An in-depth look at George Zohios of AKL Law Firm covering his career path, education, and top projects as a lawyer as well as a few insights about him as a manager at work and as a person outside the office.
Career:
- AKL; Partner; 2016-present
- AKL; Senior Associate; 2009-2016
- Christianos and Partners Law Firm; Associate; 2008-2009
Education:
- University of Manchester; LL.M. in International Commercial Law; 2005
- National & Kapodistrian University of Athens; LL.B.; 2004
Favorites:
- Out-of-office activity: Swimming and traveling with my family
- Quote: “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen
- Book: Underworld by Don DeLillo
- Movie: Dead Man by Jim Jarmusch
Top 5 Projects:
-
Advising Alpha Bank regarding refinancing and re-leveraging financing for Astir Palace Vouliagmenis S.A., owner of one of the most luxurious and historic hotels in the Athens Riviera.
-
Advising Alpha Bank regarding financing for HPH Pelagia Single Member Societe Anonyme, a company owned by Hines Group, for the acquisition and development of Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort in Crete.
-
Advising Alpha Bank on the acquisition and development financing related to Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s purchase of the five-star Theophano Imperial Palace Hotel and the four-star Athos Palace and Pallini Beach hotels (G Hotels) in Chalkidiki, Greece.
-
Advising Piraeus Bank regarding financing for the construction and operation of a Six Senses six-star hotel in Porto Heli, Greece.
-
Advising the National Bank on acquisition financing for one of the most significant and impactful acquisitions in the food industry sector in recent years, involving the purchase of food companies, including ION, Greece’s leading chocolate manufacturer.
CEELM: What would you say was the most challenging project you ever worked on and why?
Zohios: The most challenging project I ever worked on was advising Alpha Bank on acquisition and development financing related to Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s purchase of the five-star Theophano Imperial Palace Hotel and the four-star Athos Palace and Pallini Beach hotels (G Hotels) in Chalkidiki, Greee. This was one of the most significant transactions in Greece’s tourism sector in recent years, enhancing the country’s portfolio of high-end investments. Managing the financial aspects required a deep understanding of the luxury hospitality industry, including the dynamics of high-end clientele, premium service standards, and luxury branding. Additionally, coordinating with Goldman Sachs, a global leader in investment banking, added another layer of complexity. Navigating complex contractual agreements, brand standards, and operational protocols specific to Goldman Sachs, while ensuring alignment with the financing structure and objectives, was a significant challenge.
CEELM: And what was your main takeaway from it?
Zohios: My main takeaway from this project was the importance of adaptability and comprehensive industry knowledge. Successfully managing such a high-stakes transaction required a deep understanding of industry-specific dynamics. Additionally, working with a major global player like Goldman Sachs underscored the need for clear communication and precise alignment of objectives across all parties involved. This experience significantly enhanced my problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
CEELM: What is one thing clients likely don’t know about you?
Zohios: One thing clients likely don’t know about me is that I am an avid swimmer. This hobby has taught me the value of perseverance, discipline, and strategic planning. These skills translate into my professional life, where I approach complex projects with the same dedication and focus, ensuring that I deliver the best possible outcomes for my clients.
CEELM: Name one mentor who played a big role in your career and how they impacted you.
Zohios: One mentor who played a significant role in my career is our Co-Managing Partner Alexandros Kosmopoulos. His guidance and expertise have been invaluable to my professional development. Alexandros taught me the importance of strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail. He encouraged me to approach challenges with a solution and business-oriented mindset and always emphasized the value of integrity and ethical conduct in our profession.
Under his mentorship, I gained confidence in handling high-stakes transactions and learned to navigate complex financial landscapes. He also fostered a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, inspiring me to stay informed about legal trends and innovations.
CEELM: Name one mentee you are particularly proud of.
Zohios: One mentee I am particularly proud of is George Athanassiou, a Senior Associate at AKL. George has embraced the high-quality and ethical standards of our firm, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and attention to detail. He is incredibly hardworking and always eager to learn new things.
Since joining the firm, George has shown remarkable growth and a deep understanding of transactional law. Despite his young age, his ability to handle complex cases with precision and professionalism is truly impressive. His commitment to our firm’s values and his outstanding performance make me confident that he will continue to achieve great success in his legal career.
CEELM: What is the one piece of advice you’d give yourself fresh out of law school?
Zohios: Stay passionate and be persistent, focused, and consistent. Enjoy the ride, as being a lawyer is both a challenging and rewarding profession. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow and always uphold the highest standards of integrity and excellence.
This article was originally published in Issue 11.7 of the CEE Legal Matters Magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the magazine, you can subscribe here.
