Mr. Aris Jacovides, President & Managing Director, M.S.Jacovides Hellas S.A. / Vice President, Genesis Pharma S.A., discusses MSJ Groups’ origins that date back to 1944, when his father Michalakis (Michel) Jacovides opened his first pharmacy in Nicosia, Cyprus, ultimately becoming one of the first importers of polio vaccines and ready made pharmaceuticals in the Cyprus market. To this day, the MSJ Group is counting 80 years of successful business activity in the health sector and it is been headed by Michalakis’ four sons, Sotos, Savvas, Alex and Aris Jacovides. With the addition in the operations of the family’s’ 3rd generation, the Group continues its successful business activities through four companies specializing in different product categories that cover a wide range of needs, from pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals, to over-the-counter drugs (OTC). Today MSJ Group is the largest organization in the Health Sector in Cyprus with an annual turnover of over 75 million euros and more than 400 employees.
The Group is also well established in Greece for 43 years, initially with the creation of M.S. Jacovides Hellas, one of the first companies of Cypriot interests in the country, specializing in high-tech medical devices and later with Genesis Pharma, one of the first companies specializing in the commercialization of biopharmaceutical products. Genesis was founded by the Jacovides brothers together with Costas Evripides in 1997and ranks among the leading pharmaceutical companies in Greece. Today, the Group continues its expansion with special focus in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology & medical technology products, co-shaping the future of Health in Greece, Cyprus and beyond during the last few years with Genesis’ expansion in Central and South– East Europe.
The 80 years’ anniversary was celebrated with a series of events, including a historic pop-up exhibition with special relics exhibition and honorary tributes that guided visitors on an incredible journey through the Group’s rich history and with events in both Nicosia and Limassol. The Group’s business excellence and its economic & societal contribution throughout the years was further acknowledged with the receipt of the honorary ‘Lifetime Achievement Award 2024′ that was presented to the four brothers by the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, at the prestigious IMH-IN Business Awards in May 2025.
For the complete interview of Mr. Aris Jacovides in PhB magazine please click here