very beginning, Education and Training activities were associated with the establishment of training
infrastructures, i.e. premises and facilities for carrying out Training Programmes.
The Bank’s first training activities were held in an area of the Stournara Street Branch. Very soon, however, the need
emerged for a separate Training Centre, leading to the operation of the first dedicated training halls of the Bank, located
in Pangrati (1985-1992). The rich programme of training activities, coupled with the continuous growth of the Bank’s
business, led to the creation of a modern Training Centre – by the standards of that area – located in the Bank’s building
on Athinon Avenue. With eight fully-equipped teaching rooms and a Lecture Hall with a seating capacity of 90 fitted with
advanced presentation and interpretation systems, this Centre accommodated thousands of Employees and Executives
who participated in relevant training activities in the years that followed (1992-2005).
<
22 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
The Bank’s Training Programmes supported major organisational changes and business process reengineering projects that
expanded job content and enabled Personnel to become actively involved in the promotion of products and services.
The re-launch of the Bank’s Education and Training policy in 2006, the extensive and constantly growing training requirements
in increasingly complex teaching subjects, including financial operations, management and sales, necessitated the move to a
new, more advanced and even larger Training Centre.
Thus, the new Training Centre of the Bank, the third one in its long history after those in Pangrati and Athinon Avenue, is
today housed in Building A of the Bank’s building complex in Aghios Stefanos, Attica. Its operation was launched on
November 19, 2007, and, depending on the training subjects and needs that arise, is also used as a Training Centre for
Personnel from the Group’s Banks abroad.
. nr
tr ct re
From 2007 to this day, the Centre has been gradually evolving.
For tr inee
At the beginning of its operation, the Training Centre occupied the Ground Floor and the 1st Floor of Building A, comprising:
16 teaching rooms, of which
4 rooms with IT equipment,
4 rooms in lab layout, and
8 rooms in typical classroom layout.
An auditorium with a seating capacity of 154, with full-scale interpretation infrastructure and voting system.
Break areas (indoor and open air), canteen, reception and baggage storage areas.
AT
A separate parking area for people using their private cars.
<
23 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art teaching aids, with some of them also fitted with videoconferencing
infrastructure. All areas are accessible by people with disabilities.
The teaching rooms in typical classroom layout have seating capacities of 24 and 18 people, while those in lab layout have a
seating capacity of 12. Depending on the particular training method adopted in the individual Training Programmes
(role-playing, group exercises etc.), the seating capacity of the teaching rooms can be increased thanks to their movable
partition walls, so that the layout of the desks can serve the intended learning result in the best possible way.
During the first semester of 2009, the Training Centre gradually expanded into the available space on the building’s 2nd Floor.
Thus, another five teaching rooms were added, of which:
3 rooms in typical classroom layout (for 30, 24 and 18 people)
1 room in lab layout
1 room with IT equipment.
Finally, in the second semester of 2013, after the merger with Emporiki Bank and as training needs became more demanding
in terms of both quality and quantity, the Centre was expanded again to occupy the entire 2nd Floor. This allowed:
The conversion of 4 rooms in typical classroom layout to 2 IT rooms.
The creation of a new, state-of-the-art room with a seating capacity of 20, drawing on the infrastructures and know-how
available in the former Emporiki Bank, which serve the need for training in call centre services.
The creation of a small Auditorium with a seating capacity of 50.
<
24 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
For the Personnel of the Training and Development Division
The following are provided for the Centre’s full-time Personnel:
Comfortable and adequate work space for 30 people
Library – Reading Room
eeting room
The Centre’s other general-purpose facilities include:
a restaurant and
a ym,
which are available for use by both the trainees and the Centre s Personnel.
Names of the Training Centre’s rooms and halls
The Training Centre’s rooms and halls were named after:
The sages of ancient Greece (knowledge, wisdom, learning)
-
Thales of
-
Cleobulus of Rhodes
-
Chilon of Sparta
-
Periander of Corinth
-
Pittacus of
-
Bias of Priene
-
Solon of Athens
-
Heraclitus of Ephesus
-
Epimenides of Crete
-
Anacharsis of Scythia
-
iletus
itylene
yson of Chynae
-
Pherecydes of Syros
-
Pythagoras of Samos
<
25 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
The bankers in ancient Athens (the very first to exercise this profession, according to written records):
Archistratos
Eumathes
Xenocles
Phormion
Pasion
Theocles
Pylades
Antisthenes
The secondary deities of ancient Athens, representing progress and prosperity, i.e. the three Horae:
Thallo
Auxo
Carpo, and
The name of the Aghios Stefanos locality in antiquity, for the small Auditorium:
Oion
C. Art and Culture in the Training Centre
The idea to enhance the Training Centre areas with
works of art was soon extended to the decoration of
the other buildings in the Aghios Stefanos building
complex.
