Manager of the Year 2024 » Meet the Award Presenters

Harry Vafias

Harry Vafias

Managing Director of Vafias Group of Companies

Harry Vafias is the Managing Director of Vafias Group of Companies which includes three listed in the New York Stock Exchange companies. Harry Vafias founded Stealth Maritime Corp in 1999. Stealth Maritime Corp has invested in new generation newbuilds between for the renewal of its tanker fleet and today operates twenty five 50,000 – 170,000 dwt modern double hull oil tankers.

In 2004 he founded Stealthgas which was listed on the NASDAQ in October 2005 and up to today has raised approx $500 mill from the capital markets. Stealthgas owns 45 gas ships (including newbuilds) and is the largest company, in number of owned vessels, in gas transportation worldwide.

In 2021 he founded Imperial petroleum which was listed on the NASDAQ in December 2021, and is the 7th most traded stock on any US stockmarket!

In 2023 he founded C3iS inc which listed on the NASDAQ in the summer of 2023.

In 2005 Harry Vafias founded Estates Corporation Inc, a real estate company, investing in Greece, London, New York, and Switzerland.

In 2008 Vafias became CEO of the Vafias Group, which today is one of Greece’s largest shipping groups with 91 vessels.

In 2008 Harry Vafias was awarded by the NASDAQ for being the youngest CEO of a listed shipping company worldwide.

In 2010 Harry Vafias was elected vice chairman of the INTERTANKO meditteranean panel. In the same year Harry Vafias was awarded the SEATRADE young person in shipping award.

In 2012 Harry Vafias was awarded by Lloyds list newspaper for being ‘newsmaker of the year for 2012’

In 2013 Harry Vafias and StealthGas was awarded by Lloyds list newspaper for ‘best tanker company of the year for 2013’

In 2016 was elected vice president of the consular corps in Greece (CCG).

In 2018 was elected president of the consular coprs in Greece (CCG).

Mr Vafias is also a member of the ABS classification society committee, of the NK classification society committee, of the KR classification society committee, member of the board of the BSA (Bahamas shipowners association) and also a member of the board of BCA (business school of Athens).

In 2022 Harry Vafias was awarded by Lloyds list newspaper for being ‘newsmaker of the year for 2022’

In 2023 Harry Vafias was elected city councilor in the attic northern suburbs.