ARMAND PINARBASI | PRESIDENT

Armand Pinarbasi has built an impressive career spanning over 30 years in audit, financial services, and business leadership across diverse industries. Since April 2022, he has served as CEO of SoftConstruct Group, an international leader in innovation technologies, overseeing 15+ brands and 6,000+ employees worldwide. His leadership drives growth, technological advancement, and global expansion for the group. Previously, Armand held key roles at Grant Thornton, including Director and Partner for PACA region at Grant Thornton France and Executive Director of International Relations at Grant Thornton International.

He also served as Managing Director of Grant Thornton Armenia for 12 years, contributing to the modernization of Armenia’s financial sector. Beyond his corporate achievements, Armand has played a vital role in international diplomacy. He served as Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Denmark in Armenia, acted as Foreign Trade Advisor for France, and founded the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce in Armenia, promoting stronger economic ties between the two countries. He also managed the French-Armenian Council’s Treasury, ensuring financial transparency and supporting strategic initiatives. A member of the French State Body of Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors, Armand was honored in 2009 as Knight of the National Order of Merit (Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite) by the President of the French Republic, recognizing his exceptional contributions to international economic relations.

Armen Mnatzakanian | Founding Member

Armen Mnatzakanian is an accomplished professional with a rich background in management, marketing communications, and customer relationship management (CRM). He currently serves as the President of the Franco-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFA), where he leverages his expertise to strengthen economic ties between France and Armenia. With more than three years of experience at the head of CCIFA, he mobilizes his expertise to strengthen bilateral ties and stimulate innovation in our sectors of activity. His previous role as Regional Director at VBet France allowed him to lead operational strategies, significantly contributing to the performance of the online gaming platform.

Managing a big team engineers in Armenia at Web-ISI reinforced his collaborative approach and his commitment to quality and fast service, values that he continues to prioritize in his current initiatives. As President of UFE Armenia (Union des Français de l’Étranger), he remains deeply committed to supporting the French expatriate community, fostering cultural exchange, and nurturing lasting connections between France and Armenia. In addition, he begins a growing crayfish business. Armen Mnatzakanian's multifaceted career reflects his dedication to fostering international collaborations, driving digital innovation, and contributing positively to community development.

Levon Hayrapetyan | Founding Member

Levon Hayrapetyan is the Honorary Consul of Iceland in Armenia, dedicated to fostering strong diplomatic and economic relations between Iceland and Armenia. With a proven background in international relations, business development, and public diplomacy, Levon actively promotes Icelandic culture, trade, and investment opportunities in Armenia. He is also the founder of Cross Group, a diversified business group engaged in sectors such as aviation, infrastructure, and technology. In addition to his diplomatic work, Levon leads Information Technology Gateways (ITG.am), a prominent company offering specialized IT solutions to the financial and banking sector. He is a founding member of Silicon Mountains, one of the leading technology and innovation forums in Armenia.

Levon has vast experience working with both governmental institutions and private sector entities, driving projects in aviation, finance, and digital transformation. His passion for international collaboration is reflected in his numerous partnerships with European and Gulf organizations. Levon is a frequent speaker and participant at regional and international conferences. He is committed to advancing economic diplomacy, innovation, and sustainable business practices in Armenia and beyond.

Gregory Surabian | Founding Member

Gregory Surabian is a real estate and capital markets professional with over 15 years of experience across large-scale real estate development, private equity, investment banking, and Big Four accounting.  He is a Senior Managing Director at Melkonian Capital Management, where he sits on the firm's investment committee.  Over his career, he has participated in more than $40 billion in real estate developments, investments, acquisitions, and M&A transactions across North America and the Middle East. Previously, Mr. Surabian served as Head of Investments at Red Sea Global (the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) leading real estate development company in Saudi Arabia), where he led the investment and financing function for the Red Sea Project and AMAALA—Saudi Arabia's flagship luxury tourism destinations under Vision 2030.

Prior to Red Sea Global, Mr. Surabian held roles at Anbang Insurance Group and Citi’s Real Estate & Lodging Investment Banking division, where he executed complex capital markets and M&A transactions. Mr. Surabian received a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern California and received his CPA license while in the audit department of PwC covering gaming and lodging.  He is also a member of the Tomouh Community of Leaders.