President meets Philip Morris`s `Maltese` CEO

President Guido de Marco yesterday met Louis Camilleri, chief executive officer of Philip Morris for a working breakfast.

Mr Camilleri, who is of Maltese descent, was appointed CEO of the giant multinational corporation in April. He joined Philip Morris Europe in 1978 and was appointed president and chief executive officer of Kraft Foods International in December 1995, becoming senior vice-president and chief financial officer for Philip Morris Companies Inc in 1996.

Mr Camilleri`s family came from the Maltese community in Alexandria, Egypt. He himself had come to Malta briefly before continuing his career overseas.

The Philip Morris family of companies, including Kraft Foods Inc. (Kraft), is the world`s largest producer and marketer of consumer packaged goods.

Philip Morris Companies Inc. recorded 2001 underlying operating revenues of $89.9 billion and owns 83.9 per cent of the outstanding common shares of Kraft.

The Philip Morris family also includes Philip Morris Incorporated (PM USA), Philip Morris International Inc., Miller Brewing Company and Philip Morris Capital Corporation.

The President, who is in New York for the annual meeting of the council of presidents of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday also met Ambassador Abuzed Omar Dorda, former Prime Minister of Libya and other permanent representatives to the United Nations from the Mediterranean region.

Prof. de Marco was assisted by Ambassador Walter Balzan, Malta`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

He is expected to leave New York today.