Michael Moschos was instrumental in establishing the LHP in collaboration with John D. Criticos and John A. Hadjipateras OBE, its original creators and sponsors. In his capacity as vice-chairman of the London Hellenic Society, he has co-ordinated and managed the Prize from London and Athens since its inception in 1996.
After graduating from Athens College, Michael studied English and Comparative Literature (M.A., M.Phil., Columbia University) with special interests in classical Greek tragedy, Shakespeare and Renaissance drama (on which subject he defended his Ph.D. dissertation) and modern poetry. He taught at Columbia (1976-8) and at Athens College (1978-1981).He has been writing for Athens dailies Kathimerini (since 1978) and Ta Nea, as well as for the Independent in London (1985-95) and over the years for several Athens literary magazines(To Tram, To Dendro, Planodion, Book Journal).
Since 1982 Michael has been active in shipping. In 1996 he established Levant Maritime which successfully built in Japan super-handysize vessels which incorporated innovative specifications and set a leading benchmark for international dry-bulk trades.
Having studied Maritime Law in London, Michael was the representative of Greek shipping to NATO for seven years (1988-95) and has always maintained a lively interest in international relations and trades. He has lived and worked in New York, Athens and (mostly) London for the past 40 years.
Since 2008 Michael has worked with his wife Despina to create an organic walnut orchard in Artemision, northern Evia. Following expert advice from the walnut farmers of Perigord (where they both spent time during plantings and harvests) Michael and Despina built the first fully organic walnut farm in Greece and, since 2014, have been able to trade and export their substantial walnut production, as well as help revive local agriculture.
Michael enjoys spending time on his native island of Chios where summer holidays are shared with his two children and four grandchildren.
Languages: Greek, English, French, German, some Russian
The International Hellenic Prize, Michael Moschos
