After more than ten years at the helm, Anton Buttigieg has announced that he is stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer of TradeMalta.
Mr Buttigieg shared the news in a LinkedIn post, describing his tenure as “one of the most rewarding experiences” of his professional life.
“TradeMalta was created with a clear purpose: to support Malta-based businesses as they grow internationally, and I am proud of what we have built together in service of that mission,” he said.
During his decade-long leadership, he adds that TradeMalta worked closely with hundreds of local exporters and companies pursuing internationalisation. Mr Buttigieg expressed gratitude to these businesses, describing their “ambition, energy, and innovation” as a constant source of inspiration.
He also extended thanks to the organisation’s shareholders – the Government of Malta, particularly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, and The Malta Chamber – for their continued trust and support throughout his tenure.
Mr Buttigieg further acknowledged the contributions of the board members, both past and present, for their “strategic guidance and commitment to our mission.” He reserved special appreciation for HSBC Bank Malta plc, noting the bank’s “unwavering partnership and backing over the past decade.”
In addition to leading TradeMalta, Mr Buttigieg served as Vice President and board member of Trade Promotion Europe, a network that unites trade promotion organisations across the continent. Reflecting on this role, he said it was “an honour to serve on the board and as Vice President of Trade Promotion Europe, working with colleagues from across the continent who share a common belief in the power of international trade to drive prosperity and innovation.”
He also recognised his international collaborators, particularly those in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, for their insights and shared commitment to advancing global trade.
Finally, Mr Buttigieg expressed heartfelt thanks to the TradeMalta team, both current and former, for their “dedication, professionalism, and belief in our mission.”
While stepping away from his position, Mr Buttigieg affirmed his continued belief in the importance of international trade and Malta’s potential on the global stage. “Though I am stepping away from this role, I remain a firm believer in the value of international trade and in Malta’s potential on the global stage,” he wrote, adding that he looks forward to “continuing to support this community in new ways.”
TradeMalta, jointly owned by the Government of Malta and The Malta Chamber, was established to help local enterprises expand internationally through training, research, and business development support. Under Mr Buttigieg’s leadership, it has become a central point of reference for Maltese exporters and international business partnerships.
