Auditors
Executive Director
Mr. Gian Carlo Ellul has over 12 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, with a background spanning both operations management and project development.
He began his career at Marine Aquatic Limited, where he played a key role in expanding the Malta National Aquarium complex. His contributions included developing new event concepts, broadening the complex’s facilities, and strengthening its reputation as one of Malta’s premier attractions. Today, Mr. Ellul serves as the General Manager of the complex, overseeing its day-to-day operations while steering its strategic vision to elevate it into a recognised international destination under Marine Aquatic Limited’s management.
In addition to his role at MAL, Mr. Ellul also serves as a Director of Marine Accommodation Limited, which operates two hotels — the Best Western Premier Malta in Qawra and The Vincent Boutique Hotel in Valletta. He was extensively involved in the Best Western project from inception, managing the tendering process, procurement, and finishing works. He was also instrumental in securing the Best Western franchise, successfully reintroducing the brand to Malta after several years. Both hotels are now fully operational, achieving healthy occupancies under the board’s supervision, including Mr. Ellul’s direct oversight.
Executive Director
Mr. Luke Catania is an experienced finance professional with over 11 years of expertise in corporate finance advisory and financial management.
He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Ebcon Investments Group, a position he has held for the past six years. In this role, he leads the group’s accounting and finance functions, overseeing financial strategy, reporting, and management across its portfolio of companies.
Prior to joining Ebcon Investments, Mr. Catania worked within the corporate finance advisory department of a top-10 audit firm, both in Malta and during a two-year secondment in Dublin, Ireland. His background includes extensive experience in financial structuring, capital markets, and transaction advisory, making him a valuable contributor to the group’s overall financial and strategic direction.
Non-Executive, Independent Director
Mr. Mario Vella brings over four decades of experience in banking, corporate finance, and capital markets. He began his career with Barclays Bank Malta in 1969, later transitioning to HSBC Malta, where he concluded his career in 2013 as Head of Corporate Banking. In this position, he managed one of the largest lending portfolios in the country, overseeing relationships with Malta’s leading corporate clients.
Mr. Vella played a key role in major banking transformations, including the transition of Mid-Med Bank following its acquisition by HSBC. Throughout his career, he has arranged financing for a wide range of high-profile projects, locally and internationally, including complex syndicated loans and structured finance transactions.
Following his retirement from banking, Mr. Vella joined KPMG Malta as Director, Deal Advisory, where he advised clients on restructuring, refinancing, and mergers and acquisitions. Since retiring from KPMG in 2017, he has continued to serve as an independent non-executive director and chairman on several corporate boards, many of which are publicly listed, and participates actively on various audit committees. His extensive network and experience make him one of Malta’s most respected figures in corporate and financial circles.
Perit Karmenu Vella
Non-Executive, Independent Director
Perit Karmenu Vella is an Architect and Civil Engineer by profession, with an accomplished career across both the public and private sectors.
He has held numerous high-level leadership roles, including Managing Director of the Libyan Arab Maltese Holding Company, where he also served as director across several subsidiaries such as Mediterranean Aviation Co. Ltd., Medelec Switchgear Co. Ltd., and Mediterranean Power Electric Co. Ltd.
Between 2001 and 2007, Mr. Vella served as Executive Chairman of Corinthia Hotels International, followed by his appointment as Executive Chairman of Mediterranean Construction Co. Ltd., part of the Corinthia Group, until 2010. He later joined Betfair Group Ltd. as a director of its Maltese subsidiaries and chaired the SMS-Mondial Travel Group until 2013.
Mr. Vella also had a distinguished public service career, serving for several years as a Member of Parliament and Minister, and later as European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries between 2014 and 2019. His extensive international experience and leadership across sectors bring significant strategic value to the Board.
Non-Executive, Independent Director
Dr. Joe Gerada is a lawyer by profession with extensive experience in corporate and regulatory advisory. He has provided legal counsel to numerous companies across a range of sectors, with particular expertise in governance, compliance, and business strategy.
He has served as a legal advisor to MIMCOL (Malta Investment Management Co. Ltd.), contributing to the development of Malta’s National Blockchain Strategy, and has supported various government and private-sector initiatives promoting innovation and economic growth.
Since 2020, Dr. Gerada has served as Head of the Family Business Office (Malta), where he advises family-owned enterprises on succession planning, governance structures, and incentive utilisation. His work focuses on strengthening the resilience and recognition of Malta’s family business sector — a key pillar of the national economy.
Dr. Gerada’s legal expertise, coupled with his hands-on experience in public policy and business governance, provides valuable oversight and strategic insight to the Company’s Board.