Karl AquilinaKarl Aquilina has been appointed by the Salvo Grima Group board of directors as the Group’s new chief executive officer, with effect from today, in line with the Group’s succession policy and long-term strategy.
Established in 1860, Salvo Grima Group is one of Malta’s oldest family-run businesses. It offers services in ship supplies, duty-free, travel retail and product distribution both in Malta and overseas.
The Group employs over 70 people and is currently managed by a professional team, which includes members of the sixth generation of the Grima family.
Mr Aquilina, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cardiff, joined Salvo Grima Group in 2003 as a sales executive, being promoted to purchasing manager in 2005 and subsequently senior manager (ship supplies) in 2009.
He has formed part of the Group executive management team as chief commercial officer since 2014 and has been instrumental in setting up business ventures in Palma de Mallorca and the Netherlands, as well as strengthening the Group’s super yacht industry services and setting up the group’s new logistical centre.
The outgoing CEO, Robert C. Aquilina, who over the years spearheaded the Group’s diversification and expansion beyond Malta’s shores, will remain chairman of the Group.
Salvo Grima Group has been undergoing a period of steady growth over the past years, notably in their relationship with British American Tobacco (BAT) and the acquisition of Vladex BV, a food distribution company based in the Netherlands. The company has been selling BAT brands for over 25 years and BAT have recently entrusted additional markets to the group.
The acquisition of Vladex BV now enables the Group to supply mixed container loads of supplies to international based ship suppliers as well as catering products for global humanitarian and military missions.
A Salvo Grima Group spokesman said: “The directors are delighted that the CEO responsibility is being handed over from Robert to Karl at a moment when theGroup is expanding its operations. We are very confident that we have the right person to take the helm at this significant phase of the group’s history.”
The new CEO said he was looking forward to developing further international opportunities and collaborations over the coming years. “It is an honour for me to be entrusted with this role by our shareholders. I am convinced that the Group is moving in the right direction and that exciting times are ahead. With the support of all our staff and management team and working hand in hand with the board of directors, I am sure we can continue to build on our strengths while operating effectively in an increasingly competitive business environment,” Karl Aquilina said.