George Gerards, founder of the successful Plaisio retail chain in Greece, died at 80. Born in Palaio Faliro in 1946, Gerards graduated as a civil engineer from the National Technical University of Athens and began his entrepreneurial journey at a young age by launching Plaisio in 1969, initially offering design supplies to engineering students. Over the years, he expanded the company's offerings to the IT sector, leading to notable growth and expansion in Athens.

In 1988, he established Plaisio Computers, resulting in the modern corporate structure of the company. Gerards was instrumental in taking the company public on the Athens Stock Exchange in 1999. Plaisio earned recognition as one of Europe’s 500 fastest-growing companies for eight consecutive years, showcasing its impact on the market. This remarkable growth was fueled by increased demand in the technology sector, allowing the business to expand its presence in key locations across Athens.

In 2005, George Gerards further extended Plaisio’s operations into Bulgaria, establishing Plaisio Computers JSC. His legacy lies in the significant contributions he made to the retail and technology landscape in Greece, creating a well-known brand that continues to thrive today. Gerards's passing marks the end of an era for a pioneering figure in the modern Greek economy, whose influence will be remembered by future generations.