Marcel Pizzuto has been appointed Permanent Secretary in the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry, following the retirement of Louis Cilia.

He will take up his appointment on 20 October.

Mr Pizzuto joined the civil service in 1966 as a clerical officer. Between 1970 and 1992 he served in various roles in the ministries responsible for trade and finance, gaining vast experience in trade matters.

He was appointed Director of the Office for Fair Competition in 1994. In 1999 he successfully read EC Competition Law at King’s College, University of London. In December 2000, he was appointed Director General (Consumer and Competition Division), a position he has held up to his present appointment.

Mr Pizzuto has served on the Medigrain Board of Directors and the management committee of the Mediterranean Conference Centre. He is currently deputy chairman of the Consumer Affairs Council, a member of the Malta Standards Authority and a member of the Food Safety Commission. Upon his appointment, Mr Pizzuto will be relinquishing these positions.

Mr Pizzuto is married to Margaret née Grech and has three children, Andre, Gabrielle and Alexandra.