22 MAY 2025 [DAY 1]

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08:30-09:00

 REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE

​Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee

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09:00-09:15

OPENING

Co-Organiser: Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events
Chairmen: Stephanos Papadopoulos, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Spatzia.eu
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

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09:15-09:25

ICPAC WELCOME ADDRESS

Nicos Chimarides, President of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC)

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09:25-09:45

OPENING KEYNOTE SESSION

Navigating Economic Challenges

Christodoulos Patsalides, Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus 

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09:45-10:10

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Command the Room: The Executive Presence & Influence Skills Every Finance Leader Needs in 2025

• In a world where Finance is being automated at record speeds, finance leaders must evolve beyond numbers. 

• Executive presence and influence are the new superpowers that separate those who drive decisions from those who merely report on them. 

• This keynote will show CFOs and Finance leaders how to own the room, shape discussions, and make their presence impossible to ignore.

Key Takeaways:
- Why executive presence, not just expertise, determines influence  
- The 3 biggest presence killers that keep leaders invisible
- The EXEC Framework – a step-by-step method to control the room and command attention
- How to shift from reporting to leading – framing insights as strategic decisions
- How to communicate with clarity and confidence

Peter McKenzie, General Manager at Anticipa Real Estate

 

10:10-10:35

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

AI and the Augmented CFO: Transforming Financial Leadership 

Michael Zakarian, CFO EMEA at Adobe

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10:35-11:10

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

 Implementing Financial Strategies for Effective Digital Transformation​

• Strategic Alignment: Understanding how CFOs can align financial data insights with broader business objectives to effectively drive digital transformation efforts

• Holistic Planning: Developing a comprehensive strategy that emphasises all functions, ensuring a seamless and integrated approach to transformation

• Preparing for Change: Best practices for CFOs to facilitate successful transitions, emphasising the importance of clear communication, scalable systems, and adaptability in the face of change

​Nicos Paneras, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at InterMaritime Shipmanagement
Michele Hili, Finance Solutions Team Lead at Scope Solutions

Marios Demetriades, Executive Finance Director at Mitsides Public Company Ltd

Alena Stankevich, Finance Partner at Wargaming

 

11:10-11:40

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK & ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions

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11:40-12:05

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Sustainability Reporting: Strategic Planning in Uncertain Time ​

• Understanding the latest local and international developments in sustainability reporting and how these have been affected by the volatile political and economic environment

• Exploring key take-aways and lessons learned from the first year of CSRD reporting across Europe

• Identifying no-regret moves that organisations can be undertaking in managing the uncertainty over their regulatory obligations and the expectations of other market participants

Panos Theodorou, Director | Assurance | Sustainability & Emerging Assurance at Deloitte

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12:05-12:35

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

 Unlocking Opportunities: Payments & Digital Currencies​

• The Future of Payment Technologies: Explore advancements in payment processing, including digital wallets and real-time transactions

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Discuss the impact of regulatory changes on digital currency adoption and compliance strategies

• Risk Management and Security: Address cybersecurity challenges and best practices for securing digital currency transactions

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

 

12:35-13:05

KEYNOTE EXPERIENCE

Levels of Connection 4.0

Stephanos Papadopoulos, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Spatzia.eu

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13:00-14:00

 NETWORKING LUNCH

Attendees network over lunch, fostering connections and discussions 

 

14:00-14:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Strengthening Financial Integrity: Addressing Financial Crime within the Finance Function ​

• Identifying Common Financial Crimes: Understanding the types of financial crimes most relevant to finance functions, such as fraud, money laundering, and insider trading, and recognising the red flags CFOs should be aware of

• Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Exploring the legal obligations and industry standards CFOs must comply with to mitigate financial crime risks, including KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements

• Implementing Robust Prevention Strategies: Discussing best practices for establishing effective internal controls, fostering a culture of transparency, and leveraging technology and analytics to detect and prevent financial crimes within the organisation

Theo Skagias, CEO at TH.C.SKAGIAS S.A.

Aristodemos Yiannakas, President of the Cyprus Institute of Internal Auditors

 

14:30-14:55

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Securing the Future: A CFO's Guide to Navigating Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Risks

• Proactive Risk Management: Implementing a robust cybersecurity framework that goes beyond compliance, encompassing threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response planning

• Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Understanding and adapting to evolving data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) and their implications for financial institutions' operational practices and data handling procedures

• Building a Culture of Security: Fostering a security-conscious organisational culture through employee training, awareness programs, and a commitment to proactive risk identification and mitigation across all levels

 

14:55-15:30

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION + Q&A

Nurturing Talent and Wellbeing: Building a Supportive Workplace to Retain Top Finance Employees and Fuel Their Growth​

Session Lead: Maria Georgiou, President at Cyprus HR Management Association

 

15:30-16:00

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK & ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and discuss key insights

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16:00-16:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

The Data Dilemma: Empowering CFOs to Navigate Information Overload

• The critical distinction between data quantity and quality, and how prioritising data quality is essential for effective financial leadership in the modern landscape

