Zacharias Siokouros graduated from the National Technical University of Athens as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer. He is the CEO of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), a center of excellence for marine and maritime research and innovation, established is 2019 with funding from the European Union and the Government of Cyprus and support from the industry. He has experience of more than 30 years in the shipping industry, having worked as an engineering officer and a Technical Superintendent with tankers, a Senior Safety Manager & DPA and a Technical Director for a Cruise Line, a principal surveyor, safety & security auditor, labor Inspector and trainer with major classification societies.