Panagiotis Simandirakis was born in Kera Kissamou in 1982. He is a graduate of the Department of Economics and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Economics and Finance, with a specialization in European Integration, from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has worked as an economic consultant at “Athinaiki Anaptyxiaki” and is also co-owner of the family business “Cretan Delicacies Simandirakis.” He has served as General Secretary of the Economic Chamber of Greece, Western Crete Department, and is an elected member of the Central Council of the Economic Chamber of Greece. In 2010, he was first elected Regional Councilor of Crete with the “Crete – First Power” coalition led by Stavros Arnaoutakis, ranking first in votes in the Regional Unit of Chania. He also served as a regular member of the Economic Committee of the Region of Crete. In 2014, he was re-elected and served as Deputy Regional Governor for Education, Lifelong Learning, and Employment until 2017. From 2017 to 2019, he held the position of Regional Councilor responsible for Education and Lifelong Learning. He first ran in the Municipal Elections of 2019 and was elected Mayor of Chania as head of the “For Chania” coalition. He was re-elected to the same position in October 2023. Finally, he is the founder and President of the Organizing Committee of the Rokka Festivals.