CCS Executive Committee Members

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The Founder of the Cyprus Cremation Society, Dr Ian Hussein, has worked in the cemetery and crematorium profession for 40 years. He is a former Chairman, President and National Secretary of the UK’s Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management with extensive experience in the public, private and charitable sectors.

Ian was awarded Fellowship and Life Membership of his profession in recognition of his services to the bereavement sector. He has undertaken advisory and technical roles for a range of organisations including the International Cremation Federation, the European Federation of Funeral Services, the UK Local and Central Governments and the EU.

With extensive experience in the sector and a doctorate in the strategic provision of cemeteries and crematoria, he is committed to delivering freedom of choice between burial and cremation on the island of Cyprus where he has lived since 2016.

Dr. Antonis Alexopoulos is the Society’s President. An outstanding public speaker and advocate for freedom of choice, he is a distinguished Cypriot academic and practitioner specializing in sports sociology, physical education, and sports management. He currently serves as a lecturer at European University Cyprus, where he coordinates the Sport Science and Physical Education Program. Additionally, he holds the position of President of the Cyprus Physical Education and Sport Science Association. Dr. Alexopoulos earned his PhD in Sociology of Sport from Semmelweis University in Budapest in 2007, with a dissertation titled “Sport in the European Union from a Cypriot Perspective.” He also holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management and a degree in Physical Education and Sport Sciences.

Beyond academia, Dr. Alexopoulos has extensive experience in the sports industry. He has worked as a personal trainer, gym shareholder, director of a Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Centre, and communication manager for obstacle running events. He is also a co-founder of EDUFIT, which holds the rights to certifications such as NASM, CETI, FMS, and AFAA in Cyprus. His research focuses on the role of sport as a vehicle for social change, athlete well-being, gender issues in sport, and human resource management and marketing in sports organizations. Notably, he has co-authored studies on harassment and abuse in sports, providing evidence-based guidelines for policy adherence.

Dr. Alexopoulos actively participates in public discourse on topics such as secularism, science communication, and mental health. He is a member of the Human Library Cyprus and a founding member of our Society.

Rachel, Honorary Chairman of CCS,  is a dedicated wife and mother who has lived in Cyprus for over twenty years, where she and her husband have raised their three children.

As an established business owner and active member of the local community, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep understanding of life in Cyprus.

A Media and Communications graduate, Rachel has a broad commercial background, having held various roles in the employment recruitment and real estate sectors with multinational companies. Her experience has equipped her with strong skills in negotiation, communication, and operational management.

For the past seventeen years, Rachel has co-owned and managed a successful real estate agency in Larnaca, specialising in property sales, rentals, and management. She is known for her approachable style, sound judgement, and genuine passion for helping people find the right solutions.

Rachel is also one of the founding members of the Cyprus Cremation Society. She is a strong advocate for respectful, dignified end-of-life choices and is committed to encouraging open dialogue and greater understanding of this important issue within the Cypriot community.

With her strong organisational abilities, people skills, and dedication to supporting others, Rachel brings both experience and compassion to the honorary role of Chairman, working closely with the President and Secretary to help guide the Society’s development and smooth operation. 

Introducing Neil Charters - the Society’s Project Manager. A Senior Aeronautical Engineer & Aviation Executive,

Neil has 47 years of international expertise across Europe, Africa, and Asia. His distinguished career encompasses leadership roles in technical operations, regulatory compliance, and strategic aviation management.

Neil has successfully led engineering and maintenance teams for major organizations, including Aerospace, EasyJet and British Airways. He has overseen diverse fleets, from commercial aircraft to advanced military platforms. His core competencies include project and financial management, regulatory compliance, and the execution of both small- and large-scale programmes.

Respected for his operational excellence in any business. Neil continues to serve the aviation industry as a trusted advisor and technical consultant. 

He relocated to Cyprus in 2016 and has settled into the community life here. He is one of the founding members of the Cyprus Cremation Society, advocating for the community’s right to choose between burial and cremation—championing dignity, freedom of choice, and progressive change in end-of-life services. 

The Honorary Secretary of the CCS is Robert Coates who is a distinguished and leading figure in the burial and cremation profession which he has served for over 40 years.

An Honorary Vice President and Life member of the ICCM (Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management), Bob is well qualified - he tutored burial and cremation law and managed crematoria for decades. In 1987, he was appointed ICCM national secretary, a role he only relinquished in 1994 to found the Confederation of Burial Authorities.

As its chief executive he oversaw a rapid rise in membership and influence. Good governance is Bob’s forte. He initiated and oversaw the Confederation’s seamless merger with the ICCM - becoming its hugely successful ‘Corporate’ arm - his original intention.

Contemporaneously he was editor of the ‘Journal’ - a post he held until 2018 by which time he had transformed the publication into the leading reference point for professional cemetery and crematorium managers.

Introducing Nigel Williams - the Society’s Business Consultant. Nigel is a seasoned executive in Air Traffic Management and Cloud Computing, with over 34 years of experience in research, development, and the deployment of large-scale, technology-driven solutions across Europe.

His career spans senior leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including retail, finance, insurance, consumer goods, defence, manufacturing, and utilities. Nigel has a strong track record of securing new business and negotiating complex, high-value contracts.

He brings to the Society a deep commitment to customer-centric values and leverages his strategic relationship-building skills to foster greater awareness and understanding of end-of-life choices in Cyprus.

Since 2022, Nigel has divided his time between the UK and Cyprus, gradually becoming more rooted in the dynamic community of Larnaca. He is a founding member of the Cyprus Cremation Society and a passionate advocate for dignity, freedom of choice, and progressive change in end-of-life services on the island.

Alex Constanta is the Society’s social media lead. A driven and dynamic individual, Alex has consistently excelled across academics, personal development, and physical wellbeing. With a strong work ethic and a keen eye for detail, he approaches every challenge with focus and determination. 

Whether it's in further education, on the sports field, or exploring new interests, Alex is known for his commitment to high achievement and continuous growth.

Now preparing to begin his national military service as part of his duty as a Greek Cypriot, Alex brings a unique perspective to the Cyprus Cremation Society. Passionate about respectful, informed choices around end-of-life matters, he is particularly motivated by the importance of modernising options for future generations.

Alex’s insight, creative energy, and deep respect for individual rights make him a valuable part of our mission to raise awareness and advocate for the right to choose in Cyprus.

Şenay Yusuf is the Society’s representative in North Cyprus. Fluent in English and Turkish. Şenay is experienced and highly proficient in public communication and administration with outstanding negotiation skills.

She has worked in a range of public and private sector professions, including her current role in customs and immigration. An enthusiastic self-motivated and hardworking individual, who strives for excellence and enjoys building relationships, Şenay is respected for her strong interpersonal, resilience and organisational skills.

Good at coping under pressure, she thrives on challenges both in her personal and professional life. A proud mother of two, Şenay is committed to individual choice and is a founding member of the Society.