Etienne Bonello has been appointed Chief Officer (Operations) at Festivals Malta.

Mr Bonello brings a strong blend of operational, administrative and cultural leadership experience to the role. He holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Malta and an MBA from Henley Business School. Over the years, he has built a career spanning public administration, cultural governance and large-scale event management.

Before his latest promotion, Mr Bonello served as Director of Operations at Festivals Malta for two years and nine months. Prior to this, he held the same position at MICAS for two and a half years.

His earlier roles include serving as Director of Corporate Affairs at Arts Council Malta for more than three years, as well as Assistant Director (Support Services) at the Restoration Directorate, where he was responsible for facilitating and enhancing support services, particularly in human resources and administration.

Meanwhile, Festivals Malta is responsible for an annual calendar of more than 160 activities spread across 11 festivals and five national events, providing a platform for local artists and celebrating the diversity of Maltese cultural life.

Its portfolio includes flagship events such as the Valletta Baroque Festival, Karnival ta’ Malta, Mużika Mużika, Festgħana, the Malta International Arts Festival, Malta Jazz Festival, Dance Festival Malta, Karnival tas-Sajf, Valletta Guitar Festival, Notte Bianca and The Three Palaces. National commemorations under its remit include Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Victory Day, Independence Day, Dun Karm, Remembrance Day and Republic Day.