Board Members
Chairman Irish Business Network
Garvan Keating is CEO & Editor-in-Chief of CountryProfiler, a specialist publisher of business and investment country information. A seasoned media and events executive with experience of working in Malta, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, South Africa, UK, and Latin America for global media outlets. An accomplished C-Suite executive, Garvan has extensive experienced as a publisher and PR professional. CountryProfiler is recognised by senior business executives, government representatives, institutions and global organisations as a leading provider of informative, insightful and actionable country intelligence.
Deputy Chair Irish Business Network
Catherine is an energy and construction major projects expert and Chartered Engineer with a track record of delivering complex international projects. She is Head of Global Accounts for AIS, an interior office design and build specialist company, delivering projects in 25 countries globally. On their senior leadership team, Catherine’s role includes high level strategy and execution of international Enterprise Accounts.
An independent consultant to a number of international clients on renewable energy projects, Catherine provides advice across the spectrum of contract negotiation, project management, financial modelling, permitting and operations. She is on the advisory board of Cleantech 360, an ESG led platform servicing sustainable businesses and non-executive director on select company boards.
Ambassador of Ireland to Malta
I was assigned to Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs in 2007. Prior to that, I served in a number of government departments and offices, including the Department of Health; the Adoption Board of Ireland; and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
My assignments within the Department of Foreign Affairs have included the following:
2022 – date Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Malta
2019 – 2022 Deputy Director HQ – Development Cooperation & Africa Division
2019 – 2019 Deputy Head of Mission Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada
2017 – 2019 Deputy Director HQ – Development Cooperation & Africa Division
2011 – 2017 Deputy Head of Mission Irish Embassy, Den Haag, The Netherlands
2007 – 2011 Deputy Director HQ – Development Cooperation Division.
Managing Director at FCF Assets
Fiona is an Irish qualified solicitor who specializes in advising aviation companies. She has been working and living in Malta since 2011 where she initially assisted the Alpine Group before founding FCF Assets in 2015, a consultancy providing both legal and practical assistance to clients in obtaining Maltese AOC’s and a broad array of other advisory services pertaining to sourcing, financing, importing, registering, and operating aircraft.
Fiona advises clients on a pan European basis, seven of which have established operations in Malta adding sixty two aircraft to the 9H register and directly employing 426 people.
Fiona speaks and participates at aviation conferences worldwide highlighting the benefits of the aviation sector in Malta and regularly contributes to several aviation journals.
Managing Director at PLACE Concierge
Managing Director at PLACE Concierge
Policy & Internationalisation Executive · The Malta Chamber
Julia Aquilina is a results-oriented professional, combining her expertise in policy, coordination, event organization, media contributions, and representation to make a significant impact within The Malta Chamber and beyond. Her dedication to national and European policy development and project management makes her a valuable asset in driving positive change in the business landscape.
As a highly organized individual, Julia has successfully coordinated and supported Business Sections, Thematic Committees, and Working Groups within The Malta Chamber. She skilfully takes minutes during meetings and ensures effective execution of follow-up tasks. Additionally, Julia has proven expertise in organizing both public and online events, ensuring seamless execution and engaging experiences for participants.
Julia’s commitment extends beyond The Malta Chamber as she actively collaborates with partner organizations and third-party entities to drive impactful initiatives. She possesses excellent speechwriting abilities, enabling her to deliver compelling and persuasive speeches on behalf of The Malta Chamber.
Global Head of Open-End Alternative Funds
David joined Apex in December 2018 and as Global Head of Open-End Alternative Fund Products, he is responsible for the development of the Group’s funds service solutions for open-ended alternative funds globally. David has over twenty years’ experience in the alternative investment space across operations, asset management and business development. Prior to joining Apex, David worked for Custom House Fund Services, where he was the Group Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to Custom House, he was CEO of Portcullis Asset Management, a third-party Manco business based out of Malta.
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Originally from Ireland, life took me on an adventure to Malta in 2017. Before our move I worked in the telecommunications industry for 15 years, in a variety of roles, always keen to learn while gaining valuable experience. After a couple of years in iGaming in Malta, I’ve recently joined EPIC mobile as a Senior Marketing Product Manager, where I’m delighted to be back in the dynamic world of marketing and business strategy.
On a personal note, my heart belongs to my family, Jeff, Seán & Mia. Our Kids share a passion for football, with dreams of one day playing for premier clubs. Luckily, I’ve a law degree tucked away should I ever need it to negotiate their mega contracts in the big lx§eagues!
International Relations Advisor
Helga joined The Malta Chamber in April 2024 following a seasoned career in diplomacy spanning over twenty-five years. She served in both Malta at top management levels, and abroad as Deputy Ambassador and Ambassador in Egypt and France respectively. Right before taking up the position of International Relations Advisor at the Chamber, she served as Senior Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Republic. Her present role at The Malta Chamber covers, among others, the general coordination of international affairs, representation in meetings abroad, business events with other countries and foreign partners and providing guidance and support to companies seeking to internationalise their interests.
Mr. Nollaig Mac an Bhaird is currently the Headmaster at St Edward’s College, Birgu. Mr. Mac an Bhaird’s background is in the sciences. He has taught in five different countries, Ireland, the Netherlands, Aruba, Curacao and now Malta. All five with different approaches to education. This exposure to different systems has brought him to his own, and St Edward’s College’s, philosophy. ‘Think, Understand, Learn.’
Whilst cognoscente of the importance of preparing for examinations, Mr. Mac an Bhaird’s approach prepares students for the world we live in today, and more importantly, tomorrow. This approach, understanding, is one that examination systems are struggling to move towards.
‘Do not learn something unless you understand it, to understand something you must think about it’. This is the driving pedagogy at St Edward’s.
Mr. Mac an Bhaird enjoys, DIY, Connacht rugby, all outdoor activities, humour, guiding students to be the best they can, and watching any hurling game, in particular those played by Galway!
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