The Most Influential General Managers in the Middle East

December 2025 The

rtune Leader The Most INFLUENTIAL

General

MANAGERS In The MIDDLE EAST

Adonis Yiasemides

Powering a Nation Forward: The Leadership Journey of Adonis Yiasemides

Editors Insights

T

his Special Edi on of The Fortune Leader “The Most Influen al General Managers in the Middle East” features a dis nguished leader whose career represents dedica on, strategic foresight, and unwavering service: Adonis Yiasemides, General Manager of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).

With over 30 years of professional experience, he has not only advanced his own career but has also played a significant role in shaping the modern energy landscape of Cyprus.

Since joining the EAC in 1992, Yiasemides has progressed through various roles across the organiza on, gaining comprehensive knowledge of its opera ons, workforce, and customer expecta ons. His eleva on to General Manager in 2022 stands as a testament to his exper se, collabora ve spirit, and longstanding commitment. He now leads the authority at a crucial moment, as Cyprus navigates sweeping changes driven by renewable energy growth, market restructuring, and accelerated digitaliza on.

Under his stewardship, EAC con nues to advance with a strong focus on innova on, sustainability, and opera onal excellence. Major ini a ves such as expanding digital customer pla orms, modernizing the grid, implemen ng smart metering systems, and enhancing cybersecurity highlight his vision of building an energy system prepared for the future while maintaining affordability, safety, and public confidence.

His leadership approach, centered on people and partnerships, strengthens employee engagement, deepens stakeholder trust, and enhances customer sa sfac on.

This edi on honors the forward-thinking leadership of Adonis Yiasemides and the pioneers driving a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future across the Middle East.

ward Scott Ed Editor-in-Chief The Fortune Leader

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor-in-chief Sco Edward Sales & Marke ng Manager Lily Hayler Business Development Manager Lauren Green, Millie Butler, Rosie Jonas Business Development Execu ve Victoria Ma hews, Ashley Tucker Art and Design Director Paul Brown Research Analyst Robert Smith

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Cover Story

Adonis Yiasemides

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Contents

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Hemanth Kumar

Articles

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Empowering Organizations with Innovative Consulting Solutions

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Adonis Yiasemides Powering a Nation Forward: The Leadership Journey of Adonis Yiasemides

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Cover Story

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I

n Cyprus, where the energy landscape is evolving at unprecedented speed, leadership demands more than technical expertise it calls for resilience, clarity, and unwavering commitment to public service. Few embody these qualities as profoundly as Adonis Yiasemides, General Manager of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC). With more than three decades of service, his journey reflects both personal dedication and the broader story of an organization powering the nation's progress.

Today, as Cyprus navigates major energy transitions from renewables to market liberalization Yiasemides stands at a pivotal intersection of history and modernity, ensuring EAC remains strong, trusted, and future-ready.

communication, and cultivating a culture where honesty and objectivity guide every decision.

His core priorities remain consistent: •

Delivering reliable, high-quality service to consumers and grid users

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Supporting employees through continuous education and skill development

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Adapting to changes, innovations, and new market realities

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Maintaining strong relationships across regulatory, community, and governmental stakeholders

A Career Built Over Decades of Service When Adonis Yiasemides joined EAC in 1992, he had little notion that this institution would become both his professional home and the platform through which he would help shape Cyprus's energy future. His path was not defined by one leap but by steady progression moving across departments, embracing diverse roles, and learning the organization from the inside out.

Every post he occupied added a new layer to his leadership identity. Each challenge refined his thinking, strengthened his management approach, and deepened his understanding of the needs of EAC's employees, customers, and stakeholders.

By the time he assumed the role of General Manager in June 2022, he carried with him more than experience he brought perspective. Today, he oversees operations, drives strategic direction, and ensures EAC continues to deliver on its mission with responsibility, efficiency, and social impact.

“This journey gave me invaluable experience and the resources to work collaboratively with colleagues, trade unions, and the Board to implement projects that affect not only EAC but the entire country,” he often reflects.

He values structured conversations and believes in identifying optimal solutions through transparent, sincere engagement. Whether discussing market modernization or employee development, his tone remains steady and solution-oriented focused on outcomes that serve people first.

Steering EAC Toward a Sustainable, Modern Energy Era As Cyprus undergoes a profound shift in its energy landscape, EAC stands at a critical turning point. Under Yiasemides's guidance, the organization is pursuing a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and public benefit.

