Leadership

Over 100 years of combined leadership experience

Meet the team

To achieve our goals, the Group has invested in top-level leaders in their respective sectors. Together, we are forging ahead, driven by a passion for excellence and guided by integrity

Johann Schembri

FOUNDER & CEO

Johann Schembri is a seasoned expert in the gaming industry with over 25 years of experience in various market segments including Video Lottery, Sports Betting, Bingo Operations, Casinos, and Gaming Technology…

Franco Degabriele

Chief Commercial Officer & Executive Director

Mr. Franco Degabriele joined IZI Group plc in November 2012 and forms an integral part of its management team. Mr. Degabriele’s primary responsibility is to oversee the business development function within the Group…

Joseph Mallia

Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director

Joe has been employed with the Dragonara Casino since 2005 when the casino was managed by the previous operator, Groupe Barriere…

Dr Christian Gernert

Non-Executive Director

Dr Gernert has extensive knowledge of the gaming industry, vast experience in various management positions with Casinos Austria AG and with Century Casinos Inc. CNTY (NASDAQ) as Chief Operating Officer…

Svetlana Birca

Chief International Business Officer

Svetlana joined Dragonara in 2010 when the Group took over the operation of the Casino. A gaming expert with over 15 years of experience, 9 of which at Century Casinos (Listed on NASDAQ – CNTY)…

Albert Muscat

Chief Technology Officer

Albert joined the Group in May 2011 and has been responsible for managing the IT and Group Systems ever since. Albert is primarily responsible for the smooth running of the entire I.T…

Tania Burgos Raddatz

Head of Casino Operations

Holder of a Diploma in International Commercial Law, Tania is an experienced Casino Executive with over 15 years’ experience in land-based casinos across multiple continents. Tania joined Dragonara Casino in 2017…

Cristian Rachieru

Head of Digital Product and Brands

An experienced product designer with over ten years of valuable experience in the iGaming industry, Cristian offers an exceptional combination of skills promoting the evolution of the product and the brand…

Sergio Cappitta

Head of IZIBET Retail Operations

An experienced professional in the gaming industry with over 17 years’ experience, within the core operations in various market segments, including Lotteries, Sports Betting, Video Lottery, Commercial Bingo and Gaming Equipment…

Silvio Scicluna

Chief People Officer

Silvio is an experienced HR professional having worked in various industries before joining the Group in 2019. Silvio has amassed years of HR experience in various sectors including Hospitality…

Ray Scicluna

Head of Facilities Management

Mr. Scicluna joined the Group in 2019 after having spent more than 15 years of experience within one of the most established local Telecom operators. His main role was to coordinate the office facilities within…

Valentine Paris

Executive Secretary

Valentine has over 15 years of experience as a senior executive assistant, program manager and event partner, working with leading global companies. Her role with various multi-national companies…

Joe Bonanno

Chief Operating Officer – National Lottery plc

Joseph is a seasoned professional with over 26 years of experience in the ICT and the land-based gaming industry focusing primarily on business analysis, information security, projects implementation…

Maria Barbara

Legal & Compliance Director

Maria joined IZI Group plc in January 2022 as the Legal and Compliance Director and is responsible for the overall regulatory framework of the Group. Maria’s experience in the gaming industry has its roots in the national lottery…