Alumnus Profiled: Antony Contomichalos
Graduated: Deree ‘81
Lives in: Miami, New York
Current Position: President and managing principal, MacArthur Capital Group
“Always be yourself. If you really want something you will find a way to do it.”
ANTONY CONTOMICHALOS was born in Athens, Greece, and graduated from Deree in 1981. He earned a master in applied economics with a specialization in finance from the University of Paris IX Dauphine, in France. Antony is the founder, president and key managing principal of MacArthur Capital Group, a company established in 1998, which has grown into a private full-fledged long-term investment firm, and one of the largest owners of retail condominiums in New York City. Prior to founding MacArthur, Antony worked for 15 years with Credit Agricole (now Calyon), one of the major international banking groups. He is a member of the board of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, where he also served as Treasurer. Antony was also president of the Hellenic American Bankers Association, and has served as board member of several organizations in the past. He is married and has three children.
INTERVIEW
Q.: What are three enduring lessons you learned during your studies at Deree?
- Look for the solution, not the problem.
- Know your objective before starting your analysis and be thorough.
- Don’t underestimate the value of teamwork.
Q.: Describe Deree in three words.
Professional, quality-driven, friendly.
Q.: One of your favorite Deree memories?
A class on the mathematics of finance which introduced me to a hitherto unknown and yet fascinating world and that has greatly influenced my way of analyzing financial information.
Q.: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
The immediate access to a dynamic body of knowledge and information.
Q.: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
The cafeteria – not to forget the daily trips to the beach once warmer temperatures set in.
Q.: Who was your favorite professor and why?
Professor Pappas, who taught Finance, because of his unpredictable and ever challenging questions.
Q.: Have you kept in touch with any of your classmates?
I have kept in touch with quite a few, including some with whom I have developed long standing friendships.
Q.: How did Deree help prepare you for your professional life?
While introducing me to basic business and finance tools, it created the necessary link between the academic demands of college life and the pragmatic qualities required to enter professional life.
Q.: What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always leave room for the unpredictable.
Q.: What (or who) inspires you most?
Self-made men or women who started with a vision, had the guts to carry it through, and remained themselves.
Q.: Your motto in life?
Always be yourself. If you really want something you will find a way to do it.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
