The chronicle of Aristotle Onassis’s business history in a single, iconic publication

The attendees, who included prominent members of the Greek scientific, business, and media sectors, were given an overview of the volume, which was commissioned by the Onassis Foundation to the Centre for Maritime History of the Institute of Mediterranean Studies - FORTH and a team of researchers under the direction of Gelina Harlaftis, historian, professor at the University of Crete, and Director of the Institute of Mediterranean Studies - FORTH.

The event was hosted by Alexis Papachelas and featured the following speakers: Antonis S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation; Gelina Harlaftis, Professor of Maritime History at the University of Crete and Director of the Institute of Mediterranean Studies of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas; Costas Grammenos, Professor of Shipping, Trade & Finance and President of the Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade & Finance at Bayes Business School, City University of London; Peter G. Livanos; Ioannis Theotokas, Professor of Shipping Business Administration and Chairman of the Department of Shipping Studies at the University of Piraeus.

The event's striking sets were designed by architect and set designer Eva Manidaki, who created a hybrid/imaginary space inspired by the pool of the yacht "Christina." The bottom of the pool, which was inlaid with a replica of the famous mural from Knossos palace and used to be raised to serve as a dance floor on the yacht, provided the inspiration for the speakers’ podium.

"There are many pages in this book,” Antonis S. Papadimitriou said about the publication, “but believe me when I say that reading it is not a chore. After all, Onassis was fascinating. It was his own vision that drove him to start a shipping company from the ground up, in an unfamiliar regulatory framework, using new financing techniques he pioneered, with ships that, despite being built in war-ravaged shipyards, were major achievements in innovation. In this way, he transformed the parochial Greek shipping culture into a global corporate culture. Because of his humanity, he was able to make good friends for life, and even beyond death. Even today, our people are proud to work on Onassis's ships or to have worked at Olympic Airways under Onassis. I would like to thank Gelina Harlaftis for enthusiastically accepting our invitation; Amalia Pappa, who directed the archival project; their team and colleagues; and everyone whose testimony contributed to keeping this memory alive."

"Aristotle Onassis was one of the first truly international businessmen, whose work created the model for the global shipping business,” said Ms. Gelina Harlaftis. “Through this book, I want to promote the importance of Greek entrepreneurship. We have a strong entrepreneurial culture, but we have demonized entrepreneurs. But without entrepreneurs, there is no economy I hope that this work will serve as a model for the future development of Greek shipping companies."

“Aristotle Onassis, a creator par excellence, built an international empire through inspired decisions and unanticipated business moves,” Mr. Costas Grammenos stated. “With his will, he established the Alexandros Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, which was created in 1975. Since then, the amount set aside for its establishment has increased elevenfold. During this time, the Foundation has additionally paid the full amount of the original valuation to carry out various projects. I imagine that Aristotle Onassis would smirk at hearing these figures.”

According to Mr. Ioannis Theotokas: “The book fully highlights the essential characteristics of Aristotle Onassis: he was a business leader of the global shipping market who was never content to confine himself to either national or business frameworks. Throughout his career, he sought new paths. As an entrepreneur, he constantly sought to transcend the boundaries that limited his activities, even at the risk of conflict. He established a model that is still in place today.”

Mr. Peter G. Livanos said: "Part of Onassis's success was his ability to use his character, personality, and thinking to succeed in different areas. He dared to take risks, but he also knew how to maintain equilibrium. We owe much to him for the legacy he left us and to the people who today continue his work with integrity."

Based on the Onassis Archive, the book provides an authoritative and thorough account of the 50-year operation of the multinational business group founded by the most famous shipowner of the 20th century, with companies in 14 countries across three continents and activities around the globe. Above all, it is an iconic work that attempts to chart Aristotle Onassis' diverse business activity, including shipping, Olympic Airways, the Olympic Tower in New York, and numerous other ventures.

The book " Onassis Business History, 1924–1975" is available in all bookstores from Crete University Press.