In today’s interview, we are delighted to speak with Richardos Panopoulos, the visionary Founder and CEO of YESTAY GROUP. This dynamic entity encompasses multiple brands, including YESTAY Homes, YESTAY Hotels, and YESTAY Development, each redefining their respective markets with a unique blend of comfort, elegance, and personalized service. With over 450 luxury serviced apartments under YESTAY HOMES and the enchanting Aura Villas Tinos under YESTAY HOTELS, Richardos has set new standards for luxury living. His leadership and innovative approach have positioned YESTAY HOMES as a leader in the market, earning the prestigious title of Best Luxury Business Serviced Apartments in Athens, Greece. Join us as we delve into Richardos’ background, his leadership style, and the journey of YESTAY GROUP to becoming the premier choice for discerning travelers. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to start YESTAY GROUP? 

Richardos Panopoulos: I was fortunate and blessed to grow up in a very supportive environment. For decades, my family has been successfully involved in various business activities. This exposure helped me enter the market at a very early age, nurturing me with the values of ethical entrepreneurship and equipping me with the necessary tools to carve out my own professional path. While still a university student studying business management, I found rich Greek hospitality to be a central source of inspiration. This led me to initially create YESTAY HOMES and later YESTAY GROUP. Driven by the desire to create joyful memories, I envisioned a new model of property rentals that would evoke strong feelings in tenants and help them thrive in refined luxury and comfort. 

LLA: What was the vision you had when you founded YESTAY GROUP, and how has that vision evolved over the years? 

RP: In our case, things worked out a little differently than what usually happens with most groups. We started our journey in 2017 by creating YESTAY HOMES, aiming to provide fully furnished and luxurious long-term rental apartment solutions. In 2023, we sought to enhance the experience of our visitors by offering a complete getaway and hospitality experience on the Greek islands through a new brand, YESTAY HOTELS, which included two luxurious accommodations: AURA SUITES PAROS and AURA VILLAS TINOS. In 2024, recognizing a gap in the construction sector for high-quality, modern, high-value, and environmentally friendly real estate developments in accessible locations, we decided to establish YESTAY DEVELOPMENT. Thus, YESTAY GROUP was born from this wide range of activities. YESTAY GROUP embodies the continuous evolution and growth that underpin our philosophy and operations, crystallizing our vision to offer a holistic hospitality experience framed by elegance and luxury. At the core of our vision is the desire to provide excellent and impeccable services to people and society, alongside continuous research and the utilization of innovative practices to meet contemporary needs. 

LLA: YESTAY HOMES is known for its meticulous attention to detail and personalized services. How do you ensure these high standards are consistently met? 

RP: Through a series of flexible procedures and the use of new technologies, our team of experienced professionals from various specialties has managed to maintain direct and personal communication with each of our clients. At the same time, we can quickly and flexibly intervene wherever needed to provide them with a high-quality stay tailored to their needs. Our diverse expertise allows us to understand the unique requirements of every guest, ensuring a personalized and exceptional experience. By embracing innovation and adaptability, we strive to exceed expectations, creating memorable moments that inspire and uplift. With our commitment to excellence and a human touch, we transform ordinary stays into extraordinary journeys, leaving a lasting impression on all who cross our path. 

LLA: As a leader, how would you describe your leadership style and how it has influenced the growth of YESTAY GROUP? 

RP: I don’t believe there is a specific leadership style that I follow. I certainly have role models and mentors who have shaped how I think and act, like my father, for example. But most importantly, it’s about the team. Ensuring each member feels welcome and is in a healthy environment where they can grow, share their ideas, and develop is crucial. Together, we form a dynamic group that innovates and creates. In my daily work, I try to guide, listen carefully, provide solutions where needed, and stand with empathy beside every employee in our group. This approach allows them to unleash their talents and give the organization their utmost potential. The fact that we have a wonderful workplace atmosphere, that most members have been with us for years, and that we continuously welcome new members to our company certainly shows we are doing something right. Success is collective, and I cannot claim a greater share than what is due to me. 

LLA: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while establishing YESTAY GROUP, and how did you overcome them? 

RP: Over these seven years of operation, we have faced many different challenges across each of the Group’s brands. The COVID period was quite intense for YESTAY HOMES, and staffing YESTAY HOTELS with talented personnel posed its own difficulties, as did navigating some bureaucratic hurdles for YESTAY DEVELOPMENT. However, having built a superb team of professionals who tackle every problem with responsibility, composure, and unparalleled professionalism, we have managed to overcome each hurdle with minimal losses. 

LLA: YESTAY HOMES offers a unique “home away from home” experience. What do you believe sets your apartments apart from other luxury accommodations in Athens? 

RP: Our key differentiator that sets us apart from the competition is that YESTAY HOMES, thanks to the dynamism of YESTAY GROUP, can provide visitors with a wide range of services beyond the luxury and comfort within the apartment they are staying. Thus, the visitor’s experience transcends the narrow confines of accommodation and becomes a life experience. Because we can offer summer vacations on the Aegean islands, provide vehicles either for purchase or leasing through the partner company Special Cars, or even open new investment horizons through YESTAY DEVELOPMENT. 

LLA: Can you share any memorable feedback or success stories from guests that highlight the YESTAY HOMES experience? 

RP: When reflecting on the success stories, each one is unique, just like every guest we host. Beyond the accolades we now receive for our exceptional YESTAY EXPERIENCE services, what I consider a true success is the long-term, trusting relationship we build with our guests and property owners. They choose to extend their stay or return to one of our apartments, and they consistently recommend us to their circles – that is the greatest achievement. 

LLA: Looking ahead, what are your future plans for YESTAY GROUP, and how do you see the company evolving in the next five years? 

RP: Our core goal remains to consistently provide impeccable hospitality services that cater to the diverse needs of modern travelers, always guided by innovation and societal well-being. In our 5-year plan, we already have new development projects in the hotel industry as well as short-term and long-term accommodation sectors. We are meticulously exploring our next steps for expansion into other regions of Greece and abroad. The future holds exciting possibilities as we strive to elevate the hospitality experience. 

Conclusion:

Thank you, Richardos, for sharing your insights and the remarkable journey of YESTAY GROUP. Your dedication to excellence and innovation is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing YESTAY GROUP continue to set new standards in luxury serviced accommodations. For those seeking an unparalleled extended stay in Athens, YESTAY HOMES offers the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and exceptional service. Find more at https://yestayhomes.com/.