Evangelos Marinakis, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential businessmen, holds the second spot on Greece’s billionaire list in 2025. With a deep-rooted legacy in the shipping industry and expanding interests in sports and media, Marinakis and his family have amassed substantial wealth, estimated to be in the multi-billion-dollar range. As of this year, he ranks 753rd globally among the world’s richest, making him a pivotal figure not only in Greece but on the global stage as well.
A Leading Force in Greek Business
The world of Greek billionaires is shaped by individuals who have revolutionized key industries. While Maria Angelicoussis leads as Greece’s richest person in 2025 with a net worth of $7.56 billion, primarily from the logistics and maritime sector, Marinakis follows closely, commanding significant influence in the same industry.
Born on July 30, 1967, Evangelos Marinakis is 57 years old as of 2025. He is the son of Miltiadis Marinakis, a respected Greek shipowner and politician, who laid the groundwork for the family’s maritime legacy. Evangelos inherited both the business acumen and the ambition to elevate the family’s name, eventually building it into a global shipping empire.
Net Worth and Industry Ranking
Marinakis’s wealth primarily stems from his successful ventures in shipping and logistics, where he owns and operates one of the world’s largest privately held fleets through Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. His vast shipping network includes tankers, container ships, and dry bulk carriers, moving millions of tons of cargo globally each year.
According to the latest 2025 rankings, Marinakis is now the second richest individual in Greece and holds the 753rd spot on Forbes’ global billionaire index. His estimated net worth is in the high billions, although exact figures are privately held and not publicly disclosed in detail. His fortune reflects the resilience and continued strength of the global shipping sector, despite fluctuating markets.
The Marinakis Family Legacy
Evangelos Marinakis is married and has four children. The family remains deeply rooted in Piraeus, Greece, where their business empire is headquartered. Marinakis has publicly emphasized the importance of legacy and generational wealth, often referencing his father’s values and early influence.
Despite his global operations, Marinakis maintains a strong presence in Greek economic and cultural life, promoting investments, heritage, and innovation within the country.
Sports, Media, and Political Influence
While logistics remains his financial backbone, Marinakis has diversified his investments across sports and media, extending his influence beyond commerce.
He is best known as the owner and president of Olympiacos FC, one of Greece’s most successful football clubs. Under his leadership, Olympiacos has secured numerous national titles and expanded its international presence. In 2017, he also acquired Nottingham Forest, a historic English football club, which has since returned to the Premier League under his ownership.
Beyond sports, Marinakis owns several media outlets, including TV stations, newspapers, and digital platforms, giving him a powerful voice in Greek public discourse. His media influence has grown significantly in recent years, positioning him as a central figure in shaping narratives within Greece.
His political involvement includes a successful run for municipal councilor of Piraeus, showcasing his commitment to public service and local development. While he is not currently affiliated with any political party, his influence often intersects with national policy discussions.
Greece’s Billionaire Landscape in 2025
The billionaire rankings for Greece in 2025 offer a vivid look into the nation’s economic leaders. All five of the top-ranking billionaires have made their fortunes in logistics or diversified ventures, showcasing the maritime sector’s dominance in Greece’s economy.
Here’s a brief snapshot of Greece’s top five billionaires in 2025:
| Rank in Greece | Name | Global Rank | Industry | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maria Angelicoussis | Not listed | Logistics | $7.56 billion |
| 2 | Evangelos Marinakis & family | 753rd | Logistics | Multi-billion USD |
| 3 | George Economou | 824th | Logistics | Estimated ~$3.8B |
| 4 | George Prokopiou & family | 1018th | Logistics | Estimated ~$2.7B |
| 5 | Philip Niarchos | 1326th | Diversified | Estimated ~$1.9B |
Maria Angelicoussis, the daughter of the late shipping magnate John Angelicoussis, continues to lead the Angelicoussis Group. Her fleet is one of the most technologically advanced and environmentally progressive in the world.
George Economou, a veteran in shipping, operates DryShips and TMS Tankers, while George Prokopiou heads Dynacom and Sea Traders. These names represent a new generation of leaders in Greek shipping who are shaping global logistics routes and standards.
Philip Niarchos, a descendant of the legendary Stavros Niarchos, represents the diversified wealth category, with a large portion of his fortune tied to one of the world’s most valuable private art collections.
Marinakis’s Future in Business and Beyond
Looking ahead, Evangelos Marinakis shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to invest in fleet expansion, green shipping solutions, and high-profile international ventures. With increasing global focus on sustainable maritime transport, Marinakis is expected to play a crucial role in transitioning traditional shipping to meet modern environmental standards.
His influence in sports and media also places him in a unique position to connect with broader audiences beyond boardrooms. As Greece continues to rebuild and strengthen its economy, leaders like Marinakis are at the forefront of that transformation—both as financiers and public figures.
Final Thoughts
Evangelos Marinakis is more than just a billionaire; he is a symbol of modern Greek enterprise and resilience. Ranked as the second richest person in Greece and 753rd in the world, his empire spans continents and industries. Whether it’s global shipping, European football, or Greek media, Marinakis has left a lasting imprint.
As of 2025, his trajectory continues upward, positioning him as one of the most formidable and influential personalities in Greece’s economic and cultural future.
