Eleni Giokos has established herself as a prominent CNN anchor and correspondent, linking stories from Africa and the Middle East through her insightful reporting on business, politics, and economic trends.
Early Life and Education
Born in Greece and raised in Emalahleni, South Africa, Giokos pursued journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand, earning an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies. Her academic excellence earned her an International Monetary Fund Fellowship in 2014, laying the groundwork for an international journalism career.
Career Path
Giokos began her media journey in South Africa, working with CNBC Africa and eNCA, where she covered major events such as the Oscar Pistorius trial and the Westgate Mall attack. Her experience expanded with Bloomberg TV Africa, focusing on financial and economic reporting.
In 2015, she joined CNN to enhance the network's Africa coverage, bringing interviews with influential figures like Jacob Zuma and Richard Branson. Her assignments have spanned numerous African countries and extended to Asia and global CNN hubs including Washington, London, New York, and Atlanta.
Since 2021, Giokos has been based in Dubai, anchoring shows like Connecting Africa and Marketplace Middle East, further solidifying her role in highlighting the interconnectedness of these regions.
Personal Life
Giokos is married to George Chatzicharalampous, a civil engineer she met in Greece in 2008. The couple wed in 2015 and have a daughter named Cleo, born in 2017. Giokos balances her demanding career with motherhood, often reflecting on the support from her husband and her multicultural upbringing.
Impact and Recognition
Her reporting goes beyond financial markets to include coverage of conflicts, natural disasters, and political developments. Giokos has interviewed prominent leaders and continues to be a key figure in narrating the evolving relationship between Africa and the Middle East on the global stage.
