Stavros Arnaoutakis is a Greek economist and prominent politician who has served as the Governor of the Region of Crete since 2011. His political career began in local government as the Mayor of Archanes (1991–2004), where he gained recognition for regional development. He later transitioned to European and national politics, serving as a Member of the European Parliament (2004–2009) and subsequently as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament. In 2009, he was appointed Deputy Minister for Economy, Competitiveness, and Shipping. He has since been elected Governor of Crete for four consecutive terms, consistently securing strong electoral mandates.