Calamos Investments CEO John Koudounis has been inducted as an Archon in the Order of St. Andrew, the highest honor bestowed on a layman by the Orthodox Church.
The title of archon is no small fete as it is an honor bestowed on behalf of His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew for outstanding service to the church. Only well-respected leaders of the Orthodox Christian community are offered the title that is believed to be blessed by the grace of God. As an archon, Koudounis gave a sworn oath to defend and promote the Orthodox Christian faith and tradition. The appointment is not just an honor but also a responsibility that requires deep commitment and sincere dedication. Koudounis was selected due to his demonstration of commitment to the Greek Orthodox Faith’s belief over time.
It isn’t just the church that is honoring Koudounis. Just last month, the Panhellenic Scholarship Foundation held its annual Awards Ceremony and Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago with over 500 guests at the sold out ceremony. At this event, the group’s trustee and treasurer offered Koudounis the 2016 Paradigm Award. He delivered a moving speech about his life, education and career and how his father inspired him to attend Brown University.
Koudounis, apart from being a brilliant businessman and philanthropist is also a renowned public speaker who has given commentary for television and news media outlets including the CNBC, Bloomberg Television and Fox Business.
The Greek-American is considered a leader in his field and expert on investments with 28 years of financial services experience including executive leadership in the global securities business and a deep background in global capital markets. Before assuming his position as CEO for Calamos he served as President and CEO of Mizuho Securities USA becoming the youngest CEO of one of the world’s largest full-service financial institutions.
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