Athanasios Kefalas studied Mining Engineering-Metallurgy at the National Technical University of Athens and has completed an Executive MBA at INSEAD. He joined the Group in 1981 initially starting on operations and gradually moving to more strategic roles with high international exposure. He has extensive background and experience in mineral exploration and evaluation as well as in design and implementation of mining projects mostly related in developing value chains based on minerals. Thanks to the international nature of the company activity, he has developed a firm grasp of the Greek and international, mining regulatory framework and an aptitude in fostering and maintaining dialogue with public administration and government.During his more than thirty five years of experience in the field, he has gained deep knowledge of and experience in health and safety, and environmental matters, standards, and systems pertaining to the mining industry and experience in establishing and applying sustainable development principles.