IZI FINANCE PLC Appoints New Board of Directors for Stronger IZIGROUP Leadership

March 14, 2022News
IZI FINANCE PLC Appoints New Board of Directors for Stronger IZIGROUP Leadership

Unlocking Growth: IZI FINANCE PLC Board Announcement

The financial arm of IZIGROUP, IZI FINANCE PLC, disclosed today the lineup of its newly appointed Board of Directors. Dr. Christian Gernert takes the helm as the Chairman, overseeing Strategy and Implementation.

Leadership at the Helm

Johann Schembri, the visionary behind the establishment of IZIGROUP in 2004, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer for the leading land-based gaming group in Malta. Together with Dr. Christian Gernert, five other directors, including Franco De Gabriele and Joseph Mallia, form the core leadership team. Both officers, integral to the group’s success over the past decade, bring extensive experience to their roles.

Strengthening Corporate Governance

The Board further strengthens its composition with three independent non-executive directors: Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Jacqueline Camilleri, economist Dr. Stephanie Fabri, and seasoned banker Dr. Otto Karasek. Ms. Camilleri will also chair the Audit Committee, ensuring robust financial governance.

Driving Growth in Malta and Beyond

Johann Schembri expresses confidence in the new Board’s ability to lead the group through its next phase of expansion. Having secured the Dragonara Casino concession and the National Lottery of Malta, the group faces increased responsibilities, met with determination and a formidable leadership team.

Meet the Non-Executive Directors

Ms. Jacqueline Camilleri: A Certified Public Accountant with a master’s in business administration, Ms. Camilleri brings a wealth of experience from serving on various high-caliber boards, including the Malta International Airport. Her expertise extends to strategic reviews and business evaluations.

Dr. Stephanie Fabri: Holding a PhD in Management and Economics, Dr. Fabri’s background includes serving as a non-executive Director on Malta Dairy Products Limited and as a consultant on economic affairs. Her current role involves being a Board Member of the Malta Stock Exchange.

Dr. Otto Karasek: With a master’s in business administration, Dr. Karasek’s banking sector experience includes roles such as Managing Director of BAWAG Malta Bank Limited. He currently serves as a non-executive Board Member of Merkanti Bank Ltd, contributing to its Business and Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

About IZI FINANCE PLC

IZI FINANCE PLC acts as the finance company for IZIGROUP and its subsidiaries. The Group operates some of Malta’s most established land-based gaming properties including the Dragonara Casino, the IZIBET retail network and from July 2022, the National Lottery of Malta. IZI FINANCE PLC is a holding company whose primary objective is to raise finance for the business of IZIGROUP.

National Lottery is a fully owned subsidiary of IZIGROUP, the largest land-based gaming operator in Malta. National Lottery is the exclusive concessionaire of the National Lottery of Malta. IZIGROUP also operates the Dragonara Casino, Malta’s No 1 land-based casino established in 1964. IZIGROUP offers a full range of online casino and sports betting products via dragonara.com and izibet.com and offers lottery products online via lottery.mt. IZIGROUP is an equal opportunities company and one of the largest privately-owned groups providing full time employment to over 500 employees.

IZIGROUP is committed to providing unique gaming experiences in responsible and safe environments. We emphasize responsible gaming and encourage patrons to visit the Responsible Gaming Foundation website for support and information.

IZI Interactive Limited (MGA/B2C/345/2016), Dragonara Gaming Limited (MGA/B2C/181/2010), and National Lottery (MGA/B2C/003/2022) are all gaming operations under IZIGROUP and are licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority under the Gaming Act Chapter 583 of the laws of Malta.

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