Billionaire Profile
Ioannis Papalekas
Global Rank
#1675

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Ioannis Papalekas

CEO, Yoda Group
GR
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.3B
As of December 2025
Age
49
Source
Real estate
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
GR

Biography

Ioannis Papalekas, a 49-year-old Greek real estate investor, is a prominent figure in the global financial landscape. His wealth stems from his successful ventures in real estate, particularly in Romania, where he established a significant presence. Papalekas is recognized as the largest shareholder of Yoda Group, an investment conglomerate. His career includes founding Globalworth, a leading real estate company in Central and Eastern Europe. His achievements are reflected in his substantial net worth, solidifying his position among the world's wealthiest individuals.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ioannis Papalekas was born in January 1975. Details about his early life and education are not widely available in the search results.

Rise to Success

Papalekas's career is marked by significant achievements in the real estate sector. He has nearly 20 years of experience in real estate investment and development. Papalekas founded Globalworth, a real estate company with a focus on Poland and Romania. Before founding Globalworth, he was responsible for the acquisition, development, and successful disposal of over 400,000 sqm of commercial space and 1,000 residential units in Romania.

Key Business Strategies

Papalekas has demonstrated strategic acumen in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities within the real estate market. He focuses on acquiring, developing, and managing commercial real estate assets. A key strategy involved taking Globalworth public on the London Stock Exchange in 2013. He sold his entire stake in Globalworth for over EUR 330 million.

Philanthropy

Ioannis Papalekas is associated with Globalworth Foundation, which supports charitable organizations. The foundation focuses on education, health, and technology initiatives. Papalekas, along with Globalworth Foundation, donated €1 million to United Way Romania for a project supporting children and families.

Career Milestones

2001

Founded Globalworth Asset Managers SRL

Founded a real estate asset management company in Bucharest, Romania.

2013

Founded Globalworth

Founded office real estate firm and took it public on the London Stock Exchange.

2020

Sold Globalworth Stake

Sold his entire stake in Globalworth for over EUR 330 million.

2019

Founded Yoda Group

Founded a private investment firm.

2022

Yoda Group Public Listing

Took Yoda Group public on the Cyprus Stock Exchange.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

United Way Romania

$1.1M

Donation for the „Nesting a brighter future for children” project.

Controversies & Challenges

2014

Embezzlement Case

Indicted for complicity to embezzlement in Romania, in a case related to two investment companies.

2015

Cathedral Plaza Building

Involved in a dispute regarding the Cathedral Plaza building in Bucharest.