Governors' Profiles

Mr Petrou is married and a father of two girls who have been at the school since pre-reception. He also attended the Junior School from 1979-1987, where he served as Head boy. He has been on the board of the JUSSAA -the Junior and Senior School Alumni Association for the last 3 years. Additionally, he is on the board of the Environmental NGO Enalia Physis since 2009. He holds an MSc form Kings College, University of London in Aquatic Resource Management, and a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Westminster.

Professionally he works in the private sector as a Marine Biologist and formed his own consultancy in 2003, employing around 10 scientists. His work involves working with the private and public sectors in Cyprus and with various EU bodies and NGO’s. He represents the Cypriot Small Scale Fisheries Sector in the EU, in the Cyprus Parliament and at various fora.

Mr Vrachimis is the proud father of a daughter and a son at The Junior School.   He is a professional with over 26 years of experience most of which was gained working for PwC in London.  He is currently the Partner in charge of Consulting at PwC Cyprus. He holds a BA(ECON) from the University of Manchester and a holder of professional qualifications (Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus and a CFA® Charterholder). 

Mrs Papapetrou is a proud parent of two children currently attending the school, aged 12 and 14. She is a practising lawyer and member of the Cyprus Bar Association since 2004, with extensive experience across a broad range of legal areas and has spent over 20 years working in the legal profession. I studied LLB Law at the University of Sheffield, followed by a LLM Master’s degree in European and International Law at the University of North London, and completed the LPC Legal Practice Course at the University of Westminster in London. As both a parent and a professional, Mrs Papapetrou cares deeply about education and the school community. She is honoured to serve on the Board of Governors and looks forward to supporting the school’s continued success and the well-being of all its students.

Mrs. Gavas is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and also holds a Finance degree.

She is a Senior Executive with over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, wealth management, and capital markets, spanning both Cyprus and the UK. She is currently the CEO of a Global Real Estate Group operating across multiple geographical locations.  

Mr. Panayides is a Junior School alumnus from 1983 and a Gayford House Captain, and the father of two children who completed the Junior School, one of which is currently at the Senior School. His wife is also a Junior School alumna.

He is a Civil Engineer by training from Imperial College and Cornell Universities with an additional Master’s in Business Administration from INSEAD. Since 2007, he has been managing a project management consultancy for construction projects.

Through this role, he was engaged by the school in 2015 as the project manager for the relocation of the Senior School to its current premises, its renovation and for the construction of the Annex building.

He is honoured to be part of the Board of Governors and hopes to add value using the planning and management skills that he has developed over the years.

Mrs Parparinou is a proud mother of three boys — twins and their younger brother — who inspire her every day to face challenges with strength, empathy, and an optimistic outlook.

She is a communications strategist and academic with a strong background in public affairs, education, and social advocacy. She currently serves as a Professor of Public Relations and Politics at the European University. Her previous roles include Parliamentary Spokeswoman at the House of Representatives and Administrative Officer at the Council of Ministers. She holds degrees in Business, Public Relations and Politics, along with an MBA from Kingston University and a professional qualification from the UK’s Chartered of PR.

Education

• MBA, Kingston University, UK
• Chartered PR Professional Title, Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), UK
• BSc in Business Administration, University of Nicosia and University of Cyprus
• KY.S.A.T.S. Recognition, University of Cyprus
• High School of Archbishop Makarios III, Dasoupoli

Public Roles & Volunteering

• Vice President, Young Professionals Organization, Democratic Rally (2015–Present)
• Board Member, “Miracle Babies” Association (2020–Present)
• Board Member, Glafkos Clerides Institute (2024–Present)
• Former Board Member, Cyprus Theatre Organization (2021–2024)
• Former Board Member, The Junior and Senior School, Nicosia (2017–2020)
• Active Member: Europa Donna Cyprus, Cyprus Cancer Association, Cyprus Red Cross

Mr Nicolaou is the father of a son who recently joined the Early Years 2 class at The Junior School. He holds an MBA from London Business School and a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bristol.

He is currently Head of Strategy & Business Development at Universal Life and a member of the company’s Senior Management Team, with responsibility across corporate strategy, business development and major strategic initiatives.

Before returning to Cyprus, he worked in the UK and internationally in senior strategy and consulting roles, including with ITE Group and L.E.K. Consulting.

Mr Nicolaou is pleased to serve on the Board of Governors and hopes to contribute his experience in strategy, governance and problem-solving to support the school’s continued development and long-term success.

Mr. Vassiliades is the proud father of a daughter who has recently completed Year 6 at The Junior School and is now continuing her educational journey in Year 7 at The Senior School. He holds a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of York and an MBA from the Cyprus International Institute of Management.

He is currently CEO of a Cyprus-based investment firm and, as a passionate technology enthusiast, leads the development team behind an ecosystem of startups focused on transforming innovative ideas into practical, real-world solutions. He is honoured to serve on the Board of Governors and to contribute to the school’s continued growth and success

Mr Photiades is married with two children, Elise (2) and Iakovos (7). Iakovos is currently in Year 2 at the Junior School, marking the family's fourth year within the school community.

His wife, Ariana, is herself a teacher, keeping education close to home for the family. He holds an Executive MBA from Cambridge University's Judge Business School and a BBA from Lancaster University.

Professionally, he is Board Director & owner of ipH Iakovos Photiades Foodstuff Suppliers Ltd, a leading Cyprus food distribution business spanning retail, HORECA and adjacent growth channels. He has led the company's strategic development since 2010, having earlier gained experience with Johnson & Johnson UK.

His background spans governance, senior recruitment and long-term organisational planning, experience he also brings to the boards of Green Dot Cyprus and several other industry bodies. Mr Photiades has joined the Board of Governance because he wants to help shape and deliver the school's strategic vision — supporting strong academics, excellent facilities, and its continued standing among the best schools in Cyprus.