APS BANK - Key Persons


Anthony Buttigieg

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Bank As Head of Banking
  • Chief Banking Officer
  • Chief Banking Officer Read
Anthony joined the Bank as Head of Banking in May 2016 and was appointed to his current position in June 2019. His experience in the banking sector spans 42 years. He started his career with Mid-Med Bank, which later became HSBC Bank (Malta) p.l.c., where he held a number of Senior and Managerial roles. Mr. Buttigieg is a qualified banker and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers

Edward Calleja - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Chief Operating Officer Read
Edward joined the Bank in 1992 where he was responsible for the setting up of the Bank's lending function and the centralisation of key operations through the implementation of a Loans Processing System in 2009 and he was appointed to his current position in August 2021. He started his career with Mid-Med Bank in 1981. Edward holds a B.A. (Hons) Accountancy from the University of Malta (1990), a Diploma in Management (2003) and an MBA from Henley Management College, UK (2005). He obtained his warrant as CPA in 1991 and became a fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants in 2011

Giovanni Bartolotta - Chief Risk Officer

Job Titles:
  • Chief Risk Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Bank As Chief Risk Officer
  • Chief Risk Officer Read
Giovanni joined the Bank as Chief Risk Officer in September 2018. Prior to joining the Bank, he spent 10 years in London working for major global investment banks, including Kleinwort Benson, JP Morgan Chase & Co. and Bear Stearns International. He then moved to Malta where he spent fourteen years at FIMBank p.l.c., as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Risk. Mr. Bartolotta holds a B.A. in Economics from Bocconi S.D.A., University of Milan.

Graziella Bray - Secretary

Job Titles:
  • Company Secretary
  • Company Secretary Read
Dr. Bray graduated as Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2004 and joined the Bank in 2006. Over the years, she has performed duties in various areas of law, regulation and compliance, including providing support to the Board and various committees and to the APS Funds SICAV plc. She also sits on the Board of directors of APS Funds SICAV plc as from May 2021. Dr. Bray lectures in Company Law, Regulation and Corporate Governance at the University of Malta and the Malta Stock Exchange Institute.

Jonathan Caruana - CTO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Chief Technology Officer Read
Jonathan joined the Bank in 1999 and served in various departments before being promoted to Information Systems Manager in 2008 and Head of Information Technology in 2015. He was then appointed Chief Technology Officer in November 2016. Mr. Caruana holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Computing from the University of Greenwich and an M.Sc. in Software Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire.

Joseph C. Attard

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Dr. Ing. Attard has over 25 years of local and international experience in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. He was elected as Director of the Bank in July 2018. Between 2015 and 2020 he was the Chief Technical Officer of GO p.l.c.. Between 2007 and 2015 he was the Chief Technology Officer of Emirates International Telecommunications LLC. Dr. Ing. Attard holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Hons) from the University of Malta, a Masters of Sciences (M.Sc) in Operational Telecommunications from the University of Coventry (UK) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Telecommunications Engineering from University College London (UK). He has regularly lectured at University College London on ICT topics.

Joseph Rapa

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Joseph started his career in 1990 at the Economic Policy Department, Ministry of Finance, Malta. In 2012, he was appointed Director General, responsible for leading teams providing technical, economic, and financial analysis, including advice to the ministry on macroeconomic management, fiscal policy and on macroprudential issues. Between March 2013 and May 2022, he served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Health and was responsible for general management functions within the ministry, with responsibilities for human resources management, strategic management, financial budgeting/planning, and management, as well as for the exercise of internal control. He currently carries out duties of oversight over the management of the Ministry for European Union Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection, within the Ministry for the economy, European Funds and Lands. Joseph holds a BA (Hons) in Public Administration from the University of Malta, and an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University.

Laragh Cassar

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Dr. Cassar was appointed to the Board in April 2016. Throughout her career, Dr. Cassar has gained vast experience in many areas of practice including banking, investment services, asset management, capital markets and corporate law restructuring. Having joined Camilleri Preziosi as an associate in 2003, she was subsequently a partner of this firm between 2009 and 2015. She then founded the firm ‘Camilleri Cassar Advocates'. Dr. Cassar obtained a degree in law from the University of Malta in 2002 and a Master of Law in Banking and Finance from the University of London in 2003. She also holds the role of non-executive director on the board of Hili Properties p.l.c. and the role of non-executive director and company secretary on the Board of Medserv p.l.c..

