Victor Rizzo Giusti has been appointed general manager of Volksbank Malta Ltd. This is the first time the bank – a subsidiary of Österreichische Volksbanken AG in Vienna, Austria – has filled such a post with a Maltese banker.

Following this appointment, managing director Herbert Skok said: “This appointment is another major step in our restructuring process. I am sure that the combination of unconditional support from our Austrian shareholder plus the local knowledge and expertise of our top management makes Volksbank an ideal and excellent partner in the business community. We can now truly say that we are a Maltese bank with an Austrian background.”

Mr Rizzo Giusti is a qualified banker with over 32 years experience in the financial sector and has occupied various managerial posts in both retail and international banking. He is also a member of the committee of the Institute of Financial Services, Malta, and has lectured at the Institute for a number of years.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Rizzo Giusti said: “My new role presents big challenges in a very competitive and fast developing market. Looking back at my early days in banking, I can see huge changes in the sector, mainly as a result of new technology and a more robust regulatory framework. However, I feel that the focus of banking should still remain on the personal relationship. My vision is that Volksbank Malta will find its niche in the market and will continue to exceed customers’ expectations while at the same time giving adequate return to its shareholder. This would only be possible thanks to the dedication and effort of our human resources, from whom I know I have full support.”