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Our History

Since 1987, PLANET has been at the forefront of change, driving key transformations and infrastructure investments across Southeastern Europe and beyond. With a vision rooted in excellence, we've built a legacy of impact - combining expertise, partnership and innovation to help our clients thrive.

History of PLANET across 3+ decades

Development Phases

  • Establishes a strategic presence in Brussels, positioning itself at the heart of European decision-making.
  • Broadens its portfolio, delivering impactful Development, Management Consulting, ICT and Infrastructure Development solutions.
  • Forms powerful alliances with global consulting leaders, enhancing expertise and reach.
  • Solidifies its leadership in the Greek Public Sector, driving transformative projects with unparalleled success.

  • National Bank of Greece becomes a key strategic shareholder, reinforcing growth and market influence
  • PLANET acquires Ernst & Young Management Consulting in Greece and SE Europe, operating as PLANET Ernst & Young until 2004
  • Further strengthens its international presence with the opening of offices and subsidiaries in the wider region in the Balkans and Turkey.

  • Maintains its position as the leading Greek Firm despite the National Financial Crisis and manages to sustain its human capital intact.
  • Increases its share capital and enters a new growth phase
  • Enriches its service portfolio and strengthens positioning in key industries.
1987

1987

Starting Point

In late 1987 PLANET is founded by a group of NTUA graduates engaging until that time in research and advisory activities in Greece and abroad. The creation of the company is laid upon the founders’ understanding of EU policy design and implementation and EU co-funded Programmes in the field of ICT, as well as their insightful assessment of how the Greek environment would evolve based on the emerging technological trends and advancements in programme funding.

1988

1988

Pioneering EU ICT Projects

Puts Greek ICT consulting on the map, as it partners with the largest European companies in IT and telecommunications and is awarded 4 major EU funded ICT research projects, the first of the many to follow.

1989

1989

Shaping Greece’s ICT Future

Develops the first national strategy for the advancement of the ICT industry in Greece, in collaboration with Telesis. The strategy will define the trajectory of the Greek ICT sector in the years to come. Also, plays an important role in the design and implementation of the first multi-annual EU funded technological programmes (IMP of IT and STAR for Telecommunications).

1991-1993

1991-1993

Spearheads Community Structural Funds Programmes in Greece

Plays pivotal role in creating and leading the design and management of Community Structural Funds (CSF) Programmes in Greece (later named ESPA), in a broad spectrum of interventions (e.g. National CSF Programme, Telematics, INTERREG, STAR).

1992-1997

1992-1997

Enabling Social Security Transformation in Greece

Developed the Strategic IT Master Plan and critical subsequent studies (e.g. new budgeting system and processes) that defined the requirements and paved the way for the complete transformation of Greek Social Security Institute (IKA) over the years to come.

1993-1994

1993-1994

First international projects won

Is awarded its first international projects in Moldova and Romania, funded by International Funding Institutions thus establishing the basis for its international activity which is still an important part of its business.

1993

1993-1994

First Blueprints for Greece’s Telecom & Postal Organisations

Undertakes the development of the first business plans for two major Greek State entities, the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A. (OTE) and the Hellenic Post (ELTA). This work determined the future of the two organizations and ensured their funding from the European Commission.

1994

1993-1994

Revolutionizing Citizen-State relations through ICT

Leads two significant ICT reform initiatives in Greece, one for the Ministry of Finance and the other for the former Social Security Institute. The impact of these reforms on the interaction between Greek citizens and the state is apparent to this day, with TAXIS information system, developed as part of the project, continuing to serve as the central technology platform for The Independent Authority for Public Revenues (AADE).

1995

1995-1996

Entering Greece’s growing Infrastructure Market

Participates in the project management of two significant Greek infrastructure projects, namely the Rio - Antirrio Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at the time and Egnatia Odos, one of Greece’s major motorways, 900 km long that connects 3 regions in the North of the country. To do so, it joins forces with a global key player of infrastructure project management, Halliburton Brown & Root and welcomes its new infrastructure service.

1997-2000

1997-2000

Contributing to infrastructure project finance challenges

Actively participating as a financial advisor in collaboration with leading international and local banks to address the project finance challenges regarding major infrastructure projects (e.g. Greek motorways concessions, Rion-Antirion Bridge)

1997

1997

Offering Olympic Airways an opportunity to survive

Following earlier efforts and in close collaboration with a leading global strategy consulting firm, developed and proposed to the competent Ministry of Transport an integrated restructuring plan for Olympic Airways including opportunities for revenue growth and recommendations for cost reduction aiming at the survival of the ailing airline company which eventually was chosen to be integrated with Aegean Airlines.

1997-2004

1997-2004

Defining and implementing the first major transformation of National Bank of Greece

Supporting the listing of NBG in the New York Stock Exchange, addressed critical transformation requirements including the major upgrade of the credit function and branch network reorganization first defining the strategy and action plan and then undertaking the implementation of a multi annual change programme.

1997-2004

1997-2004

Actively involved in the transformation of state-owned banks following deregulation of the banking sector in Greece

As a result of the banking sector deregulation in the mid 90s, all state banks had to adopt their business models to the new market environment facing open competition. PLANET has worked with most state-owned banks (National Bank of Greece, Agricultural Bank, Post Savings Bank, General Bank) in multi annual programmes addressing strategic, operational, organizational, technological, HR and change management issues.

