Managing Director, Hellenic Agricultural Organization DIMITRA

Panagiotis Hatzinikolaou is the CEO of ELGO DIMITRAS. He graduated from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Metsovia and obtained a master’s degree in “Science and Technology of Computers, Telecommunications and Networks” from the University of Thessaly. In the past, during 1981-1986 he worked in the private sector of the studies and construction of special building projects and during 1986-1996 he was active in marine research working at HCMR where he participated in a number of research projects while publishing a number of research results. He designed, implemented or supervised numerous studies of electromechanical installations while he is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece.

During the years 1996 to 2019, he worked as a senior executive in the General Secretariat of Research and Technology of the Ministry of Development and Investments, serving in a number of positions as Head of Directorate, Department or simple executive, acquiring skills in policy making and funding of Research, Technological Development and Innovation actions. In the past he was responsible for drafting policies on Research and Innovation issues at the national level but also in various thematic areas such as the fields of Agri-Food, energy, etc. especially for the period 2014-2020. He has been a representative in the Energy Committee of the EU Energy Framework Programs for several years. He has been a member of higher bodies Management of important public organizations of the country, namely the National Center for Marine Research for two terms, the Center for Renewable Energy Sources, the National Research and Technology Network.

Topic: Diet and food in Greece, a history inextricably linked to olive oil and olives, a universal value in health, well-being, aesthetics, social ceremonies and gatherings.