As an example of this, the Bank commissioned a
large-scale work to Greek sculptor and Athens School
of Fine Arts Professor Giorgos Lappas, specifically for
the trainees’ break area. The artist’s “Blue Sculpture”
functions as a landmark of the entire complex, and as
an expression of the Bank’s continued policy to
commission works of art for its work areas to major
contemporary artists.
<
26 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤF CUS
The Training Centre was also decorated with:
. Paintings with sub ects inspired by
The Bank s history (photographs of buildings, cover pages from old issues of the internal communication magazine
“ A I”) .
The Bank s Values, illustrated by photographs.
The Bank s international presence (Head ffice buildings of the Bank in various countries).
The Bank s ma or past advertising campaigns.
The Cultural areas operating under the auspices of the Bank (Banknote useum of the Ionian Bank-Corfu, Alpha Bank
Cultural Centre–Nafplio).
The paintings created for “ A I” by twelve reek painters.
The Bank s art collections.
Artistic photos of the life in the Bank.
. Stands with information leaflets of the Bank in reek as well as in other languages.
The contribution of the Bank s Art Collection Section to an aesthetically excellent result was very important.
More details on the works of art that adorn the Training Centre are available under the Education and Training section of the
Alpha Bank Intranet.
<
27 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
D. Training and other major activities at the Centre
Although Education and Training in the Bank began with a strong focus on banking subjects, new training modules in financial
operations, management and sales were gradually introduced, also drawing on the capability of the modern e-leaning
technology to support distance learning activities for Personnel.
Today, the Training and Development Division offers training programmes adapted to current business needs and develops
training modules tailored to the job content of Personnel active in customer service operations in both retail and business
banking. This training planning structure is complemented by programmes that cover the needs of Personnel in Support
Centres, whose flawless work ensures the provision of services in a swift, comprehensive, reliable and secure manner.
In parallel, the Centre addresses the needs of Personnel in the Bank’s Head Office Divisions for in-depth knowledge in
connection with specialised areas of their work, offering them the opportunity to participate in carefully selected programmes
in Greece as well as abroad, when required.
However, in addition to the core activities of a Training Centre, which are to conduct training programmes, during its seven
years of operation the Bank’s Training Centre in Aghios Stefanos has hosted – and continues to do so – numerous other
activities.
1. Meeting of the Board of Directors
An activity on its own to be noted initially is the meeting of the Bank’s Board of Directors held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at
the Aghios Stefanos Training Centre.
<
28 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
2. Organisation of special honorary evening events
Wishing to publicly commend the successful candidates who participated in the exams of the Bank of Greece for Certification
in the provision of Investment Services, as well in those of the Ministry of Development for Certification in Bancassurance
Operations, the Training and Development Division organised special evening events in the candidates’ honour at the Training
Centre, when the exams were first launched.
3. The Bank’s Training Centre as an Exams Centre for Certification Exams
In the first semester of 2009, following a request submitted to the Bank of Greece by Alpha Bank, the Agricultural Bank of
Greece and the National Bank of Greece, the Training Centres of these Banks were approved (based on the available facilities in
their Training Centres) for holding the examinations of the Certification Training Programmes (Regulatory Framework and
Special Subjects a1).
Since then, the Training Centre operates as an Exams Centre during the annual March and October Exam Sessions.
Examinations are conducted in strict order and punctuality, in collaboration
with the Universities that conduct the corresponding programmes in
preparation for the exams – the Athens University of Economics and Business
(AUEB), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the
University of Macedonia (UM) and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
(AUTH), and by the Hellenic Banking Institute (EBI).
Finally, the Training Centre is also used by the Hellenic Banking Institute of the
Hellenic Bank Association as an Exams Centre for the exams for the
European Certificate in Banking (EFCB), for candidates coming from the Bank
as well as from other banks.
<
29 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
4. Conduct of the Bank’s In-House Master Programme
5. Conduct of In-House Certification Exams
In-House Certifications were first introduced in the Bank in the first semester of 2012.
Since then, exams are held regularly twice a year – in June and December. For this innovation, the Training
and Development Division was presented with the 2013 KPMG Human Resources Award.