1998

1998

Shaping the Greek Landscape of Mobile Communications

Leads the development of Cosmote's strategy and organizational structure, Greece’s third-largest mobile operator at the time. This guidance fuels the company’s rapid expansion and establishes its core participation within the OTE group. Through strategic integration, Cosmote solidifies its role as a telecommunications leader, strengthening its influence across the Greek market.

1998

1999

Transforming PPC's Operations

In partnership with McKinsey, PLANET plays a central role in one of Greece’s most iconic national transformations—the strategic redesign and reorganization of the Public Power Corporation (PPC), a pillar of the nation’s energy sector. This project focused on shaping the operational framework of PPC’s Corporate Headquarters (EPEP), modernizing decision-making processes, and establishing an efficient, future-ready structure. The impact of this transformation continues to resonate, positioning PPC as a powerful force in Greece's competitive energy market.

1999-2004

1999-2004

Contributing to the Athens 2004 triumph

Takes center stage in preparing for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, delivering critical, high-stakes projects essential to the event’s success. From orchestrating the relocation of Olympic Airways to the new Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to managing key transport infrastructure and overseeing the construction of 14 Olympic sports facilities across Attica, PLANET played a pivotal role in this national endeavor. These transformative efforts not only ensured the Games' success but also established a lasting legacy of progress and innovation.

2002

1998-2004

Supporting Reform and Reorganization of IKA for a Stronger Social Security System

PLANET took on a pivotal role in the comprehensive transformation of IKA, Greece's main social security institution. By driving critical improvements across strategy, services, organization, and operations, the project ensured IKA's ability to adapt to modern challenges for the benefit of the public. This milestone transformation laid the foundation for IKA's modern status, strengthening Greece’s social security framework and enhancing service delivery for citizens.

2004-2007

2004-2007

Paving Romania and Bulgaria’s European Transformation

Leads transformative projects in Romania and Bulgaria, modernizing infrastructure and reforming institutions critical for EU accession. These initiatives not only fulfilled accession prerequisites but also catalyzed their European trajectory, shaping a future of progress and modernization.

2004-2009

2004-2009

Expanding its presence internationally

Continues to excel in major EU projects, successfully delivering groundbreaking Research and Innovation initiatives that shape the future of ICT R&D across Europe. At the same time, strengthens its global footprint with a strategic expansion in Western Balkans and the Middle East, paving the way for transformative projects in a rapidly evolving region.

2010-2014

2010-2014

Taking the International Lead

Leads consortia with major international firms, securing prestigious global projects that fuel its expansion and establish its position as a dominant force in the international donor market.

2010-2020

2010-2020

Steadily involved in major initiatives of the period

In addition to growing its international footprint, PLANET has been steadily involved in this period in all major initiatives that took place in Greece including the transformations in the banking sector as a result of the explosion of non-performing exposures in credit portfolios and the licensing of new types of actors, the new challenges in the energy sector (Renewables, new entities stemming from former PPC in transmission and distribution of energy), the development and monetization of state-owned real estate property and the transformation of the construction sector.

2020-2021

2020-2021

Establishing Global Leadership

Achieves a groundbreaking moment in its history by leading the €24.5 million Infrastructure Project Facility — Technical Assistance 10 (IPF 10) for the European Investment Bank, the largest ever awarded to a Greek consultancy. Guiding an international consortium, PLANET undertakes the vital task of maturing large-scale infrastructure projects across the Western Balkans, covering transport, energy, sustainability, social infrastructure, and digital economy. This pivotal initiative not only supported the region’s modernization and European integration but also establishes PLANET as a trusted leader in delivering transformative, high-impact solutions on the global stage.

2021

2021-2025

Strengthening the implementation of Greece's migration policy

Undertakes a framework contract to provide comprehensive support to the Hellenic Ministry of Migration in designing and implementing key interventions, actions, and projects. This crucial initiative enhances Greece’s migration policy amidst the European migration crisis. The implemented interventions equip the country to effectively address one of the most pressing European challenges of the decade.

2021-2025

2021-2025

Supporting the improvement of urban transport in Athens and Thessaloniki

Supports the whole life cycle of procurement of 700 new modern technology buses (EV and CNG) improving drastically the outdated fleet in both cities.

2022-2025

2022-2025

Paving the Way for Infrastructure & Transport Transformation

Selected by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in a framework contract to provide technical advisory services at key stages of project development. This collaboration drives strategic planning, funding, design review and project and construction management for much needed new infrastructure and transport projects marking the realization of transformative projects that reshape Greece’s infrastructure and transport landscape.

2022

2022

Landmark Urban Regeneration of former Athens Airport land area

Takes part in one of the country’s most iconic infrastructure projects, the Helinicon. This emblematic national investment represents Greece’s largest urban regeneration initiative. PLANET has been chosen for the provision of Advisory services, overseeing the execution of the Integrated Development Plan. This assignment marks a significant recognition for PLANET, highlighting its enduring contribution to pivotal national development projects.

PLANET’s new Home

2022

A New Chapter: PLANET’s Own Home

In September 2022, PLANET embarks on a new era, moving into its own offices. The acquisition of a newly renovated, four-story building marks a significant milestone, reflecting the company’s evolution and long-term vision. More than just a workspace, the new headquarters serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and continued excellence, reinforcing PLANET’s commitment to shaping the future.

2023-2025

2023-2025

A new wave of engagements across important sectors

Wins several contracts in value and significance across its portfolio in Greece and abroad and enters new lines of business.

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