Liana DeBattista - Chief Strategy Officer

Job Titles:
  • Chief Strategy Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Chief Strategy Officer Read
Liana DeBattista, Maltese national, joined APS Bank in 2003 and held positions across multiple areas, including strategy, internal audit and marketing. Her main areas of expertise developed are in business planning, corporate strategy formulation, product development, research, and performance management. Since 2020, she has held the position of Head of Strategy & Propositions. Liana has a B.Sc. in Business & Computing (2001) and a B.Com (Hons) in Management (2002), both from the University of Malta, and a First Class M.Sc. in Corporate Finance from the University of Liverpool (2015).

Marcel Cassar - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Bank As CEO
  • Chief Executive Officer Read
Marcel joined the Bank as CEO in January 2016. His career started in 1987 with Price Waterhouse Malta, followed by MIBA/MFSC, now the MFSA (1991-1996). He was General Manager at Lombard Bank Malta p.l.c. (1996-2004) and First EVP and CFO at FIMBank p.l.c. (2004-2015). He also served on the board of the Malta Bankers' Association, including as Deputy Chairman (2017-2018) and Chairman (2018-2020), leading to a seat on the board of the European Banking Federation. Mr. Cassar is a CPA, a Fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants, holds an MBA from the University of Wales and Manchester Business School (1995) and has lectured and supervised in the M.A. Financial Services course at the University of Malta.

Marisa Xuereb

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Marisa Xuereb read for a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in Economics at the University of Malta, graduating in 2000. She proceeded to read for a Master of Arts in Economics degree from the same University, graduating in 2002. She commenced her career in 1997 in Raesch Quarz (Malta) Ltd. She continues to undertake the role of Director until this present day. Ms Xuereb carried out a brief stint at the Central Bank of Malta as an external researcher on Monetary Policy Transmission, and undertook contractual research assignments relating to economic, social and technological impact of ICT and eServices. In March 2015, she was appointed Council Member of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry progressing to President in 2021. By virtue of this appointment, Ms Xuereb was nominated to sit on a number of Boards related to the industry. Following her relinquishment from President in March 2023, Ms Xuereb relinquished all these appointments, bar her role as Governor on the board of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology. She is the Chairperson of Epic Communications Ltd.

Martin Scicluna - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers
  • Chairman Read
Mr Scicluna was elected to the Board in November 2013. Since 2012, Mr Scicluna has held directorships in asset management and insurance companies licensed in Malta. He held a number of managerial positions in Mid-Med Bank between 1976 and 1996, following which he joined Midland Bank plc which later became HSBC Bank Malta plc. From 2006 to 2012, he served on several boards for HSBC Malta regulated subsidiaries and on its Audit Committee. Mr Scicluna is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, holds a Diploma in Financial Studies and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Services in 1999. Other current board positions are: Chairman, Accredited Insurance (Europe) Ltd, Independent Non-Executive Director at Merck Capital Asset Management Holding Ltd and Independent Non-Executive Director and Investment Committee member at Merck Capital Asset Management Ltd, and at Thybo Malta Ltd. Mr Scicluna has also been actively engaged in various areas of voluntary work, including scouting, preservation of the built and natural environment and financial services education. He has served on the Boards of Administration of NGOs such as Din l-Art Helwa (Malta's ‘National Trust') and the HSBC Malta Foundation.

Michael Pace Ross

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Michael served as Director General of the National Statistics Office for six years, sitting on national and European committees, including the European Statistical Advisory Committee, prior to his current appointment as Administrative Secretary of the Archdiocese of Malta. He is a council member of the Malta Employers Association (MEA). He also sits on the board of trustees of the Richmond Foundation, and on the board of the Voluntary Solidarity Fund (Malta). In his capacity as Administrative Secretary, he sits on the Diocesan Representative Council, the Diocesan Pastoral Council, and the Diocesan Finance Committee. He is also an associate of the London College of Music. He was vested as Knight in a papal equestrian order by Cardinal Edwin O'Brien in 2019. Michael holds a BA (Hons) in Economics and Management and an MBA from the University of Malta.

