Kennedy Friend, Business Magnate Vardis Vardinoyannis Dies at 90

Vardis J. Vardinoyannis, friend of the Kennedy family and a towering figure in Greek shipping and energy industries, has died at the age of 90.

His death was announced on Tuesday by Motor Oil Hellas, the company he transformed into one of Greece’s largest corporate powerhouses.

Vardinoyannis was a key supporter of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights foundation and in 1999, he hosted the wedding of Rory Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy’s daughter, and writer-filmmaker Mark Bailey in Greece.

His wife, Marianna Vardinoyannis, partnered with Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, in 2014 for a “Speak Truth to Power” educational program in Greece.

This program aimed to educate students about human rights.

Rise of a Shipping Magnate

Born on Crete, Vardinoyannis was the fifth of eight children. After completing his studies at the Greek Naval Academy in 1955, he served as an officer until his career was cut short by his opposition to the military dictatorship that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974.

His dissent led to exile on a remote Greek island.

In the early 1970s, Vardinoyannis entered the family business, building it into a vast enterprise that expanded across shipping, banking, hotels, media, sports, and national television.

Throughout his life, he lead numerous charitable initiatives with his wife, Marianna, who passed away last year at age 86.

Praise for the Patriarch of a Family

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered his condolences, calling Vardinoyannis a “patriarch of a family that has left an indelible mark on the economic and social landscape of our country.”

Mitsotakis also praised Vardinoyannis for his business achievements and his charitable contributions “Behind his always serious gaze, he concealed many facets: from boldness and dynamism in business competition to countless charitable initiatives, many of which he preferred to keep anonymous.”

Survived Terrorist Attack

In 1990, Vardinoyannis survived an assassination attempt by the November 17 far-left militant group, which planted explosives and used antitank rockets to target his armored car.

Thirteen years later, authorities convicted the group’s members for numerous attacks against Greek and foreign officials, including American diplomats and business leaders.

Vardinoyannis’ influence expanded further in the 1990s when he partnered with Saudi oil giant Aramco, as Greece enjoyed newfound prosperity and stability as a European Union member.

Vardinoyannis’ Later Years

In later years, Vardinoyannis and his wife became increasingly dedicated to philanthropic causes.

Marianna served as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador and headed a children’s cancer charity.

The couple is survived by their five children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press