On Wednesday, July 1st, 2026, the first meeting of the new Board of Governors of the Propeller Club of Piraeus took place, during which the Board was formally constituted and the new Executive Committee for the term June 2026 – June 2029 was elected.
In a particularly warm and constructive atmosphere, the newly elected Board of Directors—resulting from the elections held on June 29th, 2026—marked the beginning of a new three-year term for the Club. Out of the 16 members of the Board, 10 had previously served as Governors in past terms, while 6 members are joining for the first time, combining valuable experience with fresh ideas and dynamism.
Danae Bezantakou received the highest number of votes with 414 votes. Having served for three consecutive terms as First Vice President and Secretary General, she now assumes the Presidency of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, becoming the first female President in the Club’s 91-year history, continuing her long-standing contribution and active engagement.
The new Executive Committee, unanimously elected for a three-year term, is composed as follows:
- President: Danae Bezantakou
- First Vice President: Christos Timagenis
- Second Vice President: Dorothea Ioannou
- Secretary General: Theofilos Xenakoudis
- Treasurer: Panos Zafet
The remaining 11 Governors of the new Board of Directors, listed in alphabetical order, are:
- Sifis VardinoGiannis
- Andreas Giakoumelos (*)
- Giorgos Efstratiadis (*)
- Giannis Cotzias
- Louiza Moschou (*)
- Angeliki Xylaki (*)
- Dimitris Patrikios
- Konstantinos Stampedakis (*)
- Filippos-Alexandros Tsangridis Panagopoulos (*)
- Akis Tsirigakis
- Maria Hadjioannou
(*) new members.
Statement by the new President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, Danae Bezantakou:
“It is a great honor and a significant responsibility for me to assume the Presidency of the Propeller Club of Piraeus, a historic institution that has served the maritime industry for nearly a century, strengthened Greek-American relations, and promoted the values of cooperation, contribution, and extroversion.
I would like to sincerely thank the members of the Club for their trust, as well as all Governors for their unanimous support. This trust is both my greatest strength and my greatest commitment.
With respect for the valuable legacy of past administrations—and especially the Presidency of Costis Fragkoulis, next to whom I had the honor and privilege to serve for seven years on the Executive Committee—and with confidence in the new leadership team that combines experience and new ideas, we aim to open a new, creative chapter.
I firmly believe that the greatest strength of any organization lies in its people. Together with our members, partners, and supporters, we aim to further strengthen the role of the Propeller Club of Piraeus as a point of reference for both the Greek and international maritime community. I look forward to working with everyone for a dynamic and extroverted three-year term.”
Statement by outgoing President of the Propeller Club of Piraeus and International President of the International Propeller Club, Costis J. Frangoulis:
“Today is a historic day for the Propeller Club of Piraeus, with a woman at the helm for the first time in our 91-year history. My warmest congratulations to the new President, Danae Bezantakou, as well as to all members of the new Board of Governors on their election.
Danae has been a close partner throughout the years, and I know firsthand her deep love for the Club. I am confident she will serve it with the same dedication and passion, and lead it into the next chapter of its history.
The Propeller Club has been a very significant part of my life and will continue to be. From my position as International President, I remain committed to supporting the Propeller Club of Piraeus in every effort that strengthens its international role and promotes our maritime industry worldwide.”
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PROPELLER CLUB OF PIRAEUS
Seven Years of Robust Leadership, Growth, and Social Impact Focused on the "NEXT" Era
Driven by the motto "NEXT"—focusing firmly on shaping the future—the General Assembly of the International Propeller Club (Port of Piraeus) highlighted a remarkable seven-year journey. Outgoing President, Mr. Costis Frangoulis, completing seven highly successful years at the helm, presented the radical transformation of the Club into a self-sufficient, financially robust, and globally leading organization.
During the assembly, US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle praised the organization, recognizing its vision and leadership. The Ambassador noted that the Club’s initiatives have significantly strengthened the ties between the US and Greece in the vital sectors of energy and shipping. Furthermore, she commended its substantial contributions to the US Coast Guard’s mission, its expanded donations and scholarships, and its role in inspiring the next generation of maritime leaders.
Key Achievements of Costis Frangoulis 7-Year Tenure
- The Largest Club Worldwide. The Club achieved significant qualitative and quantitative growth, reaching 1,100 active members, making it the largest Propeller Club in the world. Additionally, a Youth Club was established, already boasting 150 members.
- Financial Sustainability. Revenue streams were substantially boosted, creating a fully self-sufficient organization with cash reserves reaching 1,100,000 Euros.
- Substantial Social & Educational Contribution. An extensive program of donations and scholarships was implemented, supporting academic institutions and organizations such as the University of Piraeus, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Alba, ACS, the Hellenic Navy, ELPIDA, ELEPAP, and various other foundations.
- Dynamic Activity & Events. Approximately 69 events and initiatives were organized, including the prominent AMVER Awards, the Hellenic American Shipping Gala, Event for honoring the Greek Listed Shipping companies in the U.S. stock exchanges, active participation in Posidonia, and environmental initiatives like tree plantings and beach cleanups. A milestone achievement was hosting the International Propeller Club Worldwide Convention in Athens in 2022.
- Modernized Infrastructure. The Club acquired its own, privately-owned offices on 2as Merarchias Street in Piraeus, launched a new website and newsletter, and formalized its operations by hiring a Director Mr. Anacreon Matarangas.
Closing his address, Mr. Frangoulis expressed his deepest gratitude to the members for the honor of leading the Club, as well as to the outgoing Board of Governors. He extended special thanks to Vice President Danae Bezantakou, Secretary Christos Timagenis, Treasurer Maria Chatzioannou, Governor Dorothea Ioannou, Governor Konstantinos Konstantinou (Moore Greece), Governor George Margaronis, and President George Xiradakis.
The event was attended by Mr. John Sarakakis, President of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce.
Today, the Propeller Club of Piraeus stands as a robust, growing, and powerful institution, built on rock-solid foundations for the future and he will continue his contribution by leading as the president of the International Propeller Club.
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