YPO Malta Chapter set up

Top company executives from 17 countries were in Malta for the inauguration of the Malta Chapter of YPO, the Young Presidents Organisation.

YPO, the world's largest network of peers, consists of some 20,000 business leaders in over 100 countries grouped into 300 chapters.

Since 1950, YPO has transcended geographic and cultural barriers to inspire members, promote lifelong learning and address the challenges leaders face every day.

Through YPO, members exchange ideas, pursue learning and share strategies to achieve personal growth and professional success.

The 60 foreign guests were welcomed by Johanna Parnis England, the only female member of the YPO Malta Chapter.

Before assembling at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar, members and guests were driven around the island in vintage cars.

Pre-dinner speeches started with an address by Simon Preston, the mentor behind the nomination of Andrew Mangion as champion of the YPO Malta Chapter.

Mr Mangion concluded by announcing that after three years, he was handing over to Martin Hignett, managing director of Trelleborg.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who was accompanied by his wife Kate, said he first came in contact with the YPO in 2005.

He said that he was proud that Malta had grown to what it is today thanks to its ideas, innovation and enthusiasm.

The lunch ended with a speech on the Neolithic temples by former Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech.

The group then visited Ħagar Qim. In the evening, drinks were held at the Upper Barrakka gardens where there was the re-enactment of a nine-gun salute.

The group was then transferred to the Mediterranean Conference Centre for a gala dinner where Fra John Critien spoke on the Sovereign Military Order of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta.