The purpose of Hellas 1000 was to provide insights on what the differentiating practices are of successful companies along the dimensions of strategy, innovation, internationalization, and professionalization (i.e., finance, organization and risk management).

The effort was launched jointly by the Federation of Business and Industries (SEV) and McKinsey in April 2006.  McKinsey used the same methodology and approach as a similar effort carried out in Germany. In Greece, roughly 200 companies participated in the initiative and provided interesting insights about the drivers of profitable growth.

The results highlighted the importance of focused strategy aligned with the company's competitive advantages, international presence, and investment in R&D.  In addition, Hellas 1000 identified specific management practices that tend to improve a company’s chances of success, such as long-term financial planning, sophisticated risk management, and proper human resources management, focusing on employee training and performance-based remuneration. Overall results were published in the press, were discussed in panels involving Greek industrialists, SEV, and McKinsey consultants, and were  included in a brochure distributed to over 14,000 companies and individuals.  In addition, each participating company received a custom analysis of its performance and was compared to relevant benchmarks.