The Malta Enterprise Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Kurt Farrugia, the Head of Government Communication and the Prime Minister's spokesperson, to the role of CEO of Malta Enterprise.
The announcement confirms rumours that have been doing the rounds for weeks.
Farrugia will take on the role on 1 August following the retirement of current CEO Mario Galea.
Malta Enterprise thanked Mario Galea for more than 35 years of sterling service to the Corporation.
Galea was appointed CEO in June 2016 after serving as CEO at Malta Industrial Parks and Principal Chief Officer at Malta Enterprise. During his term he oversaw a record number of projects approved by Malta Enterprise, including the establishment of major new businesses in Malta, such as Crane Currency and Barts and the London School of Dentistry and Medicine among others, as well as the expansion of practically all major FDI companies. He was also instrumental in building a number of niche sectors including ICT, Aviation and Life sciences, including Pharma and Medical cannabis. Mr Mario Galea will remain as Chief Advisor to the new CEO.
William Wait, Chairman of Malta Enterprise said, "Kurt Farrugia's years of experience as part of the Prime Minister's team - which oversaw a record economic growth and record investment - will help the Corporation build on the successes of recent years and take it to a new phase of its development. His energetic character, focus on upcoming niches and experience in the communications field will continue building on the Corporations internal capacity in assisting business.
"On the other hand, we are happy to secure Mr Galea's services as his extensive experience will ensure a smooth transition within Malta Enterprise."
Farrugia had been appointed Head of Government Communication and as the Prime Minister's spokesperson in 2013.
In August 2017, he was appointed by the Prime Minister on the Malta-UK Business Promotion Task Force where he actively contributed on matters related to investment promotion in the UK. In April 2019 he was appointed on the New Economic Niches Committee of Malta Enterprise.
Farrugia formed part of the Task Force organising the Valletta Summit on Migration and the Commonwealth Head of Governments Meeting held in 2015, as well as the Informal European Council during Malta's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in February 2017. He accompanied the Prime Minister in most of his international engagements at EU level.
Farrugia's career before his role at the Office of the Prime Minister was in journalism and politics. He graduated in Communications and is currently reading for a Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship at the University of Malta.