Early Life
Yiannakis Theophani "John" Christodoulou was born on May 24, 1965, in Nicosia, Cyprus. His early life was marked by the turmoil of the 1974 Turkish invasion, which forced his family to flee to the UK. At nine years old, he arrived in London as a refugee. This experience profoundly shaped his outlook, driving him to succeed despite the challenges.
Rise to Success
Christodoulou began his career in Hatton Garden, working as a diamond mounter. At the age of 19, he bought his first property. He transitioned into property development, starting with small projects and gradually building a substantial portfolio. He founded the Yianis Group, which became a major player in the UK and European real estate markets. The Yianis Group owns many properties including two five-star hotels in Canary Wharf. He is also the second-largest freeholder in Canary Wharf.
Key Business Strategies
Christodoulou's business strategy involved buying undervalued properties and enhancing their value through renovations. He focused on long-term ownership and creating value in prime urban locations. He used bank financing to leverage investments, enabling the steady expansion of his business.
Philanthropy
Inspired by his own childhood, Christodoulou founded the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation in 2016. This foundation supports vulnerable children and families in the UK and abroad, focusing on poverty alleviation and education. He has donated millions to the foundation and has provided aid during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded the Medal for Outstanding Contribution by the President of the Republic of Cyprus in July 2022 for his charitable work.
