Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline

Athanasios Christogiannis

Katerini

Summary

Strategic and accomplished COO/Advisor with deep expertise in the Aerospace & Defense industries, specializing in optimizing organizational frameworks across Research, Manufacturing, and MRO environments. A proven leader in operational excellence—successfully implementing a workflow management system that increased efficiency by 15% through process optimization, time reduction, and the elimination of procedural inefficiencies. A transformational executive with a strong track record in business expansion, financial stewardship, and strategic growth. Adept at fostering innovation, aligning teams with corporate objectives, and integrating advanced technologies to enhance manufacturing and maintenance operations, leading to increased productivity, streamlined workflows, and optimized resource utilization. Committed to cost optimization and operational efficiency, leveraging budget analysis, performance reporting, and market insights to strengthen organizational frameworks. A results-driven leader dedicated to empowering executives with data-driven strategies that support sustainable success and long-term growth.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Executive Advisor

A.X Strategy & Consultancy Services
04.2020 - Current
  • Advising firm partners, entrepreneurs, and managers on optimizing operations, strategic business planning, and efficiency scaling.
  • Assessing existing workflows to implement impactful improvements that drive performance and growth.
  • Conducting on-site observations and personal interviews to identify individual and team strengths.
  • Analyzing organizational systems to address communication, resource allocation, and workflow challenges.
  • Delivering actionable, data-driven recommendations to enhance operational effectiveness.

Vice President & Head of Final Assembly Line / Chief Technical Consultant

TATA Advanced Systems Limited
03.2017 - 04.2020
  • Led technical feasibility assessments and implemented solutions for new R&D and assembly line initiatives, including aircraft and helicopters (F-21(F-16 V), NUH (S-76D), AIRBUS C-295), UAV/UAS HALE/MALE, and MMRO.
  • Managed the expansion of operations, recruiting and integrating 150+ professionals, including senior leadership, procurement specialists, and mechanics.
  • Provided strategic technical and analytical expertise across various business functions, supporting consulting engagements and business development efforts.
  • Optimized system operations by refining procedures and reinforcing internal controls.
  • Developed business-driven solutions to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
  • Researched, adopted, and integrated cutting-edge technologies to elevate existing capabilities.
  • Maintained industry expertise through continuous education and professional training.
  • Facilitated seamless communication of business requirements, ensuring effective implementation across teams.
  • Enhanced systems with new features and infrastructure upgrades to drive efficiency.

General Manager

1 SOURCE Aero Services S.A.
09.2016 - 02.2017
  • Company Overview: Joint venture between Pratt & Whitney (UTC) and HAI
  • Led recruitment, training, and performance management to strengthen leadership capabilities.
  • Defined corporate values, strategies, and accountability frameworks to drive operational excellence.
  • Developed and executed strategic initiatives by analyzing industry trends and financial forecasts.
  • Oversaw subsidiary operations, optimizing budgeting, resource allocation, and performance metrics.
  • Reinforced corporate positioning through stakeholder engagement and ethical business practices.
  • Directed financial planning, employee assessments, and contractual negotiations with precision.
  • Spearheaded operational strategies to enhance customer engagement and workforce retention.
  • Implemented innovative systems to streamline processes and improve turnaround efficiency.
  • Led cross-functional collaboration to drive strategic innovation and business growth.

Chief Operating Officer

Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
01.2014 - 08.2016
  • Provided executive leadership in internal operations, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy set by the CEO and Board of Directors.
  • Oversaw key business functions, including operations, human resources, information systems, new business development, and corporate communications.
  • Generated €15M in annual revenue by restructuring a non-value-added in-house technology service operation into a streamlined outsourced model.
  • Orchestrated a financial turnaround, achieving 150% earnings growth in 2016 following a period of operating losses.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency by reducing management policy directives and standard procedures by 50%, while refining client tracking, P&L creation, forecasting, and budgeting processes.
  • Formulated strategic roadmaps to optimize business workflows, elevate customer experience, and strengthen four business units amid a 50% organizational downsizing.

Aircraft Plant Director

Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
10.2002 - 01.2014
  • Led multi-departmental operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and strategic growth.
  • Increased gross revenue by €45M within two years through LEAN principles, optimizing operations and resource allocation.
  • Improved maintenance efficiency with critical-path modeling, reducing flow times while ensuring cost-effectiveness, scheduling accuracy, and compliance with stringent quality and safety standards.
  • Directed the overhaul, modification, upgrading, and repair—including crash damage restoration—of a diverse fleet:
  • Fixed-wing aircraft: C-130/L-100, F-4, A-7, F-16, Mirage 2000/M-2000-5, F-1CG, T-2, CL-215, CL-415, P-3 Orion, ERJ-135/145
  • Rotorcraft: UH-1H, AB-205, UH-1N/B-212, Eurocopter AS365N3, AS 332C1 Super Puma
  • Systems & Components: Jet engines, avionics, and component servicing to ensure peak operational performance
  • Executive Leadership & Operational Excellence
  • Upgrading & Modernization Programs
  • Managed key enhancement initiatives, including:
  • F-16 Falcon UP – Performance enhancement
  • F-16 ASPIS – Advanced self-protection suite
  • F-16 CCIP – Common Configuration Implementation (USAFE)
  • F-16 Falcon STAR – Structural upgrades & lifecycle extension
  • Mirage M-2000 to M-2000-5 – Aircraft modernization
  • F-4E SLEP – Structural Life Extension Program
  • F-4E AUP – Advanced avionics & systems upgrade
  • C-130 AUP – Comprehensive enhancement package
  • Technical Services & Logistics
  • Oversaw Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) for the Hellenic Coast Guard.
  • Provided technical support & maintenance to the Hellenic Air Force during firefighting operations.
  • Key Leadership Impact
  • Strengthened cross-functional coordination, improving collaboration between teams and external stakeholders.
  • Led strategic problem-solving, fostering innovation and operational excellence.
  • Developed cost-reduction initiatives that enhanced safety, reliability, and long-term aircraft performance.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement, aligning operations with industry advancements and best practices.