EAC's strategy is anchored on four pillars:

Strategic Priorities: Reliability, People, and Progress Leading a national utility demands a unique blend of realism and humanity. For Yiasemides, this combination forms the backbone of his leadership philosophy. He is known for encouraging collective dialogue, fostering open

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Addressing climate change

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Maintaining affordable electricity

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Ensuring security, safety, and system reliability

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Elevating customer service and experience

What sets EAC apart is not just its mission but how deeply it integrates ESG principles into every aspect of its operations. The organization extends its influence beyond electricity provision, actively supporting national initiatives in education, health, culture, sports, and environmental protection.

Today, EAC is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001—a testament to its commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational safety.

Beyond these certifications, EAC continues strengthening: •

Business continuity and recovery mechanisms

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Cybersecurity and digital security compliance

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Corporate governance and social responsibility programs

The aim is clear: A modern, responsible, forward-thinking energy organization that inspires trust and drives national progress.

Navigating the Challenges of a Transforming Sector Managing Cyprus's largest energy institution means confronting obstacles that evolve as quickly as the technologies shaping them. From the competitive electricity market and the boom in renewables to natural gas introduction and infrastructure modernization EAC's challenges are multi-layered and complex.

Each initiative is designed to ensure that the organization remains resilient in the face of market changes, environmental challenges, and digital threats.

Innovation at the Heart of Transformation Technology is reshaping the global energy sector, and EAC is embracing this shift through a series of ambitious infrastructure and digital projects that represent the future of Cyprus's grid.

Under Yiasemides's leadership, EAC is: Among the most notable advancements are: •

Supporting the creation of a healthy, competitive electricity market

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Implementing a large-scale digital transformation

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Upgrading infrastructure for a modern, flexible energy system

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Rolling out smart meters and advanced metering technologies

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The backbone of Cyprus's Competitive Electricity Market, enabling secure, transparent access to metering data for suppliers, producers, and consumers.

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Ensuring compliance with international and national safety, quality, and environmental standards

Meter Data Management System (MDMS)

Modernisation of the Distribution Network

The replacement of ageing infrastructure with remotely controlled, digitally monitored equipment that enhances reliability and responsiveness.

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Digital Customer Services

His philosophy is simple: challenges are not roadblocks but catalysts for evolution. Flexibility, adaptability, and a customer-centric culture are the tools that turn those challenges into opportunities.

From application tracking to soon-to-be-launched online payment systems, EAC is making energy services faster and more user-friendly.

A Deep Commitment to Operational Excellence

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For Yiasemides, efficiency and reliability begin with rigorous systems and internationally recognized standards.

A sophisticated digitisation initiative offering real-time visibility into grid assets, enhancing planning, monitoring, and field response.

GEODIAS GIS System

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THE MOST INFLUENTIAL GENERAL MANAGERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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Expansion of the Optical-Fibre Network

Recent Achievements and National Impact

Reinforcing the backbone of Cyprus's future smart grid with high-speed, secure communication between substations and systems.

Among the recent milestones, the installation of smart meters and the rollout of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) stand as transformative achievements.

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These systems form the foundation of Cyprus's digital energy ecosystem and promise tangible benefits:

Drone Deployment for Network Inspections

Modernizing field operations by using drones for safer, faster inspections especially in remote or challenging terrains. Each of these advancements marks a crucial step in transforming EAC into a digitally empowered, future-ready organization.

Renewable Energy and the Future of Cyprus's Energy Landscape Cyprus's isolated grid structure presents unique challenges, particularly when renewable production exceeds demand.

Storage solutions become essential for stability and flexibility.

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Better consumption management

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Improved distribution efficiency

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Faster response to power outages

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Enhanced market transparency

EAC continues to drive sustainable growth, delivering affordable, reliable energy while remaining the backbone of the national power system.

A Message to the Energy Leaders of Tomorrow

EAC has already secured approval for energy storage installations at Dhekelia and Moni Power Stations, paving the way toward a greener and more balanced system.

Leadership Principles Anchored in Responsibility The leadership philosophy of Adonis Yiasemides reflects a blend of duty, integrity, and forward-thinking strategy. His guiding principles include: •

Safety first for workers and the public

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Reliability and resilience across the grid

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Clear communication and customer trust

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A commitment to sustainability and decarbonization

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Empowering employees and nurturing talent

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Building strong regulatory and community partnerships

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Acting ethically and transparently

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Embracing innovation to strengthen the grid

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These values not only define his leadership but also shape the culture of EAC.

