Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/226023
12 BUSINESS & FINANCE maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2013 Melita appoints new chief financial officer Former Bank of Valletta, Gasan finance chief joins Melita Group Melita Group has announced that Publio Danny Rosso has been appointed as its new chief financial officer, with effect from 5 December 2013. Rosso replaces Stuart Williamson, who resigned from the post of Melita with effect from the same date. "I take this opportunity to thank Stuart for his work over the past years, and welcome Danny Rosso to the team. We have some great projects and initiatives in the pipeline and with the support of our shareholders and the rest of our team, I look forward to working with Danny on the next phase of growth for the Melita Group," Melita CEO Andrei Torriani said. Rosso, an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a qualified accountant, started his career with Bank Of Valletta plc, holding the post of Group Chief Accountant before joining between 1992 and 1994. Following a six-year stint in private practice offering accountancy and financial consultancy services, Rosso returned to Melita as its managing director, a post held until 2003. From 2003 until December 2011, Rosso occupied the post of chief financial officer and finance director of the Gasan Group, operating in various sectors including insurance, automotive, property, telecommunications and industrial and commercial products. Rosso also sat on the boards and audit committees of various other companies. Shireburn Software to move to SkyParks Business Centre Shireburn Software have finalised agreements to relocate to the SkyParks Business Centre in Luqa, and are aiming to make the move in February 2014. The new Shireburn offices will be located on the 3rd floor. The state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly new offices will lend towards the expansion of the Shireburn team as more resources are employed to continue to lead the local market with business software solutions and invest in the international market, in particular the airport sector. "It is with great satisfaction that we have finalised plans for our much needed move to a new environment," explained John de Giorgio, Managing Director of Shireburn Software. "Our stay in Ta' Xbiex has been a memorable one but I look forward to moving our 35-strong team to our new location that will enable us to grow even further both in size and markets. Shireburn has grown from strength to strength over its 30-year history, and we look forward to reaching new milestones at our new Skyparks offices." Shireburn Software boasts a 30-year history leading the local market with practical business software solutions and an unparalleled reputation for software support. Its solutions include accounting, inventory, retail and pointof-sale solutions, payroll and HR, an integrated eCommerce solution, a business intelligence offering and a document management system amongst others. Shireburn has also made its mark internationally on more than one occasion, and is currently successfully marketing globally a world-first solution for airports to manage their non-aviation sector revenues. The message of The Sense Group's (TSG) www.drinkawaremalta.com campaign is to "keep thinking straight" especially during the Christmas season. As the end-of-year festive season approaches, the temptation to throw caution to the wind for the sake of celebration grows stronger. For those who are planning a few late nights out, it makes sense to arrange a designated driver, take a taxi back home or, even better, book one in advance. Since 1997, TSG has made it a yearly appointment to send out a strong message to help the public have a safe and enjoyable Christmas period. "The track record over the past years has been a positive one. We trust the public, including friends and relatives of drivers, are appreciating and understanding our social and sensible messages. The hard fact is that one can only ignore our messages at the risk of suffering loss of life or a permanent disability, apart from financial loss. One surely wants to remember this Christmas and the New Year's festivities for other, happy and more positive, reasons," said TSG's Director General Ray Grech. "Although the vast majority of people drink responsibly, we must reinforce the responsible drinking message. It matters most at this time of year when the chances of excessive consumption increase considerably," said Mr Grech. Founded by producers and importers of alcoholic beverages, The Sense Group's main objective is that of reducing alcohol related harm by promoting moderate drinking through numerous, targeted initiatives that are recognised as being one of the best examples of Corporate Social Responsibility in Malta. Amongst these are regular campaigns against drinking and driving, underage drinking and binge drinking. www.drinkawaremalta. com From left to right: George Mallia, Head of Retail & Property at MIA, Austin Calleja, Deputy CEO and CFO at MIA, and John de Giorgio, Managing Director, Shireburn Software Sense Group renews drink awareness message for Christmas HSBC Malta signs collaborative agreement on I-Land Observatory HSBC Malta signs collaborative agreement with UoM and Mgarr council on new concept in natural and cultural heritage management From left) M arr Mayor Paul Vella, HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson, and UoM Rector Professor Juanito Camilleri signing the I-land Observatory agreement in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera. The HSBC Malta Foundation, the University of Malta, and Mgarr local council have signed a 10-year collective agreement taking the Iland Observatory and Interpretation Centre in Mġarr an important step closer to its implementation. Initially announced in February 2012, I-land Observatory involves the setting up of Malta's first centre for integrated natural and cultural heritage management. It will include outreach facilities and regular educational activities with the aim of promoting environmental awareness and greater appreciation for Malta's natural and cultural heritage. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government and Culture José Herrera said: "This is a truly collaborative effort that pools together the resources, connections and expertise of a local council, a world leading financial organisation, and the highest teaching institution in Malta. It is great to see such close and constructively collaboration of this kind for a project that will benefit all. We are currently scrutinizing similar initiatiatives to provide a framework that attracts different stakeholders to invest in our heritage following holistic guidelines. " "By blending cutting edge science with recreational and educational facilities, the I-Land Observatory will promote and implement a heightened sensitivity to Malta's natural environment, while offering the equipment and expertise to apply restorative ecology and promote more sustainable practices in Malta," Parliamentary Secretary Herrera said. The project comprises four key elements: the ecological restoration of degraded tracts of land in the area; the restoration and rehabilitation of the military and rural structures; the development of interpretation, observation and recreational facilities housing a lecture area, audio-visual centre, and an exhibition hall; and the development of interpretation materials.