Robert Vella has been appointed as the new CEO of the Lands Authority following a public call at the end of last year, the Economy Ministry announced on Tuesday. 

Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that the Lands Authority will “now pave the way for identifying means to ensure its efficiency, diminish unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, and better serve the public.” 

With over 35 years experience working within the Public Sector and occupying various roles within the Planning Authority, Robert Vella was involved in key capital projects as well as having been stationed in the UK as part of an overseas work placement in the Southampton City Council Planning Department. 

Vella graduated in Land Administration (Planning) from the University of Malta, followed by a B.Sc in Environmental Planning (Urban Regeneration) from the Birmingham City University, UK. He is also a long-standing member of the Union Professjonijisti Awtorità tal-Ippjanar, having served for a period of 7 years as a member of the Executive Committee. 

‘Whilst building upon the significant work done over the past years, the appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer also signals the Lands Authority’s new phase of a more consumer-centric approach which will make it easier for the public to access the services of the authority while increasing efficiency. Moreover, the appointment process complements the government’s commitment in fostering transparency’, the Minister said. 

Schembri thanked Mr James Piscopo for his service as CEO during the past years whilst congratulating Robert Vella on his new post.