Pyrros Lappas was a career Naval officer, who rose to the rank of Vice-Admiral, and later became head of the Royal Military Household and aide-de-camp to the King of Greece. During World War II he led several operations in Italy and France. Lappas competed in military swimming competitions and also had an interest in rowing, serving as President of the Hellenic Rowing Federation from 1951-67. Other national sporting posts including Secretary-General of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and Honorary Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the International Olympic Academy. Lappas was co-opted onto the IOC in October 1965 and served until his resignation in June 1980. Prior to his resignation he organized the 1978 IOC Session held in Athina.