Global Ports Holding (GPH), one of the world’s largest cruise port operators and majority shareholder in Valletta Cruise Port, announced organisational changes aligned to the new GPH operating model.

Stephen Xuereb has been appointed to the newly-created role of chief operating officer of GPH – effective from last month. Mr Xuereb will be responsible for the overall performance of both cruise and commercial port operations for all of the 11 ports falling under the GPH portfolio. Currently serving as CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, Mr Xuereb joined VCP in 2002 and until further notice will also continue in his current role.

Mr Xuereb is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants and a Henley MBA (Reading University, UK) graduate. He has been involved in the cruise industry for the past 15 years in VCP, acting first as CFO, then as CEO. He has played an active role in developing the cruise business and ancillary support services, including the development of the Valletta Waterfront.

“I’m pleased to welcome Stephen to the team and am looking forward to working closely with him going forward as we enhance our operating model,” said Emre Sayın, CEO of Global Ports Holding. “I have every confidence that his appointment will foster operational excellence at our ports. He will surely contribute to finding new synergies, improving communications and sharing best practices,” Mr Sayın added.

Mr Xuereb said he was honoured to be entrusted with this new role at such an exciting time in Global Ports Holding’s history. “GPH is indeed a dynamic company, growing strategically while keeeping its core value of accountability, excellence, respect and valuing teamwork, in all its endeavours. It is indeed conducive to be working in such an environment and leading a team of talented people in the different ports.”