After working for Hermes Airports Ltd – operator of both Larnaka International Airport and Pafos International Airport – since 2014, Eleni Kaloyirou believes the key to success as an airport CEO is to create an environment of trust. Deeming the aviation industry “fascinating, with many facets”, Kaloyirou details how she got to where she is now.

How did you make the transition from finance to becoming CEO of Hermes Airports?

At first, I studied economics at Cambridge University, then qualified as a chartered accountant, working for KPMG in London, where I became a banking specialist. When I returned to Cyprus, the national carrier Cyprus Airways was looking for a financial controller with banking experience to handle bank relationships and set up a treasury department. This was my first role within aviation.

Progressing on from this I became CFO, and then Deputy CEO. I worked at Cyprus Airways for 20 years but then left to take up a position in a property development company. Here I stayed for three years, but I missed the aviation industry. So, when an opportunity arose with Hermes Airports – once again in the finance department – I joined as Executive Manager Business Control. From here again I became CFO, and then CEO. From finance through to aviation!