Andis Hadjicostis (Greek: Άντης Χατζηκωστής; September 12, 1968 in Nicosia – January 11, 2010) was a Cypriot businessman and media mogul. Hadjicostis is credited with creating Sigma TV, a popular commercial television station in Cyprus, serving as the station's CEO. He also served as the CEO of the private, family-owned Dias Media Group, which controls Cypriot television stations, radio and newspapers. Hadjicostis modernized and reformed Dias during his tenure.
Andis Hadjicostis was shot and killed with a shotgun on January 11, 2010, while leaving his home in the Engomi neighborhood of Nicosia. He was 41 years old at the time of his murder.
The Simerini, a Dias owned newspaper, printed the front page editorial headline, "Cowardly murder – they killed Andy Hadjicostis in cold blood." Sigma TV switched to classical music programming on news of Hadjicostis' murder.
Cypriot police allege that Hadjicostis was murdered by a former employee, Elena Skordelli, a presenter on one of the victim's television stations. Skordelli had recently been fired. Skordelli, her brother and two other men allegedly conspired to kill Hadjicostis.
Elena Skordeli, her brother and the two other suspects were sentenced to life in prison in June 2013, for the conspiracy and murder of Andis Hadjicostis.
References
- "A businessman well liked by associates and friends". Cyprus Mail. January 13, 2010. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
- ^ "Cyprus TV boss Andis Hadjicostis murdered in Nicosia". Financial Mirror. January 12, 2010. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
- BBC News: Cyprus TV host Elena Skordelli tried for murder
- Charalambous, Charlie (June 14, 2013). "The sacked TV host and a story of revenge: life in jail for mafia-style murder of millionaire media mogul". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved June 22, 2013.