Greek Armed Forces appoint first female spokesperson in historic leadership change
Lieutenant Colonel Maria Kioiliou has officially assumed the role of spokesperson for the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA), marking a historic first as the institution’s first-ever female press secretary.
Originally from Dimetoka in the Meriç region, Kioiliou formally took over her new position during a handover ceremony held on Thursday, June 11.
The ceremony took place at the Hellenic Navy Headquarters with the participation of Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis.
Kioiliou succeeds Colonel Spiros Aslanis, who had long served in the role and was formally thanked for his years of service during the transition.
In his remarks, General Houpis highlighted the professional career and achievements of the new spokesperson, while expressing gratitude to the outgoing officer for his contributions.
He also extended his best wishes to Lieutenant Colonel Kioiliou, stating his confidence that she will fulfill her duties with professionalism, experience, and strong institutional knowledge.
The appointment is being viewed as a significant milestone in the representation of women within Greece’s top military leadership structures.
