CC BUSINESS
The international outlook As Malta continues to attract more global investment than ever, Jo Caruana chats to six high-powered expats who’ve chosen to make the island their base.
Teuta Oruci is a CFO and executive director with 20 years’ international experience in regulated financial markets, including investment banking, insurance and asset management payments. She moved to Malta just over a year ago. “I was drawn to the island for a variety of reasons, including the fascinating history, cultural diversity and honey-coloured stone. A year on, I absolutely love discovering new facts about the country and exploring its beautiful settings. “When it comes to doing business in Malta, I relish the purpose, passion and people here. It is refreshing to be able to connect the dots so quickly and efficiently. People are so willing to help, to be part of doing the right thing; generating growth and positive change. “There are a few key improvements that I would like to see, though, including more investment in human capital. Talent acquisition, retention and growth is the future of upscaling Malta. There is so much young local talent here, and they are willing and capable, however they are stuck at a ‘marzipan level’ of senior management and would benefit from leadership development training. One of my favourite quotes is the following: ‘A CFO asks a CEO: what happens if we invest in developing our people and they all leave us? The CEO says: what happens if we don’t, and they stay?’ “Now, in the years to come I hope to combine my tacit knowledge and Philip Linegard
Teuta Oruci
international network here in Malta, and to launch CEO360 – a channel that will support local and multinational clients. With so many international businesses looking to expand or relocate to Malta, as well as local entrepreneurs and start-up companies, this is a great place to be. I am excited to be part of the growth of our economy over the coming years.” Philip Lingard is a well-known business consultant, specialising in inward investment and business formation, and Group Advisor to the London School of Commerce. He came to Malta 15 years ago, and believes a lot of positive change has taken place in recent years. “I first came to Malta because I was head hunted for a job here, but it had always been somewhere I wanted to visit. I remember my childhood neighbour holidaying here and she said it was magical. “When I arrived, it felt like a second
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
childhood. Examples of every car my parents owned were running around the streets and even the very same buses I went to school on in Blackburn and Darwen were here. The country has changed almost beyond recognition since then and, apart from the traffic, it’s almost all for the good. Particular pluses are EU membership and the change of Government in 2013. “The great thing about Malta is that there is a general acceptance of you if you are seen to be able to contribute. I have contributed to aviation (Ryanair in particular), by supporting the idea that cultural tourism is a strong niche for Malta and expanding the provision of international higher education. “In the coming years, I see the importance of having more higher education and helping to broaden and deepen the Maltese economy. There is room for sensible regulation and enforcement without losing speed and flexibility. I feel enormously privileged to live here and to have been so accepted.” 105