The leadership of the Independent Authority for Market Surveillance and Consumer Protection works to fulfil its statutory mission, guided by independence, transparency, accountability and effective consumer protection.
The Authority’s governing bodies are the Governor, the three Deputy Governors and the Governing Council, each with distinct powers defined by the applicable legal framework.
Governor
Despina Tsagari
1.
The Governor represents the Authority in and out of court and is responsible for its operation. The Governor exercises all the Authority’s powers except those expressly assigned by law to the Governing Council or the Deputy Governors.
2.
The Governor develops and updates the long-term strategic plan, prepares and revises the annual operational plan, sets objectives and performance indicators, allocates resources and ensures coordination.
3.
The Governor sets the policy direction for the Deputy Governors and coordinates and supervises their work, without prejudice to the functional independence of the Deputy Governor – Consumer Ombudsman when exercising mediation functions.
4.
The Governor is the authorising officer for budget appropriations, exercises the powers laid down in Article 9 of Law 5255/2025 and issues the necessary administrative acts, circulars and instructions.
Deputy Governors
1.
The Deputy Governors exercise the powers laid down in Article 10 of Law 5255/2025 and any authority to sign or delegate powers lawfully conferred on them.
2.
The Deputy Governor for Market Surveillance, E-Commerce and Consumer Protection is responsible for the matters specified in points (a) and (b) of Article 4(2) of Law 5255/2025.
3.
The Deputy Governor – Consumer Ombudsman is responsible for the matters specified in points (c) and (d) of Article 4(2) of Law 5255/2025 and exercises mediation functions independently.
4.
The Deputy Governor for Administrative and Financial Services and Digital Governance supervises and coordinates the administrative, financial and digital services.
5.
The Deputy Governors keep the Governor informed of progress in their respective areas of responsibility, including risks, departures from plans and matters requiring coordination across portfolios.
Spyridon Peristeris
Deputy Governor for Market Surveillance, E-Commerce and Consumer Protection
The Deputy Governor is responsible for surveillance of the physical and online markets and for consumer protection. The Deputy Governor coordinates the competent services in addressing infringements and enforcing the rules, with the aim of protecting consumers and promoting market transparency.
Vasiliki Bolou
Deputy Governor – Consumer Ombudsman
The Deputy Governor – Consumer Ombudsman is responsible for the amicable, out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes. She exercises her mediation functions independently within the framework of the unified Authority.
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Deputy Governor for Administrative and Financial Services and Digital Governance
The Deputy Governor supervises and coordinates the Authority’s administrative, financial and digital services, ensures the effective organisation and use of its resources, and promotes its administrative, financial and digital transformation in support of all the Authority’s services.
Governing Council
The five-member Governing Council provides strategic oversight and institutional supervision of the Authority. In accordance with the law, it approves or issues opinions on the strategic plan, budget, annual activity report and other key matters concerning the Authority’s organisation and operation.
Chair
Anastasios Thomaidis
Members
Eleni Athanasiou
Vasileios Kefis
Christos Livas
Georgios Chloupis
Message from the Governor
“My vision is for us to make a meaningful and lasting difference to the everyday lives of Greek consumers.”
I want consumers to understand their rights better, make choices with greater confidence and be able to stand up for themselves when treated unfairly. I want them to know that their voices are heard and that an institution is working to protect them.
We are making this vision a reality by building the Independent Authority for Market Surveillance and Consumer Protection. We bring together market surveillance, mediation, information and education so that consumer protection reaches people where they need it: in shops, online and in everyday transactions.
We aim to prevent harm, intervene effectively when rules are broken and pursue meaningful solutions when consumer disputes arise. At the same time, we invest in knowledge and tools that help people compare options, recognise misleading practices and exercise their rights. Consumer education has lasting value: it shapes the choices we make today and the habits of future generations.
Consumer protection and healthy competition are two sides of the same trustworthy market. When citizens have the knowledge, tools and genuine ability to assert their rights, responsible businesses benefit. And when the rules are applied consistently and fairly, trustworthy conduct is rewarded and infringements carry real consequences.
My personal commitment is that the Authority’s staff and I will work with independence, sound evidence and accountability. Your trust must be earned every day through our work and its results.
I want us to be judged by the risks we prevent, the problems we help resolve and the trust we restore. That is the lasting difference we seek to make: more empowered consumers and a market that operates on fairer terms.
Because a fair market is built and protected every day — and its strength lies in its citizens.
Despina Tsangari
Governor of the Independent Authority for Market Surveillance and Consumer Protection
Organisational Charts
View the organisational charts