Joseph Azzopardi has been appointed Head of Franchisee Development at the Convenience Group, it announced on Thursday.

Mr Azzopardi, formerly Vodafone Malta’s Head of Commercial Operations, will be responsible for expanding the chain’s already considerable retail presence and taking care of its franchise outlets.

He comes to the group with a wealth of experience after occupying various positions within the global telecommunications brand over his 14 years and nine months there.

Having graduated with a first-class Master’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Sales and Retailing, the company expects Mr Azzopardi to be invaluable.

Convenience Group CEO Martin Agius said Mr Azzopardi "will bring a new a new dimension to our company and is the kind of high-calibre executive we have been seeking to recruit to continue strengthening our executive team as we seek to take the Group forward.”

The Convenience Shop is Malta’s largest daily needs retailer, with a portfolio of 72 outlets including recently-opened stores in Tarxien, Qawra, Sliema and St Paul’s Bay.

The group says it has been investing in all aspects of the business, launching a rapid online checkout service