George Procopiou, founder of Dynacom and Dynagas:
"John Angelicoussis was the embodiment of many virtues including determination, focus, persistence, vast knowledge of his field, and above all love for his country (a love which, as usual, was not always reciprocated). He was an innovator and, being armed with great courage, he succeeded as a pioneer in many areas of his field. He had a profound respect for the rules of the game and was a trusted friend. Family for him was above all. He will be greatly missed. I am confident that Maria not only will succeed but will also overshoot the achievements of her father."
John Fredriksen, head of the John Fredriksen Group:
“Angelicoussis was among the best Greeks ... It’s very sad to see him go. He was not that old."
Angeliki Frangou, head of the Navios Group of companies:
"It is with great sadness that I learned about the unexpected passing of John Angelicoussis. He was an inspiration for me and his legacy will guide future generations. He wasn't just one of the most successful industry leaders of his generation but he was also a real innovator, a man of integrity and of service to others, a role model as a Greek patriot and Kardamylian. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and his values are also reflected in his daughter Maria who will continue his legacy. We will miss John."
Nikolas Tsakos, chief executive officer of Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN):
"John Angelicoussis was a legendary shipowner. He meant even more to me and to my family since we hailed from the same village of Kardamyla, Chios, and were related. He was a visionary and an innovator — a man who built an empire on firm foundations. Together with his sister Anna, they followed in the footsteps of their father, multiplying what he himself had offered to Greece, to shipping in general and to his own family."
Panos Laskaridis, chairman of Lavinia Corp and Laskaridis Shipping:
"He had a strong personality, brought up by a father who imbued him with love for shipping. His own skill certainly played a part, and of course all other factors that contribute to someone becoming a big and successful shipowner, like grasping opportunities and luck."
John Hadjipateras, chief executive of Dorian LPG:
"He was ... extraordinary in terms of his commitment in pursuit of excellence and growth ... he stood out amongst the most patriotic of his peers. From a personal point of view I would say I admired his dedication to the memory and legacy of his father Antonis and his mother Maria. Also that I knew that I could rely on his word, he was a straight shooter."
Lou Kollakis, chairman of Chartworld Shipping:
"We were all truly saddened to hear the news of his passing. John Angelicoussis was a great philanthropist and supporter of Greece and Greek shipping. He leaves a strong legacy that should serve as an example for future generations and he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him."
Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, chief executive of Nakilat:
“He has been instrumental in shaping the LNG shipping market to what it is today and will be dearly missed by all in this industry. It has truly been a great privilege to work alongside such a humble and inspiring person such as Mr Angelicoussis."
Anastasios Papagiannopoulos, former president of Bimco:
"He was a born businessman and worked very hard. He wasn’t the only shipowner to inherit a fortune and work hard [but] ... John could also see where shipping was heading and that’s something very few people can. His spiritual horizons were very wide and he was cultured. He was a generous man, he wasn't a show-off, he didn't like publicity. He wanted to feel that he was doing his duty and he perceived that duty in a wider sense".
John Platsidakis, former general manager at Maran Dry Management and head of Intercargo:
“It was my honour to have met John Angelicoussis and to have known him for the last 42 years ... he was fully committed to his work. He aimed for quality of vessels and quality of service with great respect for the human element”.
Stavros Hatzigrigoris, technical director Zodiac Maritime and former general director at Maran Gas Maritime
"I have spent 39 years of my professional life with the Angelicoussis family. I cannot but express my appreciation and thanks to the three generations that I have worked with and specially to the late John Angelicoussis for what has been achieved both in relation to his shipping business environment and his leadership position for Greek shipping. Innovation and breaking into new markets was always being discussed and successful decisions were taken. I am sure that he will rest in peace and wish the best for the continuation of the business of the Angelicoussis Group".
Richard Gilmore, executive vice president Maran Gas Maritime
"Earlier this year, I happened to see Mr Angelicoussis walking to his daughter’s car and hearing the shrieks of joy and laughter as the grandchildren saw their grandfather suddenly appear. I could see the wide smile on his face as talked with them and remember thinking that with all that he had achieved, that moment of shared joy with his grandchildren was what he cherished most."
Theodore Veniamis, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS):
“We've lost one of our own, a dear friend, a gentleman ... Greece’s entire maritime family mourns the loss of one of its most illustrious representatives.”
Esben Poulsson, chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS):
“Mr Angelicoussis was without doubt a giant, not only of Greek shipping, but of the global industry as well... it is difficult to overstate his endless achievements, and indeed the enormous esteem and respect in which he was held in his beloved homeland, and internationally. A bold visionary, he created an iconic group of companies synonymous with quality and operational excellence. He devoted a lifetime to the industry he so passionately embraced, and on which he will leave such an enduring impression."
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek prime minister:
"John Angelicoussis honoured maritime tradition and our home country in every way ... he conquered the oceans by raising the Greek flag and by bringing the base of his activities back home.”
