Tzovanna Kompou: Steering Legal Leadership in Greece's Environmental Sector

In Greece’s evolving legal landscape, a new generation of women leaders is redefining how law shapes business, governance, and sustainable progress. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in sectors like environmental engineering, where regulation, innovation, and societal responsibility intersect.

Among the standout names in this space is Tzovanna Kompou, a legal strategist whose work is quietly but powerfully influencing how organizations navigate the future of environmental responsibility.

As Head of Legal at Environmental Protection Engineering, Tzovanna represents a modern legal leader: intellectually driven, purpose-oriented, and deeply committed to meaningful impact.

From her early days at Athens Law School, she gravitated toward the synergy between law and business, finding clarity in how legal structures shape corporate governance and long-term direction.

Her postgraduate specialization in Tax Law and International Taxation, earned through the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece and the UK’s Chartered Institute of Taxation, further sharpened her ability to transform legal knowledge into strategic advantage.

Her work with both Greek and international organizations solidified her belief that law is not just a regulatory framework but a dynamic instrument for resilience, sustainability, and responsible growth.

This perspective has earned her significant accolades, including a place in the GC Powerlist for Greece & Cyprus 2024 and the 20 Under 40 Business Law 2024 distinction.

Highlight the key areas of expertise you have developed in legal advisory in the Greek business landscape.

Over the years, I have built strong expertise in corporate governance, commercial transactions, and regulatory compliance. When it comes to compliance, the diversity of industries I have worked with has shaped my perspective significantly.

In my previous role as Head of Legal in the FMCG sector for five years, I gained deep, hands-on experience with local and EU regulations and codes governing food products. Today, in my current position, my focus has expanded to environmental law and waste management regulations.

What continues to motivate me in corporate law and compliance is its constant evolution. These fields push me to stay informed, think strategically, and approach every challenge with both legal precision and business understanding.

For me, compliance is no longer just about adhering to rules; it is about fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and long-term trust across an organization.

Stay disciplined, stay curious, and keep learning. The path to long-term success is built on consistency, growth, and embracing every experience as a lesson

Introduce us to Environmental Protection Engineering. What key responsibilities do you shoulder as Head of Legal of the company?

Environmental Protection Engineering, part of the ERMA TECH Group, a global leader in sustainable technology, has been at the forefront of marine and industrial environmental solutions for more than 45 years.

The company plays a key role in environmental management, marine protection, and the development of innovative technologies that support sustainability across Greece and internationally.

With strong expertise in pollution prevention, environmental remediation, emergency response, and the production of advanced marine equipment, we help both public and private sector clients meet their environmental and compliance goals while ensuring long-term environmental protection.

As Head of Legal, I oversee all legal and compliance matters across our operations. My role is broad and multifaceted: I advise management on corporate, restructuring, commercial, and regulatory issues, with a particular focus on environmental law and waste management under local and EU regulations.

A major part of my work involves identifying and mitigating legal and operational risks to ensure that every decision aligns with regulatory expectations and the company’s strategic direction.

I work closely with all internal departments, from operations to finance, as well as external partners, to maintain a secure and robust legal framework around every project. Ultimately, my goal is to safeguard the company’s interests while fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and responsible environmental stewardship.

What are some pressing challenges you encounter in your current role? How do you successfully navigate through these roadblocks?

Every leadership role brings its own challenges, and as Head of Legal, one of the most significant is aligning diverse operational and commercial goals with increasingly complex regulatory and compliance demands.

The legal function is sometimes viewed as a gatekeeper, so I work to change that perception by positioning our team as a proactive, strategic partner. I do this through open communication, early involvement in projects, and providing clear, solutions-oriented advice that supports, not slows, business objectives.

Another ongoing challenge is navigating continuous regulatory change across multiple jurisdictions. In today’s fast-evolving environment, laws shift quickly, so staying ahead is essential. I monitor developments closely, anticipate potential risks, and design compliance frameworks that are practical, well-structured, and easy for internal teams to adopt.

Finally, developing and retaining strong legal talent remains a top priority. Legal work can be demanding, so I focus heavily on mentorship, skill-building, and professional growth. I make sure team members engage with strategic matters and feel recognized for their contributions.

This approach not only strengthens the team’s resilience but also fosters a culture of accountability, motivation, and long-term excellence.

How do you see corporate governance evolving in the Greek Marine & Industrial sector in the coming years? Which trends will have the biggest impact on supporting businesses?

Corporate governance in the Greek marine and industrial sectors is entering a period of major transformation. Looking ahead, the biggest forces shaping this shift will be evolving ESG requirements and the accelerating pace of digital transformation.

In the marine industry, decarbonisation has become a top priority, driven by the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction targets and the EU Emissions Trading System for shipping.

Shipowners are increasingly investing in cleaner fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and new operational practices. Industrial companies face similar pressure from EU directives promoting lower emissions, energy efficiency, and sustainable production.

At the same time, digitalisation and cybersecurity are becoming essential pillars of governance. As operations grow more connected and data-driven, boards must ensure technological innovation aligns with regulatory and ethical expectations.

Overall, governance in Greece is shifting toward stronger ESG integration, decarbonisation readiness, and digital resilience foundations for credibility, trust, and sustainable growth.

Looking back at your journey, what key milestones are you most proud of? What is your guiding ‘success mantra’ as a business leader?

Looking back, several milestones have shaped my professional journey. Early hands-on experience in corporate law and compliance helped me understand how legal frameworks directly support and influence business decisions.

My role as a Senior Associate at PwC was another defining stage, exposing me to complex transactions and regulatory challenges while advising international clients. It strengthened my ability to manage high-stakes matters and operate in fast-paced, demanding environments.

Stepping into leadership roles later and ultimately becoming Head of Legal was especially meaningful. It not only tested my legal expertise but also deepened my ability to guide strategic decisions, support management, and mentor younger colleagues.

My guiding philosophy is simple: stay disciplined, stay curious, and never stop learning. I believe long-term success comes from continuous growth and consistency. Every experience, positive or challenging, offers something valuable if you are willing to listen, adapt, and evolve.

Tzovanna Kompou, Head of Legal at Environmental Protection Engineering

Tzovanna Kompou is the Head of Legal at Environmental Protection Engineering, part of the global ERMA TECH Group. With a strong foundation in corporate law, compliance, and environmental regulation, she brings extensive – more than 15 years – experience, from both the FMCG sector and international advisory work, including her tenure as Senior Associate at PwC. An alumna of Athens Law School with postgraduate qualifications in Tax Law and International Taxation, she is recognized in the GC Powerlist Greece & Cyprus 2024 and “20 Under 40 Business Law 2024.”