Remembering Joanna Savvides
Joanna Savvides, business woman and dedicated member of the Philadelphia community, is remembered for her passion and dedication to fostering international trade and diplomacy throughout her career.
Savvides, Founder and President of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP), a valued member of the Global Philadelphia Association, passed away September 13, 2025 at the age of 76.
Born in Cyprus in 1949, Savvides immigrated to the United States in 1980 after completing her degree from the University of Belgrade in Industrial Agriculture. Shaping her career to broaden and deepen her global perspective, Savvides dedicated her life to wielding global strategy and business development to foster international trade and forge connections among Philadelphia’s global business communities.
Joanna Savvides held leadership positions at IBM, Heinz, Campbell Soup Company, and Vlasic Foods. She was the managing director of Transworld Ventures LLC, and responsible for opening new markets in Ghana and Canada. As the founder and president of WTCGP, Savvides worked with 500 companies and added 3,800 new jobs; this extraordinary career was sustained by her commitment to community, loyalty, and service. This year, WTCGP hosted the 21st Annual Global Trade Summit, where members of the Philadelphia community were able to celebrate Philadelphia’s cultural legacy and role in the global community.
Having conducted business in almost 100 countries, Savvides’ work has been widely celebrated. Savvides was the CEO of World Trade Center Holdings Cyprus (WTCHCY), where she was responsible for the implementation of 15 world trade centers in the Middle East and North Africa region. Winner of the “Global Leadership Award” from the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, the “Woman of Distinction” award from the Philadelphia Business Journal, and the Walter D'Alessio Legacy Achievement Award from the WTCGP in 2024, Savvides’ work with WTCHCY and as the founder of the WTCGP was instrumental in connecting Greater Philadelphia business to world markets, trade, and opportunity.
Joanna Savvides centered her career as a staunch advocate for education. Teaching marketing and global business strategy at Saint Joseph's University, she enjoyed sharing her rich knowledge with others. Her international experience was wielded as a visiting lecturer at Emirates Aviation University in Dubai. Savvides also served as a board member of the Board and Visitors of the Haub School of Business of Saint Joseph's University, Temple University Center for International Business Education and Research, and the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee, where she advised the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. trade representative on trade issues.
A mentor and pillar of the Greek-American and Cypriot communities, Savvides worked relentlessly to raise awareness of the Cypriot cause and promote Hellenic values by serving on the boards of the Greek-American Chamber of Commerce, the Cyprus-U.S Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic University Club, and the Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia. Capitalizing on her background as an immigrant from Cyprus, Savvides’ involvements strengthened connections between our cities, bringing a Greek-American presence to her work and the city of Philadelphia.
Savvides’ influence in Philadelphia has opened opportunities for the WTCGP to do great work in the future in honor of her life and accomplishments. Joanna’s life embodied her dedication to global leadership, service, and faith. Her legacy will continue to guide all those who she inspired and had the privilege of knowing her. Learn more about Savvides and her legacy in this obituary.