Department Manager – Fighter Aircraft Maintenance

Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
12.1999 - 10.2002
  • Provided strategic leadership and administrative oversight for Hangars and Flight Line operations, ensuring optimal efficiency, adherence to quality and regulatory standards, cost-effectiveness, and the judicious allocation of personnel and resources in alignment with established policies and operational directives.
  • Directed Upgrading and Modernization Programs, Aircraft Inspections, and Crash Damage Repairs for fighter aircraft, ensuring strict compliance with operational and safety standards.
  • Supervised major aircraft inspections integrated with upgrading operations, guaranteeing seamless execution and adherence to predefined objectives.
  • Aircraft Upgrading & Major Inspection Process:
  • Preparation Phase – Conducted in-depth data analysis to facilitate industrialization and production planning, ensuring a robust framework for upgrade execution.
  • Industrialization Phase – Developed comprehensive production documentation and established an optimized aircraft upgrade and maintenance workflow.
  • Implementation Phase – Oversaw the execution of major aircraft inspections, encompassing ground and flight testing to validate operational readiness and technical integrity.
  • Final Acceptance & Delivery Phase – Managed aircraft acceptance procedures, ensuring quality assurance and facilitating a seamless transition of assets to the buyer.

Project Leader Engineer / Project Coordinator

Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
06.1990 - 12.1999
  • Led engineering and maintenance support for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including C-130/L-100, F-4, A-7, F-16, Mirage 2000, UH-1H, AB-205, UH-1N/B-212, T-2, CL-215, CL-415, P-3 Orion, and others.
  • Oversaw aircraft accessories and component maintenance, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and airworthiness.
  • Conducted structural analysis and validated aircraft modifications to enhance performance and longevity.
  • Developed analytical methods, established industry standards, and resolved complex structural challenges.
  • Designed and executed test programs, analyzing results for compliance with safety and operational requirements.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • Provided regular reports to management on budgets, progress, and technical challenges.
  • Led workshops to gather project requirements and stakeholder insights.
  • Assessed performance data to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
  • Monitored team performance, proactively addressing issues to mitigate delays.
  • Recruited and managed personnel to meet quality and operational targets.
  • Verified deliverables for compliance with specifications and client expectations.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality and adhered to data protection protocols.
  • Developed and executed project plans and budgets for successful implementation.

Education

Five Years Ingegneria Aeronautical - Aeronautical Engineering

Università Degli Studi Di Palermo, Palermo Italy
07.1986
  • Graduated with honors.
  • GPA: 110/110


Skills

  • Facilitating organizational growth
  • Vision strategy development
  • Process optimization
  • Adaptability in dynamic environments
  • Informed decision analysis
  • Client-oriented approach
  • Professional ethics
  • Lobbying and advocacy skills
  • Strong adaptability
  • Sustainability programs

Accomplishments

  • Demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a results-driven culture and inspiring teams to achieve operational excellence.
  • Established and maintained professional collaborations, promoting effective interdepartmental coordination and synergy.
  • Excelled in high-pressure environments, implementing strategic solutions to optimize productivity and operational efficiency.
  • Acquired proficiency in advanced aerospace technologies and software systems, integrating innovative methodologies into maintenance operations.
  • Spearheaded complex projects from inception to completion, reinforcing strategic and operational objectives.

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)
Italian
Advanced (C1)
Greek
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Chief Executive Advisor - A.X Strategy & Consultancy Services
04.2020 - Current
Vice President & Head of Final Assembly Line / Chief Technical Consultant - TATA Advanced Systems Limited
03.2017 - 04.2020
General Manager - 1 SOURCE Aero Services S.A.
09.2016 - 02.2017
Chief Operating Officer - Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
01.2014 - 08.2016
Aircraft Plant Director - Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
10.2002 - 01.2014
Department Manager – Fighter Aircraft Maintenance - Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
12.1999 - 10.2002
Project Leader Engineer / Project Coordinator - Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A.
06.1990 - 12.1999
Università Degli Studi Di Palermo - Five Years Ingegneria Aeronautical, Aeronautical Engineering
Athanasios Christogiannis