Konstantinos Nikolaou is Chief Operating Officer of Benefit Software, a technology partner to the maritime and shipping industry. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Piraeus, Benefit Software provides ERP and digital solutions for shipping through an integrated ecosystem of Benefit ERP, assisted with Polus AI decision-support layer, serving around 250 shipping companies and 1,700 vessels worldwide. In his current role, he drives the company’s AI strategy, from development to adoption, both in the products and services Benefit delivers to shipping companies and in the way the organization itself operates, applying AI to maritime solutions, vessel operations and internal processes. He has developed the processes and workflows of the Support, Success and Consulting business units, as well as Product, Marketing, Software Development and IT & Dev Operations, with a focus on cybersecurity and compliance. With nearly two decades of experience in telecommunications, banking and technology, Konstantinos has led large-scale customer operations and digital transformation at Piraeus Bank Romania, Cosmote and OTE. He holds a BSc in Physics and a BSc in Business Administration and has completed the Executive Program Management at INSEAD Business School.