For future leaders in the energy and utilities sector, Yiasemides offers wisdom drawn from decades of service: “Stay focused, stay courageous, and never lose sight of why you chose this path. Our work shapes people's lives and the future of our planet. Lead with integrity, listen carefully, and be bold when it matters most.”

He believes leadership is not about titles but about responsibility to communities, to the environment, and to future generations. In many ways, the story of Adonis Yiasemides is the story of Cyprus's energy evolution. It is a narrative of commitment, resilience, and vision of a man who built a career within an institution, and now leads that institution into a future where sustainability and innovation define national progress.

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EMPOWERING ORGANIZATIONS WITH INNOVATIVE CONSULTING SOLUTIONS

D

ue to the tremendous pace of change that is taking place in the contemporary corporate environment, organisations are coming under an increasing amount of pressure to innovate, adapt, and keep a competitive advantage over their rivals. These issues are not only challenging but also numerous, ranging from the disruption that is brought about by digital technology to the ever-changing expectations of its clients. These difficulties are not just difficult but also numerous. At this point in the process, creative consulting solutions come into play. These solutions offer businesses aid in realising their full potential, improving their operations, and developing resilience for the future and their future endeavours.

relied upon. The process of transforming raw data into insights that can be put into action enables businesses to enhance their ability to engage with their customers, optimise their performance, and successfully anticipate market movements. These enhancements are attainable through the process of translating raw data into insights that can be put into action. The use of this technology-driven approach guarantees that companies will continue to be competitive in an environment that is always expanding and in a state of constant change.

Additionally, the human component is of equal value in this context. In addition to putting an emphasis on processes and procedures, creative consulting also places an emphasis on

Innovative consulting places an emphasis on adaptation, creativity, and customisation, in contrast to traditional consulting, which often tends to rely on existing techniques.

Innovative consulting also places an emphasis on customer service. Consulting that adheres to innovative principles lays an emphasis on these qualities. Consultants with a forward-thinking perspective realise that every organisation has its own unique requirements, and they respond to this reality by providing bespoke solutions that agree with the objectives of the firm. Instances of solutions that enable businesses to have the capability to achieve sustainable growth include the introduction of new technology, the upgrading of processes, and the development of strategies that are centred on people. These are all examples of solutions. Every single one of these many sorts of solutions is an example of a solution.

One of the most important advantages that creative consultancy provides is the ability to facilitate digital transformation. This is only one of the many available advantages. The application of technology, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation, enables consultants to offer support to businesses in the process of making decisions that are established on facts that can be

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leadership, culture, and the cultivation of new talent. This is because creative consulting places an emphasis on all these things. Consultants work closely with companies to accomplish a wide range of goals, such as the development of inclusive workplaces, the encouragement of cooperative endeavours, and the equipping of leaders with the skills necessary to effectively manage change. It is possible for businesses to establish a more stable foundation for longterm success by providing their employees with more autonomy and by ensuring that those individuals are aligned with the organization’s overall objective. The establishment of more solid foundations for success can be facilitated by this.

Another component that is absolutely required is the ability to adapt to new circumstances. To encourage organisations to employ flexible strategies rather than rigid plans, innovative consulting solutions are being used. This stands in stark contrast to the conventional method of meticulously laying everything out. As a result of this, it is of the utmost importance to prepare for the unpredictability of the situation, investigate new approaches to problem-solving, and encourage creativity at every level. This technique enables organisations to rapidly modify their strategy in reaction to disturbances in the market while simultaneously seizing fresh opportunities all at the same time. This is made possible by taking such an approach.

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Innovative consulting is ultimately about transformation, which means that it is not just about making incremental improvements but also about generating huge revolutions that restructure how firms run. This is because transformation is the goal of innovative consulting. This is since the ultimate objective of innovative consulting is to bring about transformation. Having consultants who can combine their knowledge of technology with strategies that are based on people makes it possible for organisations to survive in the face of complexity. These consultants are the ones who make this capability possible.

In a world in which the only thing that is constant is change, the provision of innovative consulting solutions is not a luxury but rather a need. This is because innovation is the only thing that is continuous. Because of its implementation, organisations are given the opportunity to think in a different way, adopt a strategic perspective, and produce results that have an effect that is long-lasting. This is a consequence of the fact that it is implemented.