Good business sense is in Chris Vassallo Cesareo’s blood. His father was a pioneer in the ‘60s, and set up his furniture-making company under the name of Abbott and Dominic in 1969 to cater for family properties.

As it turned out, the business didn’t focus on that sector in the end, but instead became a popular choice for much wider portions of the market.

Chris, though, actually had no intention of joining the family business. He graduated from Boston University and planned to stay in the States, working in the fields of marketing or psychology. “I had a very good job lined up,” he recalls with a smile.

But life had another path in mind for him, and he returned to Malta temporarily because of heath concerns within his family, and ended up staying. “Fast forward to now and I don’t regret it for a moment. I think it was one of the better decisions I have made in my life,” he says.

Today, in fact, he is Domestica Managing Director – spearheading a team of 30plus workers between the Attard-based factory and the Msida showroom. His role encompasses time at both locations, where he touches base on every project that comes into the company. “I believe that personal connection to everything we do is what has set us apart since day one,” he says.

“Being a family business enables us to add that certain something that today’s consumers appreciate.”

Considering he never foresaw his future in industry, Chris has also been very successful in the wider business sphere, and the Malta Chamber has always fascinated him. He was curious about the role it played and – rather than question it from the outside – wanted to get involved.

“So, I started to attend more meetings and events, and eventually was invited to join my economic group for retailers, distributors and importers,” he says.

He found that he really enjoyed it and could contribute to it, and eventually ended up on the Board of that sector. Then, when an opportunity to join the Chamber’s Board arose earlier this year, Chris was invited to sit on it.

He gladly accepted – largely because he felt he could make a change by being involved. “I believe that’s the best way to encourage change in life,” he continues, “by committing myself to being part of the change.

I don’t agree with saying ‘this is being done wrongly’ and walking out. That would be too easy. I prefer to say ‘I am here, I want to get my hands dirty, and I am ready to help take the hard decisions’.”

Chris explains that the Board is now implementing all of the things that have been discussed over the last few years, and that knowledge is what inspired and motivated him to be part of this important next phase.

“I can honestly say that we are seeing change. Plus, I feel very lucky to be sitting on a Board with six very like-minded members who believe in driving positive change too.” Chris finds having the opportunity to talk to other business leaders very beneficial, as he can share any challenges safe in the knowledge that the others will understand him and offer genuine advice.

“Even though we all come from different sectors, there is a lot to learn from one another, with different solutions and suggestions for how to tackle things most effectively. It hasn’t always been easy to pick up the phone and talk to another CEO in this manner, but the Chamber has given me this.”

When he looks to the future of the organisation, Chris says he is most excited about bringing the sort of change that members have asked for. “I can already feel the results of the consultation we have had with them over the past few months. We are very focused on the market, we are expressing our views, and we are setting out to portray ourselves as fair contributors to the economy.

“A case in point was the recent document on ethics and good governance that our President put forward. We have committed ourselves to putting those rules out there, and it is something I am proud to be part of.” That said, he knows that it will not all be plain sailing when it comes to the changes to be made.

“The buck stops with us,” he asserts.

“So, I do foresee a future where we have to make some uncomfortable decisions but, if we are committed and know it will be for the good of the Chamber long-term, then it is our role to press ahead. If we don’t, we risk falling short of the members who voted for us. After all, they have faith in us, just like the shareholders of a business do, and we have to honour that.”

Meanwhile, from a national economy perspective, he admits there is a ‘wait and see’ phase following the challenges faced at the end of 2019. “So far the market has picked up again,” he explains.

“So, I am positive that we will overcome this and rally together. I believe that we, as Maltese, have a lot to offer – we are resilient despite our complete lack of resources, and have a leading economy and attractive island lifestyle.

“But we have work to do, and that’s why I want to tackle it now – positively, while pushing for constant improvement.”

At the same time, Chris stresses that he knows he is the ‘new kid on the block’ on the Board, but that he is embracing the pleasant challenge of taking this commitment on and is excited about what is to come.

“I never leave a meeting at the Chamber without having learnt something, simply because of the wealth of knowledge around that table.” “So, for the year to come at least, I will be giving my all to the Chamber and this new position, and will not let the people that have had faith in me down.”

This interview appeared in the February/March edition of the Commercial Courier