Express Group have appointed Mr Franco Azzopardi as the Group’s new non-executive chairman.

Franco Azzopardi brings to Express Group long years of experience in corporate strategy, risk management, quality control and knowledge and people development. One of the first tasks in his post as non-executive chairman, Mr Azzopardi is going to be working on actioning the already drafted succession plans for Express Group.

“Many might already know that Express Group is a family business but more importantly, I came here to find an amazing success story built on high quality product portfolio and unique customer centricity, qualities that I am sure have been very crucial in the success of this organization,” Mr Azzopardi said. “However, like any other successful family business, succession is an important issue which at some point is going to have to be discussed and actioned and this is one of the main aspects that is going to define my role at Express Group,” said Mr Azzopardi.

In his role the new chairman will also be assisting the executive management to carry out in-depth market analysis for the eventual development of other potential service offerings that shall bring growth to the already vast logistical products portfolio and the Express Group organisation in general.

Welcoming Mr Azzopardi as the new chairman, Johann Vella, General Manager of Express Group explained how the company is currently undergoing an internal transition to be able to respond better to the changing scenario within the transport and logistics’ industry. “We operate within a sector that is once again changing the way people expect to be serviced and standards have to be met if we want to retain the competitive advantage that we already enjoy. Franco Azzopardi is a young but very determined individual with a lot of experience in company management. As a very keen sportsman Franco understands the importance of having good stamina and determination in order to perform well and has the untiring determination to succeed but also the passion to help us achieve our medium to long-term targets,” added Mr Vella.

“The current market and the scenario we operate in has changed a lot especially when one considers the huge political changes that we have witnessed around the Mediterranean over the past months. These developments are now opening a lot of new opportunities and we want to be there to leverage our strengths to maximise our share. My vision for Express Group is to instil more willingness to be open to such new opportunities when these arise and to increase our apetite to capture these opportunities,” added Mr Azzopardi.

“Looking at internal statistics and the huge volumes being carried by Express Group on both the International and local scene is enough proof that we are the local market leaders in transport, logistics and groupage services, but we won’t stop there. Believing in one’s own strength is already a good place from where to start. The company’s directors are determined and willing, and where there’s a will, there’s certainly a way,” concluded Mr Azzopardi.