6. Lectures by Management Executives and distinguished Professors
Using the advantages offered by the Training Centre’s Auditorium, several lecture events have been organised with the
participation of invited professors and Management Executives of the Bank.
7. Visits to the Training Centre
Visit of French postgraduate students
On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, the Training and Development Division welcomed to the Training Centre 20 French students in
their final year of study in the Postgraduate Programme on Insurance Studies
of the Ecole Nationale d’ Assurances, in the framework of the training visits
jointly organised by the Hellenic Institute of Insurance Studies and the Institute’s
peer Educational Institutions of Insurance Studies in the EU, which in this
particular case was the “Institut de Formation de la Profession de l’Assurance”.
Visits of Executives from the Group Companies
In addition to the training programmes and other activities mentioned above,
frequent visits to the Training Centre were also made by Executives from the
Group Companies, who participated in briefings on training policies and
specialised training needs.
<
30 / 48
>
Μazi
IN ΤFOCUS
E. Milestone Years in the Training Centre’s operation
1
2
November 2007
2008
2009
2010
Establishment in
Aghios Stefanos.
Implementation of part
of the Training
Programme for 2007
in the new facilities.
Launch of External
Certifications in the
Provision of
Investment Services
and in Bancassurance
Operations.
2009 was the year
with the highest ever
number (to that date)
of training participants
in the Bank’s history.
Launch of In-House
Master Programme.
5
3
6
4
7
8
2011
2012
2013
2014
Continuation of the
Bank’s Education and
Training policy amidst
the adverse financial
circumstances.
Launch of Internal
Certifications.
Launch of extensive
training for the
Personnel of the
former Emporiki Bank.
Completion of the training
for the Personnel of the
former Emporiki Bank
(Siglo).
Installation of new
e-learning training
platform (SABA).
Completion of the Training
Centre’s expansion.
Creation of the Bank’s
Training Centre in
Thessaloniki.
<
31 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Together… for environmental actions
in Athens and Thessaloniki!
I
n the context of its Corporate Social Responsibility activities for the protection of the environment, on Sunday, October 19,
2014, the Bank organised special environmental events in Athens and Thessaloniki.
In Athens, environmental actions for adults and children took
place in the area of the Aesthetic Forest of Kaissariani in association
with “Philodassiki Enossi Athinon”. Specifically, the Volunteers
planted various kinds of trees along the sides of the path that leads
to the Botanical Garden of Philodassiki Enossi Athinon. In parallel,
during this event, the children had the opportunity to participate in
the educational game entitled “What is hidden inside the Botanical
Garden?”
In Thessaloniki, a special “Olive Picking” environmental
event took place at the Olive Grove of the American Farm
School. Activities began at the School’s Olive Grove with the
olive harvest, carried out using comb pickers, continued
with the transfer of the olives to the olive press, and ended
with an olive tasting round. At the same time, the children
participated in various activities at the wheat mill, including
cooking, after which they planted wheat seeds in small
personal pots.
<
32 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Athens
Thessaloniki
<
33 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Together ... in Olive Picking!
A
s part of its Corporate Social Responsibility activities and in order to strengthen the ecological and social
conscience of its Personnel, Alpha Bank organised, for the fourth consecutive year, in collaboration with
the NGO “Philodassiki Enossi Athinon”, a special environmental event entitled “Olive Picking”.
The event took place on Sunday, November 23, 2014 in the area of the Aesthetic Forest of Kaissariani and
was highly successful, with the participation of volunteers of the Bank, members of their families as well as
associates, who had the opportunity to enjoy a fascinating environmental experience.
It should be noted that, like every year, the olive oil which will be produced from the olive harvest will be
offered to:
C
T
R
R
V
C
G
C R
TT T
<
34 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
<
35 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“Helping Hand” Programme
Florina
Mesologgi
I
Edessa
Arta
Karditsa
Trikala
n the context of its social sensitisation and its social contribution activities, in 2014 the Bank continued its
“Helping Hand” programme.
More specifically, during November 2014, a total of 3,500 carts with pasta, pulses, canned food, flour, oil,
biscuits and jams were delivered to local Holy Metropolis Parishes in Florina, Edessa, Arta, Aitolia and
Akarnania, Karditsa and Trikala, in the presence of representatives of the Bank.
It should be noted that from 2012 until today, 11,500 carts with food supplies have been delivered in total.
