Charis holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Science (MSc) in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States as well as a Diploma in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University in Greece.
In his role, as Director of Consumer and SME Banking, one of the largest divisions of the Bank of Cyprus, Charis leads the Consumer Banking, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Banking, Digital Channels, the Cards department and IDEA. Consumer Banking is dedicated to retail customers with branches in key locations in Cyprus. SME Banking provides financial services to small and medium enterprises, supports innovation and entrepreneurship and fosters economic growth and welfare in Cyprus. Both Consumer and SME Banking provide a full spectrum of financial products and services to hundreds of thousands of customers. The Digital Channels (DC) department includes internet banking, mobile banking, call centre, ATM network and mobile P2P payments. DC leads the bank into the new digital era embracing the technological banking revolution, and provides alternatives to traditional banking. The Cards department offers a full range of cards and constantly maintains a competitive advantage and a leading position in the Cyprus cards market.
Charis is a strong supporter of IDEA Incubator/Accelerator Programme of BOC and CIIM, which develops and supports start-ups and innovative entrepreneurship in Cyprus. Charis Pouangare chairs the Steering Committee of the Programme since its launch in May 2015 and also now serves as Chairman of the Board of IDEA Ltd.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of Eurolife Ltd, Board of Directors of General Insurance Company Ltd, Board of Directors of BOC Oncology Centre, and the BOC-Asset Management-BOCAM and also a member of the Board of Directors of Limassol Marina.