Stathes Kulukundis, a principal of the traditional London Greek shipping firm Rethymnis & Kulukundis (R&K), has died in Athens aged 81.
A son of R&K’s second-generation co-owner Michael Kulukundis and a brother to shipowner and author Elias, who died four years ago, Stathes was a highly respected and low-profile London Greek owner.
Apart from being a director with the family company, he held numerous positions in industry associations, including the Greek Shipping Co-Operation Committee (GSCC) and the Union of Greek Shipowners.
“He was a learned gentleman, notable for his character, wisdom, civility and sense of humour. He will be greatly missed,” said the GSCC, in which Kulukundis served for more than four decades as council member and vice chairman.
Kulukundis, who is survived by wife Koula, children Michel and Marianna and stepson Alexander, was born on 14 April 1942 in New York — where his father had been put in charge of running the family’s recently launched US office.
After studying economics at the University of Pennsylvania, young Stathes plunged into the family business, working out of R&K’s London headquarters at the operations, shipbuilding and financing departments.
A frequent shipping commentator in specialist publications such as Greece’s Naftika Chronika, he was also a board member at the International Chamber of Shipping while being active at the Baltic Exchange and the International Shipping Federation.
“His contribution to the GSCC and to Greek shipping in general was invaluable,” the GSCC said.
A vivid description of his family’s life was provided in the books written by his late brother Elias, who also started at R&K before becoming an independent ship investor and author.
Kulukundis’ funeral will be held on 2 March at noon in Vouliagmeni, Athens.
