The leadership set the tone for 2026, reiterating its commitment to growth, investments, and support for the local community.
In a glamorous evening filled with emotion, smiles, and a strong sense that everyone is part of the same chain, Karatzis Group held its annual New Year’s cake-cutting event on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Chairman Mr. Antonis Karatzis, accompanied by his family, cuts the Group’s New Year’s cake.
The “Anadromes” hall was filled to capacity with the Group’s management, executives, and employees from all its companies, as well as representatives from the political, local government, and business communities.
From left to right: the Group’s Deputy COO, Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis, CEO Ms. Yulia Karatzis, and Group Chairman Mr. Antonis Karatzis with their children.
From left to right: the Deputy General Manager of Karatzis Group, Mr. Manolis Michalakis; the Group’s Deputy COO, Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis; CEO Ms. Yulia Karatzis; Chairman and CEO Mr. Antonis Karatzis; Heraklion MP Mr. Konstantinos Kefalogiannis; and Konstantinos Kefalogiannis, son of MEP Manolis Kefalogiannis.
Heraklion MP Mr. Maximos Senetakis with the Chairman of Karatzis Group, Mr. Antonis Karatzis.
The atmosphere was warm and family-oriented from the very first moment. Attendees exchanged wishes for the new year, discussed the challenges ahead, and highlighted the Group’s steady commitment to growth, innovation, and support for the local community.
Among those present at the event were, among others, His Eminence Archbishop of Crete Eugenios, Members of the Hellenic Parliament, the Governor of the Region of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis, as well as numerous elected representatives of local government and the island’s business community.
Mr. Antonis Karatzis with His Eminence Archbishop of Crete, Eugenios.
Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis with Mr. Antonis Karatzis.
Ms. Nana Karatzis with Mr. Antonis Karatzis.
The Chairman of Karatzis Group with the President and CEO of MK Hotels Collection, Ms. Marita Karatzis.
The Chairman of Karatzis Group with the Group’s General Manager, Mr. Kostas Archontakis.
The Deputy General Manager of Karatzis Group, Mr. Manolis Michalakis, with the Group’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Antonis Karatzis.
Their presence highlighted the Group’s long-standing bond with Crete and the role it plays in the island’s economic and social life.
A group — one big family — with its sights set on growth
Particularly moving was the speech delivered by the Group’s Chairman, Mr. Antonis Karatzis, who warmly thanked everyone who supports the company’s course.
“I would like to thank all of you for being with us tonight. It is an honor to have you all here. One big family. A new year. We will go through it together once again. We will fight the battle and emerge victorious, as we do every year,” he stated, giving credit to the employees, management, and leadership. He also reiterated the commitment to continuous growth, wishing everyone health, joy, happiness, and prosperity.
Snapshot from the speech of the Group’s Deputy COO, Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis.The Deputy COO, Mr. Miltiadis Karatzis, focused on the values that serve as the Group’s guiding compass. “The continuity of a family is not about the people, but about the values,” he noted, referring to integrity, respect for employees, and consistency in one’s word.
The General Manager of Karatzis Group, Mr. Kostas Archontakis.
From his side, General Manager Mr. Kostas Archontakis referred to the Group’s strong social footprint, noting that a significant portion of its profits is returned to society as a “dividend of responsibility,” which—he emphasized—is a deeply rooted philosophy of the management.
The Deputy General Manager of Karatzis Group, Mr. Manolis Michalakis.
In a more personal tone, Deputy General Manager Mr. Manolis Michalakis spoke about the heavy responsibility that comes with decision-making, as well as the privilege of working with people who fight every day to make the Group better.
Ms. Yulia Karatzis with Mr. Antonis Karatzis.
CEO Ms. Yulia Karatzis also warmly thanked the employees and representatives of the authorities, wishing everyone a year full of health and beautiful moments.
Equally moving was the address by the Vice Chair of the Board, Ms. Nana Karatzis, who referred to the company’s historical journey and the global perspective brought by the new generation, as it continues the founders’ vision.
The Vice Chair of the Board of Karatzis Group, Ms. Nana Karatzis.
The Archbishop’s speech was particularly emotional, as he expressed his respect and affection for the family, making special reference to the memory of Miltiadis Karatzis.
Optimism, collaboration, and new ventures
In their statements, Group executives spoke of a year that brought progress and significant steps forward, setting the tone for even more work ahead with unity and team spirit.
The Director of Nana Princess, Mr. Adam Maragkakis; the Director of Nana Royal, Ms. Eleni Kapsokefalou; the General Manager of Nana Hotels, Mr. Maris Manolis; the Chairman of Karatzis Group, Mr. Antonis Karatzis; the Group’s CEO, Ms. Yulia Karatzis; the Director of Nana Golden Beach, Mr. Stelios Papadakis; Mr. Raffaele Arturo D’Amelio, Operations Manager of Pantheon Waterpark & Suites; and the Assistant Manager of Nana Golden Beach, Mr. Giorgos Kasapakis.
Special reference was also made to the new major investment initiatives in the tourism sector, spearheaded by Pantheon Water Park, which aspires to become another strong attraction and further strengthen Crete’s position on the international map of destinations.
Awards of the Evening
A highlight of the event was the honorary awards presented to employees in recognition of their many years of service and contribution to the Group’s journey. Individuals who have completed decades of creative presence received distinctions amid warm applause, with the management tangibly acknowledging that success has a human face and a name.
The event concluded with wishes for a creative year ahead, filled with health and new achievements, leaving the clear message that, for Karatzis Group, the future is built collectively, guided by the values that have brought it this far.
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