George Ioannou appointed as new director of the prison system

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Cyprus has officially announced the appointment of retired military officer George Ioannou as the permanent Director of the Prison System. The decision follows a formal selection process initiated by a notice published in the Official Gazette on January 30, 2026. While one source indicates that Ioannou assumes his duties immediately, official statements from the PSC specify that the appointment will take effect on November 2, 2026, subject to the terms and conditions of a formal offer letter.

Ioannou brings a background in high-level military leadership to the role. He previously served as the commander of the National Guard's Special Forces Command (LOK) and held the position of the first military attaché of the Republic of Cyprus to the United States, a role he assumed in August 2019 to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation. His appointment is part of a strategic effort by the government to enhance administrative oversight and operational management within the national prison facilities. The selection process involved specific regulatory procedures to fill the permanent vacancy, identified as application number 3931444.