Minos Kyriakou, the founder and owner of the Greek company Antenna Group, has died suddenly at the age of 75.

"It is with deep sorrow that we are were saying goodbye to our beloved Minos, who passed away suddenly, from a heart attack, late in the afternoon," the Kyriakou family announced.

The news also caught by surprise numerous employees in the companies of Minos Kyriakou, a respected Greek shipowner and media magnate.

Minos Kyriakou was known to the Greek public for his numerous business ventures, especially after the establishment of the largest private television ANT1. He served as president of the Greek Olympic Committee from 2004 to 2009, as well as president of the PanHellenic Gymnastics Association.

He was born in 1942 in the renowned Greek family Kyriakou. His ancestor was Dimitrios Vulgaris, who was the country's prime minister eight times. Another of his ancestors was Alexandros Koryzis, Greek prime minister from 1940 to 1941.

Minos studied in France and Spain and was the heir of a family shipping company founded in 1852. He had been active in his family business since turning 17.

When he was 23, in 1965, he founded the company Athenian Tankers, and two major trading oil companies in 1976.

In the late 1980's, Minos actively entered the world of media by establishing the ANT1 radio station, and a year later, in 1989, and the eponymous television station.

Antenna Group, which was founded in 1999, has expanded its activities far beyond the borders of Greece, and its business includes numerous TV channels, radio stations, companies, investments and partnerships around the world. Today there are a total of 12 Antenna Group offices in 20 countries in Europe, the US, North America, Australia and Asia.

In 1997, Minos Kyriakou founded the PanHellenic Association of Sports and decisively revitalized the Tikitiriki International Sports Society, which joined the Super Grand Prix in the World Federation of Classical Sports in 2002.

As a sports lover, he was the representative of Greece in the World Athletics Federation. He simultaneously dealt with advocacy of Greek culture abroad, and his discreet humanitarian life will leave a trace in Greek society.

He was awarded the Golden Cross of the Legion of Honor – Republic of Poland, Golden Cross of the order of St. George, Golden Medal of Honor – Republic of Cyprus, Golden Star of Honor – Singapore Republic, Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honor – Republic of Poland.

CEETV wish to extend their deepest condolences to Mr. Kyriakou's family and close friends. He was one of the most remarkable people and entrepreneurs in this industry and his passing is a big loss for all of us. May he rest in peace.