<
36 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Bank supported the
12th Corporate Social Responsibility Conference
T
he Bank sponsored the 12th Corporate Social Responsibility Conference, organised by the American-Hellenic Chamber of
Commerce. The Conference has been established as a major forum for the presentation of topical trends and views, as well as of
best practices in Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Bank was also present in the Conference’s CSR Marketplace initiative, which showcased the Bank’s programme
"The defacements that hurt”.
The Conference was held on November 20, 2014, at the Athens Ledra Hotel and was attended by representatives of the Bank.
<
37 / 48
>
Μazi
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Bank supports Boccia Paralympic athlete Grigoris Polychronidis
G
rigoris Polychronidis is a Greek Boccia player and Paralympic winner.
He was born on August 13, 1981, and is suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA III). He graduated from the 12th Peristeri
Upper Secondary School (Lykeio) in 2001 and was a student of the Department of Accounting and Finance of the University of
Athens. He started playing Boccia in 2002 and has since won many gold and silver medals in numerous events.
The Bank has been supporting the athletic activities of Grigoris since 2006. During 2014 Grigoris won the following distinctions:
In May, he participated in the Greek Boccia Championships, where he won, for the 13th consecutive year, the gold medal in
both the Individuals and the Pairs competitions.
In June, he participated in the Boccia World Open held in Portugal, where he won the silver medal out of a total of 38 athletes
participating in his category, and was ranked No. 4 in the Pairs competition, out of
13 participating national teams.
In August, he was invited for the second consecutive year in the National Paralympic
Day of the UK, the country that won the gold medal in the “London 2012” Paralympic
Games, for a friendly Pairs match against the UK national team, which he won with 4-3.
In September, he participated in the World Boccia Championships hosted in Beijing,
and was ranked No. 4 in the Individuals competition (out of 48 participating athletes)
and No. 4 in the Pairs competition (out of 16 participating national teams), thus
securing his qualification for the “Rio 2016” Paralympic Games.
For more details, please visit: www.gregpoly.com/index.html
<
38 / 48
>
Μazi
GROUP COMPANIES
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd supports the National Road Safety Education Programme
“PHAETHON – Tasos Mitsopoulos”
A
lpha Bank Cyprus Ltd is one of the main sponsors of the National Road Safety
Education Programme “PHAETHON – Tasos Mitsopoulos”, which will be
presented in secondary schools, army camps, colleges and universities and will run until
the end of the school year.
The Programme, organised for the third consecutive year by the non-profit organisation
Reaction Youth for the Prevention, with the support of the Ministry of Education and
Culture and the Road Safety Council, aims to raise awareness among young people and
provide them with continuous education on road safety issues.
The Programme was officially launched via a related event, in the presence of the
General Manager of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the General Manager of the
Ministry of Communications and Works, the Volunteer Commissioner and other officials.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd supports the Association for People with Autism Cyprus
T
he Bank participated again this year, as one of the sponsors, in the
“Festival of Hope”, organised for the fourth consecutive year by the
Association for People with Autism Cyprus, in Limassol. The Festival was
organised as a charity event, in order to raise financial aid for the
Association.
The purpose of the Association is to provide information to people with
autism and to their families, to safeguard their rights and to offer them the
means for a decent life in the wider community.
<
39 / 48
>
Μazi
GROUP COMPANIES
Alpha Bank Cyprus Ltd
“Alpha Progress 1+ and 3+” range of term deposits
A
repeat advertising campaign was launched to promote the “Alpha Progress
1+ and 3+” range of term deposit products, which offers attractive escalating returns
and more options regarding the duration and the frequency of interest payments. Customers
can choose between durations of 6, 12 or 18 months and between monthly or quarterly
interest payments, and have the right of full withdrawal at the end of each month or quarter
without any penalty. The promotion was realised via television, radio and selected websites.
Alpha Bank Romania
O
n the occasion of the 20 years of presence of Alpha Bank Romania in the country,
a corporate advertising campaign throughout the country was launched via Press
and outdoor advertisements. The communication focused on one of the Bank’s core
values, reliability, in order to stress its consistent support of its Customers and its
commitment to continue to do so in the future.
<
40 / 48
>
Μazi
GROUP COMPANIES
Alpha Bank Romania
Alpha Bank Romania business event
Snapshot from the speech of Mr. Theodoridis.
I
Snapshot from the speech of Mr. Giampanas.
n the context of the celebration of its 20th anniversary in the country, Alpha Bank Romania organised a special event which
took place on November 5, 2014.
