Ares Michaelides, CFA

Active CFO, Bridgton Academy (ME)

Ares Michaelides is an experienced CEO/CFO/COO having led and managed all aspects of public, private, and not for profit Education, Hospitality, Travel Retail, and Supply Chain entities. Educated and trained in finance for ten years, he shifted roles into the hospitality industry holding various senior positions, such as CFO for Celebrity Cruises, COO for MSC Cruises USA and EVP/CFO/COO for Starboard Cruise Services, the world’s largest cruise line retailer. He is currently the CFO for Bridgton Academy, a one year post graduate college preparatory academy. 

Ares has a track record of major accomplishments in delivering results through strategic planning with  focus on financial management and yield improvement, operational excellence, improving the guest experience, and promoting people and culture. He has managed start-up operations, completed multiple mergers and acquisitions, restructured balance sheet capitalizations, and led cultural transformation and leadership development.

A respected and trusted executive leader, Ares is known for his analytical approach, emotional intelligence, poise under pressure, ability to communicate and succinctly deliver key and relevant messages, and a mentorship style that motivates diverse teams to achieve results. He has a collaborative management approach that drives debate, analysis, and decisions, and his leadership fundamentals  focuses on four themes: trust, empowerment, communication, and accountability. 

Ares holds a Master of Science in Economics and a Diploma in Economics (Master of Arts equivalent) from the London School of Economics, University of London; a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics from Drew University; and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. 

In 2021, Ares and his wife relocated to the Boston area to support her career at Boston College, where she completed her master’s degree. A sports enthusiast, he plays soccer and tennis.