Franco Azzopardi

Background

About Franco Azzopardi

My professional objective is:'To contribute positively towards the strategic direction and governance of businesses, by intersecting experience, practice and theory based on my 3Rs - Researching, Reflecting, and Reacting.’ My profile and achievements A Certified Public Accountant with a post-graduate MSc in Finance (Leicester UK), I spent twenty-seven years working in public practice both within the Big 4 in Malta and Italy, and in a mid-tier accountancy firm which I co-founded and managed since 1990. In 2007 I exited the firm to contribute more in the strategic direction of companies through I specialise in corporate strategy, governance and finance. I feel I bring energy to corporate and business ideas. My mantra remains entrepreneurship within a good governance framework. As CEO and Executive Director of JD Capital PLC, my objective was to consolidate and fund all business interests of the UBO into the Group thus increasing transparency and building funding capacity. The epitome was the successful issuance of a €40M bond publicly traded on the Malta Stock Exchange. I strategised and modelled the business plan for the issuance regulatory approval. As former CEO of the leader in Logistics in Malta, my target was to put logistics among the respected economic sectors through becoming a role model company based on corporate culture, technology-driven efficiency in operations, and in thought leadership. My strategy was typically investing in framework, structure and management, toward a ready-to-list corporation. The expedition set sail with corporate governance, financial, and capital restructuring, human capital growth, capacity building, a focus on finding the equilibrium of value for all stakeholders, with a built-to-last corporate structure. Other hallmark achievements over my career were the digitalisation of a legacy newspaper to a successful local leading online news portal Newsbook. As part of my CSR contribution I also supported the development of the Malta Institute of Accountants where I have served on the Council for 12 years and occupied the post of President for the maximum tenure of 2 years. Recognised milestone: “Worked hard to promote ethics and integrity during a period where the local profession was going through a challenging time.” Founder of Traditional Karate in Malta, coached a gold and a silver medalist in the Europeans. I myself placed 6th in the World Championships. Qualities: Trusted advisor, Visionary strategist, Deal negotiator, Business modelling, Corporate Governance, Finance.