George Syrimis (15[citation needed] October 1921 – 5 January 2010) was a Cypriot accountant, who served as the Finance Minister of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. Syrimis was also the founder of the accounting firm, G. Syrimis & Co., which eventually evolved into KPMG Cyprus (a Big Four).[1]
George Syrimis Γιώργος Συρίμης | |
|---|---|
| Cypriot Minister of Finance | |
| In office 28 February 1988 – 27 February 1993 | |
| Preceded by | Christos Mavrellis |
| Succeeded by | Fedros Economides |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 October 1921[citation needed] Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Died | 5 January 2010 (aged 88) |
| Profession | Accountant, politician |
Early life
editSyrimis was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. However, his family was originally from Agros, a village in the island's southern Pitsilia region. Syrimis studied accounting in England, where he became a chartered certified accountant. Then president George Vassiliou appointed Syrimis as the country's Finance Minister in 1988. He continued to serve as finance minister within the Vassiliou government until 1993.[2]
KPMG Cyprus
editHe returned to his native Cyprus from the UK in 1948. Syrimis founded his own accounting firm, G. Syrimis & Co. His firm later became part of Peat Marwick, which, in turn, was merged to become KPMG International in 1987. In 1961, Syrimis became a founding member of the Association of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC), later serving as chair of the professional organization.[3]
Philanthropy
editSyrimis was heavily involved in Cypriot charities and philanthropic organizations. An art collector, he sold his pieces to benefit local organizations, including the Cypriot National Guard. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Nicosia, the oldest rotary club in Cyprus.[4]
Death
editSyrimis died on 5 January 2010, at the age of 88. He was survived by four children – Olympia Stylianou, the director general of the Cypriot Ministry of Education; Nicos Syrimis, the chairman of the Association of Certified Public Accounts of Cyprus since June 2009; Michalis Syrimis and Marios Syrimis.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Investment and Taxation: Cyprus - George N. Syrimis". Google Books. Touche Ross International. 1980. ISBN 9780946653706. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
- ^ "Former Finance Minister, Cyprus KPMG founder Syrimis dies". Financial Mirror. 2010-01-07. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
- ^ "Former Finance Minister George Syrimis dies". Cyprus-Mail.com. 2010-01-07. Archived from the original on 2013-01-20. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
- ^ "Rotary Club: Nicosia, Cyprus - Director George N. Syrimis" (PDF). Rotary-Cyprus.org. 1967. Retrieved 2010-01-08.
- ^ "Former Finance Minister, Cyprus KPMG founder Syrimis dies. - Free Online Library".