George Yiapanas │ Profile

George Yiapanas [Ph.D.], is a distinguished professional in the field of sports management, combining extensive industry experience with a strong academic background. Holding a doctorate in Sports Management, an MA in Management, an AAT in Accounting, and certificates in Football Management, Security Management, and Good Governance in Sport, he has built a career that bridges finance, academia, and sports governance. With over two decades of experience in the sports industry, he currently serves as the Finance Manager at GSP Stadium and Sports Centre in Nicosia, demonstrating exceptional leadership in financial planning, risk analysis, and strategic business development. Beyond finance, he has played pivotal roles in media operations, safety management, and event planning.

Profile

Education │ by higher qualification

Professional qualifications

In addition to his managerial role, he is appointed as an Adjunct Faculty at the University of Nicosia, teaching Sports Strategic Management and Sports Marketing, and a Research Fellow at GNOSIS Mediterranean Institute for Management Science, engaging in European funded research projects related to sports. His research interests span sports governance, strategic management in sports, and sustainability, contributing to numerous peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings.
He is also deeply involved in professional organizations, serving as a Board Member of the Cyprus Association for Sport Management [CyASM], a Fellow Member of the EuroMed Research Business Institute [EMRBI], and a Founding Member of the Cyprus Academy of Marketing [CAM]. Due to his wide professional and social contribution to sports and his expertise in the field, he has served as a member of the Parallel Parliament of Cyprus through direct appointment by the President of the House of Representatives. He also served as President of the Cyprus Squash Association.
A sought-after speaker, he has delivered keynote addresses and lectures at international conferences, podcasts, and media outlets, covering various sports management and strategic planning topics. His publications and editorial roles in prestigious journals underscore his influence in the academic and sports management communities. Combining analytical rigour with practical insights, he is a versatile leader dedicated to advancing sports management through education, research, and industry collaboration. His multifaceted career exemplifies excellence in bridging theory and practice to drive positive change in the sports ecosystem.

PhD in Business Administration │ Sports Management - 2022

University of Nicosia- Cyprus

MA (with distinction) in Management - 2016

University of Wolverhampton - UK

AAT in Accounting - 1999

BPP University - UK

Executive Certificate in Good Governance in Sports - 2025

LUNEX University - Luxembourg

Certificate in Security Management - 2014

Global College - Cyprus

Certificate in Football Management - 2007

Intercollege - Cyprus

Current positions and positions held

Cyprus Academy of Marketing │ Founding member

Cyprus Association for Sport Management │ Board member - Treasurer
GKY Sports Management │ Owner and Managing Director

The Parallel Parliament of Cyprus │ Member of the Sports Committee
Cyprus Squash Association │ Chairman of the Board

Cyprus Squash Association │ Board member - Treasurer

Nicosia Squash Association │ Board member - Treasurer

2024 to present

2017 to present
2015 to present

2019 to 2021
2010 to 2015
2007 to 2009

2006 to 2013

Professional memberships

EuroMed Academy of Business │ EMBRI Fellow Member - FEMAB

The Cyprus Association for Sport Management │ Member

The Association of Accounting Technicians │ Member - MAAT

Qualified Stadium Safety Manager - 2015

UEFA stadium and security unit

Certified Trainer for Stadium Stewards - 2013

UEFA stadium and security unit

Skills and Competencies

Key hard skills:
Sustainable business strategy │ Stakeholder management │ Business analysis │ Risk analysis │ Sports safety management │ Sports facilities management │ Market analysis and management │ Analytical reporting │ Performance tracking │ Financial planning │ Time management │ Public speaking.

Volunteer experience and Causes

Organisation: The Grammar School Parents and Guardians Association

Period: October 2023 - today
Role: Member of the Education and Sports Committee

Organisation: Engomi High School Parents and Guardians Association
Period: September 2020 - September 2021
Role: Member of the Sports Committee

Organisation: Chryseleousa Elementary School Parents and Guardians Association

Periods: September 2014 - September 2015 & September 2022 - September 2023

Role: Member of the Education Committee

Languages

Greek: Native language

English: Fluent [speaking, reading, writing]