Alumnus
Yiannis Boutaris was one of the most distinguished figures of modern Greece. A businessman and politician, he left his mark through his work and character. He graduated from Anatolia College in 1960 and continued his studies at the Department of Chemistry at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
In the 1970s, he realized his vision by establishing a privately owned vineyard in Yiannakohori, Imathia, where he introduced innovative cultivation techniques for the time. He served as president of the Hellenic Wine Association and was the first winemaker to achieve the goal of Greece producing wines with protected designation of origin.
His interests extended beyond business to society and culture. He was the president and a founding member of the nonprofit organization “Arcturos”, dedicated to the protection of brown bears and wildlife. He also served as president of the “Natura 2000” committee, a board member of the National Center for the Environment and Sustainable Development, and a founding member and board member of the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art.
In 2003, the international magazine “TIME” honored him as a “European Hero” for his contributions to environmental protection.
In 2010 and again in 2014, the citizens of Thessaloniki elected him as their Mayor. During his tenure, he championed extroversion, a cosmopolitan outlook, and dedication to social service, leaving behind a significant social and political legacy. These principles, cultivated during his school years at Anatolia College, shaped his vision as a Mayor, entrepreneur, and active citizen.
Yiannis Boutaris was an ambassador for Anatolia College, promoting its work and inspiring others through his example. He remains a model of social contribution, dynamic action, and dedication to culture, the economy, ecology, and social solidarity.
