Sir Stelios goes back to his roots

Sir Stelios, whose parents were born on the Mediterranean island, told The Times that he wants to “break down the barriers” between the country’s north and south: “When money talks, people set aside their differences.”

He’ll be offering prizes worth €1m over four years to businessmen from the north and south who co-operate on new ventures.

Sir Stelios, who is worth an alleged £1.3bn, pioneered the “no frills” low-cost business model in the nineties with the launch of easyJet.

The airline’s chairman, Sir Colin Chandler, today announced he’ll be stepping down from his post in July, after seven years in the role. Rumour has it he’s become "fed up" with the protracted dispute with Sir Stelios.

The news doesn’t seem to have put Sir Stelios off his stride. He’s pushing ahead with his ruthless expansion of his easyGroup empire. Next big markets on the horizon: pizza and property.

Related articles:Stelios to look for new easyJet chairman

Sir Stelios will be speaking at this year’s Entrepreneurs’ Summit – the "E20" – on May 13 alongside heavyweights Mark Dixon, Julie Meyer and Ed Wray. Theme: "Don’t just Survive, Reinvent!". Supported by the CBI and in association with Investec Private Bank, Real Business readers get a recession-busting discount of £195 for a place. Venue: Marriott Grosvenor Square. Email Elicia Nairn on en1@caspianpublishing.co.uk; Tel: 020 7368 7123; www.entrepreneurssummit.com

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