About us

Nikos I. Papagiannakopoulos is the Founding Partner and CTO of Magna Graecia, a distinguished real estate development firm dedicated to crafting bespoke, high-end residential properties in Greece and the greater Balkans. Nikos is a highly accomplished Mechanical Engineer with a strong interdisciplinary background that bridges both engineering and business.

He holds an Executive MBA from Strathclyde University, alongside advanced degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from prestigious institutions, including Imperial College London and the University of Patras. This diverse academic foundation equips him with a deep technical understanding and strategic business acumen.

Throughout his career, Nikos has gained extensive experience in a wide range of sectors. He has conducted investment feasibility studies, financial modeling, and due diligence services, making him an expert in assessing project viability from both a technical and financial perspective. His proficiency in budgeting, financial risk management, and project management has been honed through his roles with leading Big 4 firms, where he developed a keen understanding of complex financial systems and large-scale project logistics. Additionally, his tenure with major aerospace companies like GKN Aerospace and Rolls-Royce allowed him to contribute to cutting-edge engineering projects, further enhancing his expertise in high-tech and precision-driven industries.

As a freelance mechanical engineer, Nikos has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of projects, overseeing all aspects of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design and implementation. His freelance experience spans several critical areas, including MEP design, construction management, permitting and regulatory compliance, project planning and scheduling, tendering processes, and site supervision. He is also skilled in quantity surveying, ensuring accurate project estimates, and commissioning and testing, where he ensures systems are fully operational before handover. His sustainability advisory expertise highlights his commitment to incorporating environmentally responsible practices in engineering solutions.

Nikos's multilingual proficiency and mastery of various technical tools allow him to navigate global projects and communicate effectively across diverse teams. His ability to blend technical engineering expertise with strong business insight makes him an asset to any project, enabling him to deliver innovative and effective solutions that meet both technical requirements and business objectives.

John M. Mailis, a native of Athens, Greece, immigrated to the Bahamas as a young man and quickly established himself as a leader in the aviation industry. Rising to prominence during the golden era of Aristotle Onassis, John played a key role in expanding Olympic Airways' international operations, including the launch of the airline’s New York branch.

He later became Executive Vice President of Overseas National Airways, the first U.S. charter airline to operate globally, where he pioneered the development of the Hajj pilgrimage flights. Throughout the 1980s, John was one of the main players in the global Hajj business, establishing a strong reputation for his expertise and strategic vision, which helped position the airline as a leader in the global charter industry.

As the Founder and Board Member of Fulcrum AG - Aviation (1986–present), John has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the aviation sector, managing complex projects and spearheading growth in international markets. He is also the Founder and Managing Director of Fulcrum Real Estate (2000–present), where he continues to apply his strategic expertise to large-scale property investments. Additionally, John is the Founder and Chairman of Spirit of Odyssey S.A. (1997–present), further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond aviation, John has made significant investments in commercial retail properties throughout the United States, including Amazon logistics centers, expanding his influence into high-growth real estate sectors.

With deep expertise in marketing, finance, and aircraft leasing, particularly in international markets across the Middle East and Far East, John’s leadership continues to shape and inspire across industries.