Alpha Bank was represented by the General Manager-Wholesale Banking and International Network Artemios Ch. Theodoridis,
the Executive General Manager-International Network and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alpha Bank Romania
Christos Ch. Giampanas, the Manager of International Operations Division Ioanna Anagnostopoulou and the Manager of the
Wholesale Credit Division-International Stelios Louisides.
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Bucharest, H.E. Grigorios Vassiloconstandakis
and the Vice-Governor of the National Bank of Romania Mr. Bogdan Olteanu, as well as by Customers, Partners and friends of
the Bank.
<
41 / 48
>
Μazi
GROUP COMPANIES
Alpha Bank Srbija a.d.
I
n the context of the Cards Loyalty Programme of Alpha Bank Srbija a.d. and in order to increase the use of
cards, a seasonal autumn offers brochure was mailed to Customers together with their account statements.
The brochure contained information on selected offers and discounts available at the network of participating
merchants.
Alpha Bank Srbija a.d. supports the Presentation of the city of Thessaloniki in Belgrade
Alpha Bank Srbija a.d. was the main sponsor of the Presentation of the city
of Thessaloniki in Belgrade, which took place on October 29, 2014, only a
few weeks after the presentation of the city of Belgrade in Thessaloniki.
The event was attended by approximately 120 people among which the
Mayor of Thessaloniki Mr. Yiannis Boutaris, the Director of the Belgrade
Tourist Board Mr. Miodrag Popović, the CEO of YUTA National Association of
Travel Agencies in Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Seničić and the Senior Advisor at
Serbian Chamber of Commerce Mr. Zoran Novaković.
During the event, the Member of the Executive Board of Alpha Bank Srbija
a.d. Constantinos Agaliotis presented the Bank, its history and business
operations, stating the following:
Snapshot from the speech of Mr. Agaliotis.
“As a representative of the Bank that operates in both Greece and Serbia, I know how strong connections have been developed between
the two nations - not only economical, but also political, cultural, scientific and tourist. The two important business meetings which took
place in just one month confirm that there is a need and scope for expansion of our cooperation. Finally, I am pleased to say that Alpha
Bank Srbija a.d. is one of the significant bridges between Greece and Serbia and we hope to continue in the future, to invest in local
community projects that contribute to the promotion of the Serbian-Greek relations”.
<
42 / 48
>
Μazi
GROUP COMPANIES
Alpha Bank Albania SHA
Alpha Bank Albania SHA supports the families in need
Τ
he Personnel of Alpha Bank Albania SHA responded positively to the invitation of the Red Cross Albania to support the families
in need. It is worth noting that the Employees of the Bank are an important part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the
Bank by participating in all the activities the Bank organises and by voluntarily contributing in different causes.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
World Savings Day
I
n the context of the World Savings Day, an advertising campaign was launched in the Press with the
key message: “The only thing that should never be on diet”, aiming to further raise the public's
awareness of the importance of savings.
Alpha Bank a.d. Skopje
Subsidised Housing Loan
U
nder the initiative “Buy a house, buy an apartment” of the Ministry of Finance of
the country, the Bank participated in an event promoting its subsidised housing loan
product, using already approved promotional materials. The event was held at the Skopje
Shopping Mall with the participation of the Bank’s Personnel.
<
43 / 48
>
Μazi
CULTURE SPECIAL
“Art Network”
Τakis Katsoulidis – Paintings with Light
1. French Door, 1976
127 x 95 x 11 cm
belonging to this series were showcased for the first time at
a solo exhibition entitled “Painting with Light” and held in
2. Scene in Athens (Athinaiko), 1999
39 x 190 x 12 cm
Athens in 1976 and they constitute a particular category of
his artistic production.
3. Spefsippou Street, 1999
93 x 163 x 12 cm
The white surface of the opaque Plexiglas, which is internally
4. Little Horse under the Light, 2003
78 x 78 x 12 cm
lit by the lamps, has replaced the white surface of the
canvas. The painting compositions with special airbrush
Airbrush colours on Plexiglas
colours – a particular technique invented by the artist
himself – contain light and “exist” through the light. The
The interesting style and the light used in the four
fluorescent lamps inside the construction transform the
works-constructions made by Takis Katsoulidis attribute a
compositions into three-dimensional scenes illustrating
special character to the Stoas, Xenokratous and Venizelou
everyday and urban life, frequent and favourite themes of
Branches in Athens as well as to the Lamia Branch, where they
the artist, who seeks to animate them through light and
are exhibited. Katsoulidis, a multifaceted artist experienced in
convert them, to a certain extent, into a snapshot or a film
printmaking, painting and typeface design, initially worked on
frame. The details are omitted; the surfaces are integrated
traditional woodcut and, subsequently, followed the trends of
while the white light makes them look bright and, at the
Abstraction both in printmaking and in painting.
