George Kalimasiás was recently appointed as the new CEO of Athens International Airport, one of Greece’s largest and most significant airports. He takes the helm of an airport that has been experiencing unprecedented growth, with a market capitalization reaching €3.5 billion and a projected increase in passenger traffic of 6.7% by 2025. Kalimasiás' appointment underscores the strategic importance of airport leadership, especially in light of the record-high profitability of €185 million reported in the first nine months of 2025 under the previous management. This foundation presents a strong starting point, but it also sets high expectations for continued success.

One of the most critical challenges facing Kalimasiás is the ambitious expansion project for the airport, which has an estimated budget of up to €1 billion. This extensive and complex investment not only aims to enhance the current facilities but also to prepare Athens International Airport for future growth and increased passenger capacity. The project is already underway, and Kalimasiás’ experience from his previous roles at Deloitte and Enterprise Greece positions him well to navigate the multifaceted nature of this initiative.

Despite the promising outlook, the journey ahead will not be without turbulence, as Kalimasiás will need to address the operational and financial challenges that come with such large-scale developments. His leadership will be pivotal in steering the airport through possible "turbulence" in the coming years, balancing the demands of modernization with the need to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.