With his second and final term as President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce coming to a close, Nikolaos Bakatselos stands out as a leader whose tenure has marked one of the most dynamic and impactful periods in the Chamber’s history. From steering AmCham Greece through crises and transformations to championing extroversion, innovation, and transatlantic cooperation, he leaves a legacy of vision, trust, and renewed purpose. Interviewed by Alexandra Loli for Business Partners, he reflects on the journey, the people, the challenges, and the values that defined his presidency.
Reflecting on your two terms as President of AmCham Greece, what would you describe as the most defining moments or milestones—events or decisions that shaped the Chamber’s identity and direction?
As I reflect on these past years, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of purpose. This journey has been defined by extraordinary challenges, but also by tremendous growth—for the Chamber, for our voice, and for our role in Greece and beyond.
From the very beginning and throughout my presidency, our main goal was to elevate the Chamber’s role in advancing the strategic U.S.–Greece relationship. During the COVID-19 pandemic–a true test for all of us–we made a conscious decision not to pause or scale back the Chamber’s activities, but to go fully digital, and in doing so, we expanded our reach, our relevance, and our ability to lead conversations across industries. In fact, we held more events than ever before, turning adversity into momentum.
Innovation and extroversion became defining principles of our strategy. We embraced digital tools to communicate, influence, and connect more powerfully, both within Greece and across borders. We grew not just more visible, but more impactful.
Leadership today demands both resilience and adaptability
Another milestone was our active repositioning within the AmChams in Europe (ACE) network. Hosting a major gathering with representatives from across the region helped reinforce Greece’s voice within the broader transatlantic business community—a voice that is now stronger, more respected, and more present than ever.
Just before concluding my term, we proudly opened AmCham Greece’s new office in Washington DC. This step was both symbolic and strategic, a permanent bridge connecting us to decisionmakers, partners, and stakeholders in the United States and a lasting testament to our commitment to deeper bilateral engagement.
The Chamber’s two newest committees, the Crete Committee and the Defense Committee, also mark significant milestones, further solidifying our commitment to regional engagement and strategic priorities, ensuring the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce continues to evolve and address emerging challenges effectively.
Throughout this journey, we also embarked on numerous strategic missions—across Europe, the US, Asia, and Africa—to share Greece’s story, build partnerships, and open new doors for our business community. These were not simply trips; they were purposeful, targeted efforts to elevate the Chamber’s international standing and to promote Greece’s transformation.
Each of these milestones helped shape not only the identity of the Chamber but also its direction for the future. And for that, I feel truly honored.
You led AmCham Greece through a period marked by significant global challenges, from the pandemic to geopolitical shifts. How did these experiences shape your leadership approach?
These challenges taught me that leadership today demands both resilience and adaptability. The pandemic, in particular, was a turning point. It disrupted everything, and yet it also revealed the strength of the AmCham Greece community.
I learned to listen more, to act decisively but thoughtfully, and to prioritize connection over perfection. We embraced digital transformation, deepened our policy engagement, and stayed close to our members when they needed us most. We became a hub not only of advocacy but of reassurance.
Crises have a way of testing values. I am proud that we never compromised ours. Transparency, collaboration, and service remained our compass, and that made all the difference.
AmCham Greece has a unique and critical role to play in reinforcing the US–Greece partnership
Strengthening transatlantic ties has been a cornerstone of your leadership. What impact do you believe AmCham Greece has had in enhancing US-Greece relations during your tenure?
Strengthening transatlantic relations has been at the heart of everything we’ve done during my presidency. We believed—and I still firmly believe—that AmCham Greece has a unique and critical role to play in reinforcing the US–Greece partnership, not only at the governmental level but also in the spheres of business, investment, innovation, and civil society.
We’ve worked consistently to build trust, to create platforms for dialogue, and to showcase Greece as a credible, strategic partner in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. We’ve brought together public and private sector leaders from both Greece and the United States to explore opportunities, solve challenges, and advance mutual goals—whether through flagship events, targeted initiatives, or quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
The opening of our permanent office in Washington DC is, to me, the culmination of that longterm vision. It provides us with a physical presence at the very heart of US policymaking and thought leadership, allowing us to deepen our engagement, build institutional bridges, and advocate more effectively for our members and for Greece.
And just as importantly, it reflects something fundamental about the Chamber: We are a steady force. Governments may change, presidents may come and go, policies may shift—sometimes radically—but our mission remains consistent. Especially in uncertain times like these, when international norms are being challenged and geopolitical tensions are on the rise, AmCham Greece stands firm. We are committed to continuity, to values-driven leadership, and to being a reliable partner for both sides of the Atlantic.
You’ve often spoken about Greece’s potential and role on the global stage. How do you see Greece evolving in the coming years, and what role can institutions such as AmCham Greece play?
Greece is at a pivotal moment. We are emerging as a more extroverted, resilient, and digitally forward country with a growing role in energy, logistics, technology, and regional stability. But this potential must be continuously cultivated.
Institutions such as the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce are essential to that process. We bring together stakeholders, ideas, and perspectives that fuel sustainable progress. We act as bridges—between business and policy, between Greece and the United States, between innovation and implementation.
I am confident that Greece can further position itself as a regional hub for clean energy, for talent, and for entrepreneurship. But that will require longterm vision, bold reforms, and continued international engagement. AmCham Greece is uniquely placed to support that journey.
Transparency, collaboration, and service have remained our compass, and that’s made all the difference
What has kept you personally inspired and driven throughout these years? What values have guided you as president? And what is your message to your successor, and the wider Chamber community, as AmCham Greece enters its next chapter?
What inspired me most were the people: our members, our board of directors, our committees, and our dedicated team at the Chamber. They are the reason AmCham Greece has flourished. Their trust, ideas, and commitment motivated me every day.
The values that guided me were service, integrity, and respect. I always believed that leadership is not about titles — it’s about responsibility. About building trust and being present.
To my successor, I would say: stay grounded, bold, open, and humble — and always put the community first. The Chamber is more than an institution. It is a living network of people, businesses, and shared purpose. Nurture that, and you will go far. And to the AmCham community: Thank you. It has been a privilege to serve you. I leave with a full heart and a strong belief in the future we have built together.
