The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Giannis Stournaras, reviewed the course of the Greek economy, highlighting its progress, challenges and prospects, in a wide-ranging speech at the Capital Link conference in New York. From joining the Eurozone to regaining investment grade status, Stournaras outlined how the country turned the financial crisis into a “success story.”

Furthermore, at the post-conference dinner, he was presented with the “Hellenic Leadership Award” in recognition of his substantial and long-standing commitment and contribution to the economy of Greece and Europe, and his decisive contribution to both Greece’s remaining in the Eurozone and the recovery of the Greek economy.

The dinner was opened with a short speech by the Greek Ambassador to the United States, Mrs. Ekaterini Nasika.

The Ambassador said that Mr. Stournaras is a prominent figure in the Greek economy, who played a key role in stabilizing the Greek economy during the critical decade 2009-2019. Studied at Oxford and with a long university career, she said, he has contributed both from academic and public positions, such as Finance Minister in 2012 and Governor of the Bank of Greece since 2014.

Nasika stressed that during the peak of the crisis in 2015, Stournaras maintained the independence and integrity of the institution he served, protecting the stability of the banking system and remained optimistic, projecting the potential of the Greek economy, while his predictions of recovery were fulfilled.

Stournaras Nasika also said “is characterized by resilience, composure and dedication, both professionally and personally. His steady contribution and leadership make him a central pillar of the Greek economic recovery and a model public servant.”

Mr. Stournaras was introduced by the American billionaire and Chairman of “Paulson & Co, Mr. John Paulson. Mr. Paulson stressed, among other things, that under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece has become an economic leader in Europe, achieving rapid growth and stability through tax cuts, reduction of bureaucracy and fiscal discipline.