Noel McCarthy

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Chief Investments Officer
  • Chief Investments Officer Read
Noel joined the Bank in 2000 and served in a number of successively senior positions over the years, latest being that of Chief Financial Officer since 2016. He was appointed to his present role in June 2020. Mr. McCarthy is a CPA and a fellow member of the Malta Institute of Accountants. He also holds a M.A. in Financial Services from the University of Malta. He also serves as a Director of ReAPS Asset Management Limited and as Alternate Director of Ivalife Insurance Limited.

Noel Mizzi

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Accountant from the University of Malta
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Noel Mizzi graduated as an accountant from the University of Malta in 1988. He is a certified public accountant and a holder of a practicing certificate in auditing. Mr Mizzi is a Fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants. He commenced his extensive career in 1988. Upon graduation he joined KPMG Malta and dedicated a 35-year career with the said firm, working on auditing entities in the financial services industry, particularly banks and asset management companies. He retired as Partner of the firm in September 2022, and is presently a consultant director with the said firm. Mr Mizzi was crucial in the setting-up of a dedicated financial services audit team in the Malta KPMG office. Until retirement, he headed the operations side of the audit practice, which involves the auditing of a number of banks operating locally. He was a member of the firm's Executive Management Committee and the Audit Quality Panel. Mr Mizzi is a council member of the Malta Institute of Accountants.

Prof Juanito Camilleri

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Prof Juanito Camilleri was appointed to the Board on 20th September 2021. Prof Camilleri holds a B.Sc.(Hons) in Computer Science from the University of Kent at Canterbury and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Computer Science from the University of Cambridge. Over the years, Prof. Camilleri served as a non-Executive Director and consultant on the boards of several public and private entities. Prof Camilleri was successively CEO at go mobile and at Melita Cable plc, then served as Rector of the University of Malta from 2006 to 2016. Between September 2014 and January 2017, he served as non-Executive Director of HSBC Bank Malta plc, and for a period was also Chairman of the Risk Committee. He also held the position of non-Executive Chairman of EPIC Malta Ltd. Prof Camilleri is Chairman and resident Professor at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation at the University of Malta. He serves on the Board of Malta University Innovation Portfolio Ltd and is non-Executive Chairman of its two subsidiaries FLASC B.V. and DeNovoCell Ltd. He is non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Governors of St. Edward's College. Prof Camilleri is the owner of Ta' Betta Wine Estates and St Anne's Clinic.

Ray Bonnici - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Chief People Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Chief People Officer Read
  • Head of Human Capital
Raymond joined the Bank as Head of Human Capital in 2016 and was appointed to his present role in June 2020. He started his career working in aviation, including for KLM, Swissair and Sabena. Following this period, he worked at Premier Capital p.l.c. and was a key element in setting up the group's Human Resources function. He also worked at Hilton Hotels International, as Director of Human Resources for Malta. Mr. Bonnici holds a B.A. in Youth and Community Studies from the University of Malta.

Ronald Mizzi - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Member of the Management Team
  • Bank As Chief Financial Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer Read
Ronald joined the Bank as Chief Financial Officer in September 2020. He was previously Group Chief Financial Officer at FIMBank p.l.c., having spent his earlier career with parallel engagements with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Malta, the Channel Islands and New York. Mr. Mizzi is a CPA and holds a Practicing Certificate in Auditing, both issued by the Accountancy Board in Malta. He is a Fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants and holds an B.A. (Hons) in Accountancy from the University of Malta.

Victor E. Agius

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Director
  • Non - Executive Director Read
Mr. Agius was elected to the Board in October 2018, after a diverse career in international investment, banking and development project finance. This included 23 years at the World Bank Group in Washington DC, 3 years at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London and 17 years with the Council of Europe Development Bank in Paris. His work comprised extensive field mission leadership responsibilities to over 60 countries in Africa, East Asia, Middle East & North Africa, Europe and in Former Soviet Republics. Mr. Agius graduated with a B.A. Hons. (Economics) from the Royal University of Malta, holds an MBA from Manchester Business School and completed Senior Finance and Banking Executive programmes at the Wharton School of Finance and at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.