Former Air Malta chairman Marisa Micallef will be heading the National Oil Corporation, being set up by the Office of the Prime Minister.
The OPM said that Ms Micallef, who in 2014 was appointed chairman of Air Malta, achieved remarkable financial improvements during the three years of her tenure.
"Her skills will now be used to make a turnaround in this area, particularly in the field of oil exploration."
The new set-up will be in line with the government’s manifesto to set up a new entity to focus primarily on the potentials of oil exploration. The new corporation will also continue working on the diplomatic efforts which had started in the past legislature.
"The government believes that Ms Micallef will show the same dedication and level of passion she put on Airmalta in this new assignment," the OPM said.