same time, tough. The size, the light, the colour and the
themes of the constructions lead to an interesting
His constant experimentation with materials led him to create
ensemble, reflecting daily images, which are magnified and
three-dimensional compositions with internal lighting, during his
reproduced through the light.
maturity. Already since the 1970s, he has been constructing
wooden boxes of large dimensions with their main surface of
Plexiglas and a fluorescent lamp circuit. The works
<
44 / 48
>
Μazi
CULTURE SPECIAL
2. Scene in Athens (Athinaiko), 1999
Airbrush colours on Plexiglas
Venizelou Branch
1. French Door, 1976
Airbrush colours on Plexiglas
Stoas Branch
3. Spefsippou Street, 1999
Airbrush colours on Plexiglas
Xenokratous Branch
4. Little Horse under the Light, 2003
Airbrush colours on Plexiglas
Lamia Branch
<
45 / 48
>
Μazi
CULTURE SPECIAL
Takis Katsoulidis
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
He was born in Messini in 1933. From 1952 to 1958, he studied printmaking at
the Athens School of Fine Arts under Yannis Kefallinos. During the time period from
1962 to 1966, he continued his studies at the École des beaux-arts in Paris, while
at the same time, he specialised in the Art of the Book at the École Estienne.
Between 1971 and 1976, he was the Director of the Applied Arts School at the
Athens Technological Institute (Doxiadis School). He worked as art director of the
publications of the National Bank of Greece, while in 1978 he was elected
Professor at the Department of Graphic Arts at the Technological Educational
Institution of Athens (TEI), where he taught until 1986. From 1986 to 1988 he was
artistic advisor of the Aspioti-ELKA Printing House. He designed postage stamps
for Cyprus and Greece and he is the only Greek artist to have designed Greek
typefaces.
He has presented 25 solo painting and printmaking exhibitions in Greece and
abroad. In 1961, he won first prize in printmaking at the Pan-Hellenic Exhibition of
Young Artists, whereas in 1976 he was awarded a medal in the context of the
Prix d’ Europe competition in the International Exhibition of Painting. In 2002,
he established the “Takis Katsoulidis” Printmaking Museum in Messini. In 2008,
he was awarded a prize by the Academy of Athens for his oeuvre.
<
46 / 48
>
Μazi
AT A GLANCE
Alpha Bank undertook the sponsorship of the exhibitions entitled “Domenikos
Theotokopoulos between Venice and Rome” and “Friends and Patrons of El Greco in
Toledo” presented in Athens (November 2014 - March 2015), as well as of the International
Conference entitled “Εl Greco. From Crete to Venice, to Rome, to Toledo” (November
2014), in the context of the events taking place worldwide on the
occasion of the quatercentenary of Domenikos Theotokopoulos’
death.
On Wednesday, November 26, 2014, the Bank organised a
special guided tour at the exhibition “Friends and Patrons of
El Greco in Toledo” presented at the Main Building of the
Benaki Museum. The tour was attended by Customers of the
Corporate Banking, Business Centres and Shipping Divisions,
whereas the Bank was represented by Members of the General
Management, Division Managers and Executives.
On the occasion of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Goulandris
Natural History Museum, the Bank sponsored the Exhibition entitled “Discover
Unknown Greece – Protected Areas”, which will continue into
2015.
The Exhibition presents 20 protected areas – mainland, island,
mountainous, coastal and marine areas, as well as wetlands, from all
over Greece – where the Museum has taken a variety of initiatives to
protect our natural and cultural heritage.
Alpha Bank offers the publication
“Greek Song from 1821 down to the
1950s” at a discount of 40%,
i.e. Euro 33, throughout December.
The Exhibition was designed in line with modern museological
trends. It makes use of audiovisual tools to provide information on
the various areas and their indigenous flora and fauna, while the
display cases present samples of rare and endangered plant and
animal species from the Museum’s collections, together with
information on the status and significance of biodiversity in Greece.
<
47 / 48
For further information, press here.
>
Mazi
We wish you a Merry Christmas
and
a Happy New Year 2015!