As we approach the new year, we’re inviting business leaders to reflect on the successes, challenges, and lessons of 2024 while sharing their vision for the year ahead.
Our new project, ‘Navigating Success: 2024 in Review and What’s Ahead?’ spotlights companies across industries, offering insights into their milestones, strategies, and aspirations.
Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram
We aim to provide a platform for businesses to share their journey, highlight their contributions, and reveal their plans for innovation and growth in 2025.
To kick off this series, we had the privilege of speaking with Yangos Hadjiyannis, Chief Executive Officer of CIM-Cyprus Business School. With a legacy of excellence in education and a forward-thinking approach, CIM has consistently set benchmarks in business education.
CIM-Cyprus Business School was established in 1978 in Nicosia as The Cyprus Institute of Marketing and has operated in Limassol since 1984. Originally set up to promote the science of Marketing in Cyprus and abroad, CIM has evolved over the past 46 years into an all-round Business School. It offers a wide range of programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, spanning Marketing, Business, Accounting and Finance, Shipping, Human Resource Management, Law, and more.
Over the years, CIM has provided opportunities to more than 10,000 students to acquire acclaimed qualifications and fulfil their aspirations. Many of its students are individuals who, for various reasons, missed out on the chance to study after secondary school but always had a desire to pursue further education, gain knowledge, and advance their careers. While CIM serves students from all walks of life, it continues to offer evening classes exclusively to cater to the needs of working professionals. Emphasising a combination of theory and practice, CIM remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible education at affordable fees.
Yangos Hadjiyannis brings an exceptional academic and professional pedigree to his role as CEO. A graduate of the University of Nottingham with an LL.B. (First-Class Honours), he went on to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies and an LL.M. in International Law (First-Class Honours) from the University of Cambridge (Trinity Hall), where he was named a Bateman Scholar for academic excellence.
Returning to Cyprus in 2007, Yangos passed the Cyprus Bar Examinations and became a member of the Cyprus Bar Association. His academic pursuits continued, culminating in his successful completion of the “Authentic Leadership Development” programme at Harvard Business School in 2022. The same year, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by the University of West London.
From 2008 to 2019, Yangos served as Deputy Director-General of CIM, overseeing business development and strategy. In 2020, he was appointed CEO. Beyond CIM, he holds significant roles, including Independent Non-Executive Director at KEDIPES (Cyprus Asset Management Company), a member of the Board of Directors of CIPA (Invest Cyprus), and a member of the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB). He also advises numerous companies on strategy and management.
In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Yangos has developed a keen research interest in Economics and Financial affairs, frequently publishing articles in both local and international media. As a respected commentator on financial matters, he is a regular guest on TV and radio.
In our conversation, Yangos reflects on the key achievements of 2024, discusses the challenges faced, and shares his ambitious vision for the year ahead.
Here’s what he had to say about navigating success and shaping the future of business education.
2024 in Review
- What were the most significant milestones your company reached in 2024?
The most important milestones for 2024 were the launching of our first online programme, the E-MBA, which marked great success as well as the consolidation of our collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, by offering 2 Executive Education programmes in Cyprus, Negotiations Lab in September and Transformational Leadership in December. Both of the programmes sold out very quickly and this is sound proof of the overwhelming support from both local and international executives and their corporations.
- What challenges did you face this year, and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge facing higher education in Cyprus at the moment is market saturation – there are far too many providers for a market that is not growing. As such, there is intense competition and even price wars, which lead to lower quality, and many institutions will face sustainability issues. However, despite the unfavourable market conditions, we remain committed to academic excellence. Therefore, we are expanding the range of our services without compromising our position as Cyprus’ premier business school.
- What was the most valuable lesson you learned as a leader in 2024?
Maintaining high quality while increasing profitability is a challenging equation to solve. While this is not new, it was undeniably confirmed in 2024. We continue to strive for excellence, but inflation and market conditions are putting significant pressure on profit margins. At the same time, technological innovation is driving academic institutions to invest increasingly to stay ahead of change. Moreover, we are encountering a new type of student who prioritises convenience and seeks flexible options across physical, online, and hybrid teaching methods.
- How did your industry change in 2024, and how did these changes impact your business?
The industry has been revolutionised by the widespread adoption of AI, making it increasingly difficult to teach and assess students using only traditional methods. How can students be expected to write assignments in the conventional way when AI can produce work in seconds? Additionally, as previously mentioned, the new generation of students seeks multiple options and does not want all classes to be held in a lecture room. The COVID-19 pandemic has further driven demand for more online learning opportunities, allowing students to study at their own time, pace, and place, which contrasts with the traditional on-campus education model.
- What contribution did your company make to society or the environment this year?
In 2024, we offered a record number of scholarships based on both academic merit and financial need. This provided many individuals with the opportunity to further their education and enhance their career prospects—an achievement made possible through the support of our strategic partners.
What’s Ahead
- What are your top strategic priorities for 2025?
Our strategic priorities for 2025 include consolidating our E-MBA program, potentially introducing further specializations, and enhancing our corporate solutions. This will involve expanding offerings like the Cambridge Executive Training programmes, scholarship and apprenticeship schemes, as well as training and consulting projects for corporations.
- How do you plan to innovate or expand your offerings in the coming year?
We continue to maintain close connections with the industry, responding swiftly to both current and future needs. To stay ahead of change, we must offer services that deliver long-term value to corporations and make a meaningful impact.
- What new markets or opportunities will you explore in 2025?
In 2025, we aim to expand our corporate client base in the Middle East, Gulf, and Greece. Our focus will be on understanding the unique market dynamics and offering tailored solutions that truly make a difference for businesses.
- How do you expect market trends to influence your industry in 2025, and what opportunities or risks do they present?
Market conditions in Cyprus are expected to remain challenging, with more providers entering the market despite its stagnation. In this environment, resilience and sustainability will be the key drivers of success.
- How do you envision your company contributing to broader societal or environmental goals in 2025?
In 2025, we will further strengthen our CSR initiatives by expanding scholarship opportunities and continuing to transfer knowledge through workshops and conferences that benefit the community.