• Strategies for establishing a robust data governance framework that enhances data relevance, quality, and actionability for informed decision-making

• Preventing "Big Data paralysis" by drawing lessons from past missteps, emphasising focused insights that drive strategic growth rather than overwhelm financial leaders

 

16:30-17:00

INSPIRATION SESSION

Pavlos Kontides, Olympic Athlete and Sports Ambassador

 

17:00-17:15

CHAIRMEN CLOSING COMMENTS – DAY 1

Networking reception to foster connections among attendees  featuring local drinks & snacks

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17:15-19:00

NETWORKING DRINKS ON THE TERRACE
A closing networking reception to foster connections among attendees and speakers, featuring local drinks & snacks

 

19:30-22:30

TRADITIONAL TAVERN DINNER

Join us for a Traditional Tavern Dinner at Taverna Agios Epiktitos for an evening of authentic cuisine and warm connections, fostering networking in a relaxed and culturally rich atmosphere.

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23 MAY 2025 [DAY 2]

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08:30-09:00

WELCOME COFFEE

​Participants arrive, and enjoy welcome coffee

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​09:00-09:15

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SESSION

Demos Antoniou, Founder of the Philanthropic Association "Hug with Love"

 

​09:15-09:40

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Navigating Economic Uncertainty: Strategies for Resilience and Growth 

• Strategies for leaders to reassess and enhance risk management frameworks in response to fluctuating economic conditions and uncertainties

• The role of operational efficiency and the integration of AI in streamlining processes and driving innovation amid challenges

• Innovative cost optimisation techniques and key recommendations for sustaining growth and resilience in volatile economic environments

Professor James Ker-Lindsay, Academic

 

09:40-10:10

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Nurturing Talent and Managing the Future of

Work in Financial Leadership

• Understanding Generational Differences: Explore how diverse age groups within the workforce perceive work, communication, and corporate culture

• Strategies for Talent Development: Discuss effective approaches for mentoring and developing emerging leaders while leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals

• Managing Remote Work Dynamics: Examine best practices for maintaining productivity and collaboration in a hybrid work environment

• Transitioning Back to the Workplace: Share strategies for creating an inclusive and flexible workplace that addresses the needs and preferences of all generations

Session Leads:
Stephanos Papadopoulos, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Spatzia.eu
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

 

10:10-10:35

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

The Future Accountant​

Andreia Stanciu, Head of ACCA - Southern Europe - The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

 

10:35-11:05

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Harnessing AI Potential in Finance: A Practical Approach for CFOs​

• Evaluating the real-world applications of AI in finance, focusing on areas such as automation, data analysis, and decision-making support to enhance operational efficiency

• Addressing common misconceptions about AI in finance and discussing how CFOs can differentiate between hype and actionable insights to drive meaningful outcomes

• Strategies for integrating AI technologies within finance teams, including the importance of training, change management, and aligning AI initiatives with business goals to maximise impact

Oleg Rogalev, CFO at TheSoul Publishing

Michael Zakarian, CFO EMEA at Adobe

Angelina Markari, Finance Director at Sodexo Cyprus

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11:05-11:35

KEYNOTE SESSION 

Investing in Wellbeing: The Strategic Advantage 

• The ROI of Wellbeing: Enhancing Productivity and Financial Performance

• Stress Management & Mental Resilience through Nutrition

• Creating a Wellness-Centric Organizational Culture
  Dr. Christina Koni, Dietitian, Well-being Consultant

 

11:35-12:05

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK & ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions

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​12:05-12:30

WORKSHOP SESSION + Q&A 

AI Powered Workshop

We have a panel of experts posing a question to an AI tool and display AI-generated responses. The panel debates the AI’s controversial and / or unexpected insights

Andreia Stanciu, Head of ACCA - Southern Europe - The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants​​

 

12:30-13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Technology Trends for CFOs: Insights for 2025 and Beyond

• The transformative impact of AI and machine learning on financial forecasting and planning, exploring how CFOs can effectively allocate resources to harness these technologies for better insights

• An analysis of the rise of generative AI in enterprise applications and how CFOs can prepare their organisations to leverage these innovations for enhanced operational efficiency and strategic decision-making

• The importance of equipping finance professionals with a blend of technical skills and business understanding, along with actionable strategies for fostering this dual competency within finance teams to drive organisational success

​Marianna Polykrati, Group Treasurer of AVRAMAR Group
Michael Skender, CFO at CYTA  

 

13:00-13:15

 CHAIRMENS’ CLOSING COMMENTS

Summarising the key takeaways from the conference and addressing final questions from attendees

Stephanos Papadopoulos, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Spatzia.eu

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

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13:15-13:30

ICPAC CFO SOCIETY CLOSING

Stavros Kattamis, Chairman of the CFO Society of the Institute of Certified Public

Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC)

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13:30-15:00

 CLOSING LUNCH

Attendees refect over lunch, fostering connections and discussions

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