Greek businessman Antonis Doudos died at the age of 86. Friends and associates remember him for his ethics, humanity, social sensitivity, and immense love for Greece and Cyprus.
Highly intelligent, creative, pioneering, and visionary, Doudos always stayed one step ahead. His textile company “Klostiria Doudos” produced innovative yarns and supplied major international brands such as Benetton.
When shifts in the textile sector became evident, he swiftly entered tourism. There he created two beautiful hotel units: “Olympion” on Fourka beach in Chalkidiki and “Sigma Suites Hotel” in central Thessaloniki.
Leadership and honours
Antonis Doudos served as president of the Exporters’ Association of Northern Greece (SEVE) from March 1986 for two consecutive terms.
In 2013, SEVE awarded him the “Golden Alexander” in recognition of his role as founder and cornerstone of the Institute of Export Research and Studies (ΙΕRS). Established in 1989, ΙΕRS remains a key pillar for the effective support of Greek exporting companies.
“Our country and our people have been going through an unprecedented and painful crisis in recent years. Through hard work, sacrifices, and dignity we strive to smile again. We need everyone’s help. As a nation we do not have weak memory, we are not ungrateful. This is the moment when ‘I’ becomes ‘we’ — something that gives meaning to our temporary passage through life. And make no mistake — we will succeed…”
Social contribution
Beyond business, Doudos showed deep interest in political life. Quietly he offered substantial social contribution and steadfast support to institutions such as the AROGI Association and “ACHTIDA” Parents & Friends of Autistic Persons of Northern Greece.
He played a leading role in founding the Museum of Macedonian Struggle and the Society for Macedonian Studies, backing their activities in every way.
On his own initiative, he built a hospital in Mariupol to serve the local Greek community.
Deep love for Cyprus
Above all, Antonis Doudos embodied true humanity, friendship, and pure Greek patriotism. He loved everything Greek and supported in his own quiet way those who genuinely fought for Greece.
Cyprus lived deep in his heart. An extraordinary love distinguished his feelings for the martyred island. Whenever he spoke about Cyprus, tears filled his eyes.
Many lifelong friendships in Cyprus began during his military service there. One of the first Greek commandos to rush to the island, he served in the difficult early years of the Republic’s establishment, immediately after the 1963 Turkish-Cypriot events. He contributed decisively to organising and staffing the National Guard.
Doudos maintained special ties with the Cypriot community in Thessaloniki. In 1996 the Cypriot Hearth of Northern Greece honoured him during Cyprus Week (held biennially) under the presidency of Andreas Germanos.
SEVE president Symeon Diamantidis described him as “a unique and emblematic personality; an exceptionally intelligent, combative, visionary, radical and distinguished entrepreneur with political and social sensitivities, and one of the most important representatives of Greece’s business community”.
Tributes
SEVE president Symeon Diamantidis called him a “unique and emblematic personality… one of the most important representatives of Greece’s business community”.
Close friend Michalis Stratakis penned an emotional tribute, revealing Doudos’s extraordinary anonymous generosity, including the Mariupol hospital built in memory of his parents Kostas and Smaragda, far from Greece to preserve anonymity.
The funeral took place on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at the Metropolitan Church of Gregory Palamas in Thessaloniki before a large crowd. President Nikos Christodoulides sent a wreath, represented by Consul General Konstantinos Polykarpou. Publisher and dear friend Kostas N. Hadjicostis also sent a wreath.
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