Malta Business Network

AI meets ethics in an MBN UK evening at the Malta High Commission We were honoured to host another inspiring #MaltaBusinessNetworkUK evening with Aaron Kalvani, a global authority in Artificial Intelligence, corporate strategy, and business transformation. Aaron delivered a thought-provoking address titled “Ethical AI: Bridging Nations in an Era of Global Resilience,” exploring how ethics, intelligence, and diplomacy can converge to shape a more human-centred technological future. Our heartfelt thanks to His Excellency Prof. Stephen Montefort, Malta’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Honorary President of the Malta Business Network UK, for his gracious hospitality and steadfast support in strengthening business and cultural ties between Malta and the UK. We’re proud to see MBN UK continue to foster meaningful dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across borders — connecting people, ideas, and opportunities for shared progress. #MaltaBusinessNetwork #MBNUK #EthicalAI #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #GlobalResilience #Malta #UK

A look back at yesterday's MBN Malta event - 'Brand & The Bottom Line'. The evening opened with a keynote by Kris Bartolo, Partner at Zampa Partners, who explored how organisations can calculate and capitalise on their brand value, and why doing so is crucial to long-term growth. The panel discussion that followed, moderated by Ivan Martin brought together Derek Blair, Mark Wirth, and Peter-Jan Grech for a deep dive into how brand and culture are driving measurable financial performance, especially in areas like recruitment, retention, and crisis recovery. Thank you to Zampa Partners for their collaboration, and to everyone who joined us for an insightful evening of conversation, strategy, and connection.

Do you ever feel alienated and helpless reading business stats about the world’s biggest companies? And when you try to apply those metrics to your day-to-day reality, does it feel like you’re operating in a parallel universe? This year, according to the latest INTERBRAND Report, published today, the total value of 2025’s Best Global Brands increased by $150 billion, reaching $3.6 trillion. That's a 4.4% rise from $3.4 trillion in 2024. I’ve spent 25 years building, transforming, and defending brands across Malta, London, and beyond. Trends come and go, but the pattern stays the same: organisations that invest in their brand consistently outperform those that don’t. The truth is, most of us working in the industry find it really hard (read: impossible) to prove brand value ROI to the board, CFO, or investors. Unfortunately, that’s where most great branding actions stall. As an investor, shareholder, and CEO, I’m not surprised. As a brand guy, I wish more of us would measure what matters, so that we can bring facts and insights to the boardroom; not just ideas. This Monday, I’ll join a Malta Business Network panel discussion with: Derek Blair, President of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Mark Wirth, Partner, Zampa Partners Moderated by Ivan Martin, PRSS WRKS We’ll go beyond the marketing clichés. We’ll talk numbers. We’ll talk talent, trust, and real growth. Kris Bartolo will open with a keynote on how to calculate brand value, and how to use it as a lever for growth, resilience, and recruitment. One stage. Four voices. Practical questions, honest answers, local context. If you want your brand to drive your bottom line, this is where the conversation starts. In the end, a brand is what a brand does. Do you measure brand impact? PS: DM me if you want to join and I’ll share a link.

Upcoming Event: Ethical AI: Bridging Nations in an Era of Global Resilience Aaron Kalvani, International Advisor and Ambassador for AI for Good, brings nearly three decades of global experience in Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, and Cybersecurity. His work bridges technology and diplomacy, guiding governments and institutions toward responsible, human-centred innovation. In this address, he explores how ethical intelligence can unite nations, strengthen resilience, and define Malta’s role on the international stage in shaping the future of responsible innovation. Event Details: Registration: https://lnkd.in/dUdNNyDK Date: 28 October 2025 Time: 6pm to 8pm (UK) Location: Malta House, 36-38 Piccadilly, London W1J 0LE Fee: Free for MBN members Dress code: Business or smart casual ID: Photo ID required for entry Guest Speaker: Aaron Kalvani - International Advisor and Ambassador for AI for Good With close to thirty years at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and the evolution of The Cloud, Aaron Kalvani is recognised as an authority on ethics, governance, and accountability in technology. He advises governments, international organisations, and academic institutions on responsible innovation, helping to shape frameworks that balance progress with human dignity. A philanthropist and strategist, he has supported global initiatives that align automation, robotics, and intelligent systems with principles of transparency and social purpose. Holding multiple citizenships, Kalvani regards his Maltese heritage through his mother’s side as the most defining — a lineage rooted in culture, service, and community that continues to guide his work in ethical leadership and global cooperation. Guest Registration Members bringing a guest must register them separately using the registration code they have already received. This ensures all attendee names are accurately recorded. Guests can also contact us via [email protected].

