The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce has celebrated Dr John Coustas at its 73rd Person of the Year award ceremony, honoring his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the Greek-American business sector.
Taking place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street, the evening commenced with a cocktail hour as guests entered the event space. Then John. C. Stratakis, the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce board member and past president, took to the stage to address members and guests and provide an overview of the evening’s proceedings.
The National anthem was then performed by Juilliard School graduate, Sophia Pelekasis, and was then followed by an invocation by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
In his address, he congratulated Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper, the newly-elected HACC president, on her new role.
“Congratulations Eftihia,” he said. The Chamber is a most necessary organization to the ‘omogenia’, for it succeeds in connecting Greek-Americans with all manner of enterprise in the motherland, our ‘patrida’, and connects them to one another here at home.”
The HACC president, Eftihia Pylarinou-Piper, then addressed the crowd, highlighting the vital work that the Chamber does.
“Tonight we gather as one community, leaders in shipping and finance, entrepreneurs, prominent people from academics, public officials, leaders and members of the Greek-American associations, and friends from near and far, to celebrate excellence, integrity, and the lasting bonds that unite Greece and the United States,” she said.
“Your presence affirms the strength of our shared values and the importance of our work together. It is a distinct honor this evening to recognize Dr John Coustas, the president and CEO of Danaos Corporation, as our 73rd Person of the Year.”
She then declared: “Through his vision and commitment to innovation, Dr Coustas has helped shape the modern maritime landscape, while exemplifying responsibility, resilience, and generosity. His achievements inspire the next generation of leaders who look upon him as an example.”
HACC Chairman Nick Katsanos additionally congratulated Coustas, describing him as “one of the nicest people you will ever meet”, and that he is “so important and provides so much to the Chamber that we can’t thank him enough.”
Simon Rose, the CEO of Rose & Company, and Alexandra Palli Giannakopoulos, the Regional Vice Governor for Entrepreneurship and European Planning for the Region of Attica, then introduced the honoree.
Giannakopoulos revealed in her speech that Coustas was a friend, who so many respect, and someone who meant a great deal to her and her family.
“Finding the right words to speak about someone who is a dear friend, but also a force in business, was not very simple,” Giannakopoulos shared. From the moment you meet John, you sense something steady about him – he speaks very softly, but everyone listens.”
“There is a quiet strength in him,” he continued, “a blend of clarity and drive that makes people pay attention. He’s not only accomplished, he’s curious, he’s patient, he’s deeply educated, and genuinely cultured. He plays the piano, and he navigates his yacht with exactly the same discipline and depth that define his work’ precise, thoughtful, and profoundly expressive.”
Rose added that Coustas is “one of the most accomplished people that anyone could know.”
Giannakopoulos and Katsanos then presented Coustas with his award, then he made a formal address.
“I want to thank the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce for this honor and for continuing a tradition of recognizing people who work to strengthen the bond between Greece and the U.S – it means a great deal to be part of that story,” Coustas recited.
Many of you here, whether you’re first, second, or third generation Greeks, know what it means to build a life far from the place your family once called home. America opened its doors to you, offering opportunities that Greece at certain times could not. Through dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of identity, the Greek-American community has not only thrived, but has brought honor to Greece.”
“I also want to thank Alexandra and Simon for their generous words. Having friends who support you, who walk with you on this journey, is a blessing, and I’m grateful to share this evening with all of you.
Coustas continued: “Your success stories have strengthened our country’s presence, our reputation, and our relationship with the United States. For those of us who came here later in life, like myself, the United States has also been a welcoming home, especially within the capital markets. This environment allowed us to grow, to innovate, and to secure a leading role in the global shipping world. And in doing so, we have helped deepen the ties between our two nations.”
Coustas additionally made a comment to The National Herald, highlighting what this recognition meant to him: “It means exactly that the Greek community over here is very active and is enhancing the creativity and leadership, which, in the end, all these links will help Greece, through the influence that the Greeks can exert here in the U.S.” he told TNH.
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