Born and raised in Nicosia, Polys completed his early education locally, after which he served in the Cyprus Navy, fulfilling his 26-month obligatory military service. Following his discharge from the army at the rank of Lieutenant, he pursued his studies in Marine and Mechanical Engineering. His academic path later expanded into business, earning him an MBA that bridged technical knowledge with commercial strategy. Over the years, he gravitated toward projects that combined engineering, business, and stakeholder management, eventually leading him into the world of real estate development. A defining moment in his career was managing the redevelopment of the Mall of Engomi during the COVID-19 lockdown. This experience solidified his ability to lead complex projects and align the needs of investors, tenants, and the community.

Polys is married and has a wonderful family with two children, who keep life busy, grounded, and full of perspective. We spoke to Polys about Atterbury Europe’s vision for Cyprus, key development insights and how his team is building projects that deliver value well beyond bricks and mortar.

“Development is not just about construction – it’s a long-term investment in people, place and purpose.”

Mandate in Cyprus

Brightbridge’s strength lies in integrating property, asset and development management into a single, cohesive approach. In Cyprus, this means we don’t simply deliver buildings, we create long-term, high-performing assets.

“Every development decision is informed by asset performance goals and day-to-day property-level insights,” explains Polys. “When overseeing a project, we ensure tenancy strategies, maintenance requirements and future adaptability are considered from day one. That alignment creates sustainable value across the entire asset lifecycle, from concept to operation.”

Lessons from the Mall of Engomi redevelopment

The redevelopment of the Mall of Engomi has been widely recognized as a retail success story, and for good reason. Transforming an existing development during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, while keeping the mall partially operational, presented significant complexities. Nevertheless, bold design choices and decisive development strategies helped deliver what feels like a completely new retail experience.

Key improvements included a stunning new façade, showcasing its modern design and aesthetic architecture, an expanded retail footprint, a modernized, visually cohesive food court with a wide range of offerings and an upgraded outdoor seating area.

A critical insight from the project was the importance of establishing a carefully balanced and strategically selected tenant mix, designed to cater precisely to the tastes and daily needs of the Engomi community. Timeframes also proved to be a crucial factor, as delivering with precision on an island comes with its challenges, particularly regarding the cost-effective supply of materials, which are predominantly imported. Equally vital was the establishment of clear and consistent communication channels among all stakeholders, ensuring alignment throughout the development process.

“These lessons are now embedded in how we approach new developments,” says Polys. “We prioritise striking the right tenant mix, realistic project timeframes whilst maintaining clear, consistent communication among all stakeholders.”

“We don’t just deliver buildings – we create long-term, high-performing assets that shape communities.”

Community and tenant engagement

Creating a positive impact for local communities is a cornerstone of Atterbury Europe’s development strategy. “We engage stakeholders early, from local councils to resident groups, to understand their priorities,” he explains.

Whether it’s through inclusive public spaces, infrastructure upgrades, or job creation during both construction and operation, the goal is to leave a lasting, positive footprint. These efforts are also aligned with investor expectations by integrating ESG factors and linking community value directly to long-term asset performance.

Leadership and culture

Polys believes that leadership is earned through trust, consistency and empowerment. He fosters a culture of openness, accountability and collaboration within project teams.

“By leading by example, remaining approachable, encouraging input at all levels, ensuring that everyone feels ownership over the outcome and maintaining clear alignment on project targets, we build strong, motivated teams,” he says. “This approach embeds innovation, integrates ESG priorities and fosters shared ownership across complex, multidisciplinary developments.”

New developments and advice for young professionals

Atterbury Europe’s proposed Mall of Limassol is a project that Polys is particularly excited about. As a greenfield development, it offers the opportunity to reimagine how people live, work and connect on the island.

“It’s a significant project that will help shape Cyprus’s next chapter of urban growth and I’m proud to be part of it,” he says.

His advice for young professionals considering a career in real estate is clear: “Don’t hesitate to enter the sector from a different field. Real estate is evolving rapidly and needs fresh perspectives. Stay curious, build your skills and seek mentors who challenge and support your growth.”

The person behind the projects

Despite his success in real estate, many are surprised to learn that Polys didn’t start his career in the property sector. With a background rooted in engineering, strategic thinking  and business transformation, he brings a unique lens to development, seeing it not just as construction but as an investment in people, place and purpose.

Outside of work, Polys enjoys scuba diving, a passion that keeps him grounded and clears his mind. He also values time spent with friends and colleagues, believing that building strong personal and professional relationships is essential to success.

With his diverse background, strategic outlook and commitment to collaboration, Polys plays a vital role in advancing our vision for Cyprus. His ability to align technical expertise with community impact and long-term asset performance is helping to shape places where businesses and people can thrive and where Cyprus’s future continues to be built.