Brand & The Bottom Line - What is the real value of a brand? This event brings together finance leaders, brand strategists, and business advisors to explore how brand and culture have become core drivers of growth, resilience, and measurable financial performance. From calculating brand value to understanding its role in talent retention and crisis recovery, the discussion will show why brand belongs at the heart of every boardroom conversation. Keynote Presentation - How Your Brand Value Impacts Your Bottom Line Kris Bartolo, Partner at Zampa Partners, opens the session with a keynote exploring how organisations can calculate and capitalise on their brand value. Using real-world and local examples, alongside exclusive data, he will demonstrate the direct link between strong brand equity, financial performance, and long-term growth. Panel Discussion - Beyond the Balance Sheet: How Brand and Culture Drive Growth and Resilience Financial metrics alone no longer provide the full picture of company performance. Today’s most resilient businesses are those whose boards and C-suites recognise brand, culture, and purpose as strategic assets. This panel will explore how brand value drives recruitment and retention, strengthens resilience and recovery in times of crisis, and delivers measurable business results. Panellist - Derek Blair, President, ICAEW Panellist - Mark Wirth, Partner, Zampa Partners Panellist - Peter-Jan Grech, CEO, BRND WGN Keynote Speaker - Kris Bartolo, Partner at Zampa Partners Moderator - Ivan Martin, Founder, PRSS WRKS Event Details: Date: Monday, 20th October Time: 18:00 Location: Xara Lodge Fee: €30, Free for MBN Members - Register here: https://shorturl.at/JZq9N Thank you to Zampa Partners for their collaboration. Zampa Partners are trusted partners who bring together expertise, data simplification, and strategic insight to deliver tailored solutions that meet each of their clients' unique needs.

It was a pleasure to host Joseph Gasan, Chairman of the Gasan Group at this month's Malta Business Network event held at the High Commission of Malta in the United Kingdom. Attendees of the session heard Mr. Gasan talk about #leadership, legacy and growth of the Gasan Group across three generations. A special thanks to Mr. Gasan and H.E. Stephen Montefort and his staff at the High Commission for facilitating such an engaging discussion.

Only one day to go until our fireside chat with pioneer, Joseph Gasan (Chairman of the Gasan Group). The event will take place tomorrow at 6pm at the High Commission of Malta in the United Kingdom. If you are interested in attending please message one of the Malta Business Network directors: Martin Zahra, David Walsh, Noreen Burroughes Cesareo MBE FRSA, Deborah Webster, Joe Degiorgio, Peter Meli or Adam Rizzo. #Malta, #Entrepreneurship, #Innovation

