Dimitris N Samaras, a driven engineer and self made entrepreneur, is the founder and President of Samaras & Partners Group. He has led the Group through more than three decades of sustained growth and impact, establishing it as one of Greece’s leading engineering and consulting powerhouses. Business Partners reached out to him to discuss the Group’s landmark projects and the emerging opportunities as Greece continues to attract significant investment in infrastructure, energy and development.
Since its founding in 1992, Samaras & partners Group has established itself as a leader in engineering consultancy. Tell us a little about the approach that drove this success.
When we established Samaras & Partners Group, our vision was to create a firm that goes beyond traditional engineering consulting. Today, 34 years later, we are the largest Greek engineering and consulting group, with a staff of over 500 permanent in-house professionals and serving a client base of 6,500 businesses. We provide full-spectrum engineering, consulting, and management services, supporting both private and public sector clients.
We aim to deliver one stop shop solutions that create long term value, both for our clients and society as a whole
Focusing on holistic support and the one-stop-shop approach, we have expanded our expertise into areas such as infrastructure, spatial planning, industry, energy, logistics centers, retail, circular economy, real estate and construction, healthcare, education, and hospitality. Our involvement in major national infrastructure and urban development projects helped establish our credibility, while our gradual expansion into public-private partnership (PPP) advisory and integrated services allowed us to take on more complex and strategic roles. More recently, our focus on international collaborations has further strengthened our position.
What has remained constant is our philosophy, a commitment to technical excellence, innovation and sustainability. We aim to deliver one stop shop solutions that create long -term value both for our clients and society as whole.
The Group has been involved in a number of major projects in Greece over the years. Could you give us some examples of projects you consider particularly impactful for local economies or for the modernization of Greece’s infrastructure?
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to a wide range of important projects across Greece, from infrastructure and logistics to real estate development, environmental planning, and energy. These include Fraport Greece’s 14 regional airports, the Port of Thessaloniki, the logistics centers in Thriasio, Gonos, and Oinofyta, as well as Ellinikon Metropolitan Park and the Holocaust Museum of Greece.
With the right planning, strategic partnerships and continued investment, we have a real opportunity to shape a modern, sustainable, and competitive economy for the future
In the field of energy infrastructure we’ve been involved in the development of natural gas distribution networks and high pressure pipelines all over Greece, as well as the construction of 840 MW Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant in Alexandroupoli, additional to permitting battery energy storage stations and the first direct line to transmit renewable energy in Greece (Kilkis-Thessaloniki). Furthermore, we are a pioneering consultant in Renewable Energy & Storage, delivering landmark projects, including Greece’s first large scale grid-connected PV, early successful Battery Energy Storage Stations (BESS) in the first national tender and the first largescale Hydrogen project.
Some of the most emblematic projects we’ve contributed to are integrated developments that combine residential, commercial, and tourism functions. These projects have a strong multiplier effect, revitalizing local economies and attracting further investments. At the same time, our work in environmental infrastructure, such as waste management and sustainability-focused projects, has been particularly meaningful in supporting Greece’s transition toward a greener model.
Current projects we’re involved in that are worth mentioning include the One&Only Kéa Island hospitality development and Microsoft’s new datacenter in Koropi.
If I had to single out one thing that makes a project truly transformative, it would be its longterm impact. Projects that improve connectivity, enhance energy efficiency, or upgrade urban environments tend to create lasting economic and social value.
Given the Group’s expertise in PPP and spatial planning projects, what opportunities do you see in the coming time, and how do these areas contribute to sustainable economic development?
Public–Private Partnerships have become a key pillar of infrastructure development in Greece. Over the past decade, we have seen the PPP framework mature significantly, with successful projects across sectors including waste management, education, and infrastructure.
We are proud to have contributed as technical advisors to several landmark PPP projects such as student residences at the University of Crete, student residences and other facilities at the Democritus University of Thrace, the EO2 road axis (Mavrovouni-Edessa, Giannitsa Bypass, Chalkidona Bypass), Andreas Lentakis Government Park and the irrigation PPPs of the Ministry of Rural Development. In addition, we have supported projects with purpose to enhance primary and secondary health – care infrastructure and projects focusing on fleet renewal and CO2 reduction.
I believe the coming years should bring even greater opportunities, particularly in construction, energy, logistics centers, and climate-resilient infrastructure. There is a strong interest from international investors, which is a very positive sign.
At the same time, modern spatial planning is absolutely critical. At Samaras & Partners Group we are entrusted with the spatial planning of many important areas in Greece. Sustainable development cannot happen without proper planning and smart urban design. We approach spatial planning in an integrated way, combining technical expertise with environmental and social considerations to create balanced, futureproof solutions.
Samaras & Partners Group is a member of AmCham Greece. How does the Group benefit from its relationship with the Chamber?
Our collaboration with the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce is an important part of our international outlook. It creates a valuable platform for connecting with US businesses, exchanging knowledge, and fostering new partnerships, in view of the new US investments that currently take place in Greece. This relationship opens up real opportunities—for Greek companies to access international markets, for foreign investors to better understand Greece, and for joint initiatives that can drive growth in both the mid and long term.
What are your thoughts on the opportunities ahead for Greece as the country continues to attract significant foreign investments in infrastructure, energy, and development?
The increase in international investment, especially from US companies in the energy sector, is extremely important for Greece. It not only supports the country’s energy transition but also strengthens energy security and introduces advanced technologies and know-how. These investments are a clear indication of growing confidence in the Greek economy. They also position Greece as an emerging energy hub in the wider region.
As a leading engineering and consulting firm, our role is to act as a bridge between international investors and the local environment. We support projects at every stage—from idea conception to completion, from planning and permitting to design and implementation—ensuring that they move forward efficiently and in full compliance with regulations. Our local knowledge is a key factor in making these complex investments successful.
Looking ahead, I believe the main drivers of development in Greece will be energy transition, digital transformation, and the need for more resilient, sustainable infrastructure. We expect strong growth in sectors such as renewables, logistics, urban development and high-quality tourism infrastructure. Greece has entered a promising phase. With the right planning, strategic partnerships and continued investment, we have a real opportunity to shape a modern, sustainable, and competitive economy for the future.
