- City University London
1991-1994 - The University of Hull
1994-1995
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Harris graduated from the City University of London with a BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science in 1994. He later went on to achieve an MBA (Financial Management) from the University of Hull the year after.
To summarise his career prior to his current role, Harris was the Town Clerk of the Municipality of Aglantzia where he was responsible for actively and effectively driving organisation, staffing and excellence in a semi-government organisation. He came to the position in June 2005 and left the position to become CEO of the Commission in July 2022.
Harris also has multiple years of experience in the private sector, having held several higher management positions for various large private companies. His experience made him an ideal choice for Chief Executive Officer at the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission, as his knowledge and values align with that of the Commission’s.
EMPLOYMENT
Before taking his position at the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission Tsangarides worked at a variety of jobs. Between 1995 and 2022 he worked in eight different organisations, of which several were in the private sector. Some included the role of Regional Financial Controller at ACNeilsen and Assistant General Manager at DeLaMan McCann Cyprus.
Of the jobs during this time period the most notable was the aforementioned position at the Town Clerk of the Municipality of Aglantzia. He held the role for 17 years.
At the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission, Harris’ principal responsibilities include organising, managing and overseeing all commission-related activities in response to regulatory policies set out by the Board of Directors.
Harris’ vision is to ensure the Commission is established as a world class gaming regulator and to make sure casino gaming in Cyprus is conducted in a fair and responsible manner, in accordance with the local and global laws and regulations.
In addition to licensing and regulating employees and casino operators in the industry, he has a duty to protect the public, including young people and vulnerable groups, ensuring they are playing responsibly. He does this through implementing the appropriate protective measures where necessary.
His practical and lengthy involvement in public administration matters, as well as his knowledge on the coordination of complicated actions and projects, align with the Commission’s objectives and expectations as well as their vision and values, making him the perfect fit for this role.
Harris’ ultimate goal is to ensure the regulatory role of the Commission, setting the seal on fair casino gambling in Cyprus, certifying it is a safe, legal, and responsible activity that is regulated and guided by the correct laws and regulations.
Other key visions include to ensure that temporary and satellite casinos operate in a lawful manner, the commissions framework of principles, procedures, policies and operational capabilities are established and migration to the ICR and licensees meet their obligations, whilst identifying and managing risk.
On describing what the Commission does, Harris stated: “We license and regulate both the casino operator and individuals working in the casino industry, including casino employees, machine suppliers, junket operators and those providing test laboratory services.” Harris Tsangarides