Fireside Chat with Joseph A. Gasan - Leadership, Legacy & Growth Across Generations Join us for an exclusive fireside chat with Joseph A. Gasan, Chairman of the Gasan Group, one of Malta’s most established, privately-owned business groups with a strong presence across sectors including automotive, marine, finance, insurance, real estate, building services, and ICT. Since taking over the family business in 1971, Joe has led the Group through a period of remarkable diversification and growth, expanding its influence and operations across Malta’s evolving economic landscape. Under his leadership, the Gasan Group has not only retained its heritage, but also embraced innovation, scale, and cross-sector transformation. In conversation with Joe Zammit Tabona, Chairman of the Malta Business Network, Joe will reflect on the defining moments, challenges, and strategic choices that shaped his journey. Attendees can expect practical insights into leadership at scale, long-term thinking, resilience in business, and what it takes to evolve a legacy into a dynamic, multi-sector enterprise in Malta and beyond. Event Details  Date: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (UK time) Location: Malta House, 36–38 Piccadilly, London W1J 0LE Fee: Free for MBN members Capacity: 30+ attendees Guest Speaker Joseph A. Gasan – Chairman, Gasan Group Joseph A. Gasan is Chairman of Gasan Group Limited and several of its key subsidiaries including GasanZammit Motors Limited and GasanMamo Insurance Limited. He also sits on the boards of MIDI p.l.c. and Main Street Complex p.l.c., among others. Since assuming leadership of the family business in 1971, Joe has driven the Group’s strategic growth, overseeing the expansion into new sectors and successfully positioning the Group as a major force across Malta’s private sector. Guest Registration Members bringing a guest must register them separately using the registration code they have already received. This ensures all attendee names are accurately recorded. Guests can also contact us via [email protected]. Register here - https://lnkd.in/dbneiVWR Disclaimers The opinions shared during the event are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of The Malta Business Network. The Malta Business Network does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information provided. By registering for this event, you consent to photography for social media and marketing purposes. Martin Zahra Deborah Webster Noreen Burroughes Cesareo MBE FRSA David Walsh Christopher Busuttil Joe Degiorgio Adam Rizzo

Upcoming Event: The Evolving Boardroom - Matching C-Suite Excellence with Governance Standards This is an event co-organised with the Directors Chapter, Institute of Financial Services Practitioners. As C-suite leadership continues to rise in quality and sophistication, how can boards evolve in tandem to match the pace? This panel explores the modern boardroom’s most pressing challenges: balancing oversight with strategic input, leveraging diversity and expertise for sharper decisions, and adapting to powerful forces like ESG, digitisation, and rising stakeholder expectations. Chaired by Fabianne Ruggier, the discussion will offer CEOs and Chairs practical insights on how to select and collaborate with Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) who bring integrity, sector depth, and future-ready thinking to governance and performance. Event Details Date: Monday, 15 September 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Xara Lodge Fee: Free Panellists Marisa Xuereb An economist with nearly 30 years in the manufacturing sector, Marisa served as President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce (2021–2023). She now holds NED roles across banking, insurance, telecoms, and family businesses, while maintaining an executive role in manufacturing with significant cross-border exposure. Alexia Farrugia A finance and governance professional with 24 years in the financial services sector. Alexia is a Chartered Director and founder of Actaco Financial, specialising in AML regulation and risk. She also serves on numerous boards and lectures in risk management and securitisation. Etienne Borg Cardona A CPA and PhD in Leadership & Management, Etienne is the founder of Capital Advisory. He sits as an independent NED across various sectors and contributes to governance policy through the IFSP, where he chairs the Directors Chapter. He is also a lecturer on financial history and governance. Moderator Fabianne Ruggier – Founder, Resona Strategies A strategist and board advisor, Fabianne helps CEOs navigate challenging business landscapes by instilling strategic thinking across management and shaping their organisations to be fit-for-strategy. Her background spans leadership positions in international and local technology and consulting firms, and public policy roles. Reserve your seat for an evening of rich insight into modern governance and boardroom performance. Learn more here - https://lnkd.in/dT7amxmb

Tickets still available for this insightful evening with Kajal S. looking at the new rules of trade, where policy, tech and opportunity meet. Enjoy a summer rooftop reception with MBN UK Directors, members and guests at the Malta High Commission in Picadilly, London and network Maltese style! If you are a guest and you would like to attend, contact us directly at [email protected] to book a place.