In today's volatile business landscape, organisations face an unprecedented array of risks - from cyber threats and supply chain disruptions to regulatory complexities and geopolitical instability.
For Maltese businesses navigating these challenges, SHIELD Consultants Ltd has emerged as a trusted partner, combining military-grade precision with innovative risk management solutions.
WhosWho.mt sat down with the man at the helm of this dynamic firm, CEO John Schembri, whose unique journey from military commander to risk management pioneer has shaped SHIELD's distinctive approach to operational resilience.
A soldier’s transition to business leadership
John Schembri’s journey into risk management was anything but conventional. A former major in the Maltese army with 18 years of service, Mr Schembri’s transition from military leadership to corporate consultancy was driven by a simple yet powerful realisation: many organisations were alarmingly unprepared for operational crises.
"I spent years observing security protocols in high-risk environments – hotels, government facilities, even diplomatic zones – and thought, ‘If I wanted to exploit weaknesses, it would be frighteningly easy,’" he recalls.
This insight, combined with his military training and a Master’s in Risk Management from Leicester University, led him to establish SHIELD Consultants Ltd in 2003 – a pivotal year when Malta’s accession to the EU brought sweeping regulatory changes in security and safety standards.
"The timing was perfect. The world was waking up to risk management post-9/11, and Malta needed expertise that went beyond financial audits. We filled that gap.”
John Schembri’s military career provided a solid foundation for his venture. Rising to the rank of Major in the Armed Forces of Malta, Mr Schembri served in various strategic roles, including as military assistant to the President of Malta.
This experience gave him unparalleled insight into security vulnerabilities.
"I spent countless hours observing security protocols in sensitive locations," Mr Schembri recalls. "What struck me was the glaring gap between theoretical security measures and practical operational realities. In many cases, basic vulnerabilities remained unaddressed despite substantial investments in security infrastructure."
The birth and evolution of SHIELD
While SHIELD began as a security consultancy, the CEO quickly recognised that true resilience required a broader approach. Today, the firm specialises in Quality, Health & Safety, Security, Environmental Management, and Training (QHSSET), using Business Continuity Management (BCM) as the unifying framework.
SHIELD members on the ground
We focus on where ‘the things hits the fan,’ as we say - – the real-world, on-the-ground challenges that disrupt businesses," Mr Schembri explains.
Indeed, SHIELD Consultants Ltd emerged at a pivotal moment in Malta's economic development. The nation's impending EU accession created new regulatory requirements, particularly in maritime security and occupational safety. Mr Schembri recognised an opportunity to fill a critical market gap.
"Most risk management firms at the time focused exclusively on financial or legal risks," Schembri explains. "There was virtually no local expertise in operational risk management – the kind of practical, boots-on-the- ground solutions that prevent disasters before they happen."
Today, SHIELD is Malta's first dedicated health and safety consultancy. pioneering change within Malta's evolving regulatory landscape.
Innovations that redefined an industry
SHIELD's most significant contribution has been its integration of technology with traditional risk management methodologies. Recognising the limitations of paper-based systems, Mr Schembri and his team championed digital transformation long before it became an industry standard.
"We replaced 200-page emergency manuals with mobile-friendly digital checklists," Mr Schembri notes.
"Suddenly, workers in remote locations or crisis situations had instant access to critical protocols. This was revolutionary for industries like oil and gas, where response times can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe."
One of SHIELD's most notable innovations was developed during a high- stakes assignment in Libya. Tasked with creating emergency evacuation procedures for an international energy company, Schembri's team developed a digital crisis management system that transformed how organisations prepare for and respond to emergencies.
"The traditional approach involved massive binders of procedures that no one could realistically use during an actual crisis," he says. "We created a system where critical information was accessible via mobile devices, with location-specific protocols and real-time updates. This became the blueprint for our future digital solutions."
Building a culture of real resilience
What truly distinguishes SHIELD is its human-centred approach to risk management. The company's team includes former military personnel, emergency responders, and industry specialists who bring practical, real-world experience to every engagement.
"We don't just write policies – we stress-test them in realistic scenarios," Mr Schembri emphasises.
"Our consultants have actually managed crises, from industrial accidents to security breaches. This operational experience informs every solution we develop."
This approach has earned SHIELD an impressive client portfolio, including Enemed, Lufthansa Malta, Steward Healthcare, and other major organisations.
Each engagement follows SHIELD's signature methodology:
- Operational Assessment - Identifying vulnerabilities through hands- on evaluation
- Custom Solution Design - Creating tailored, practical risk management frameworks
- Technology Integration - Implementing digital tools for ongoing risk monitoring
- Capability Building - Training teams to maintain and adapt risk protocols
The road ahead
Looking to the future, SHIELD is expanding its digital risk management platforms while maintaining its core focus on operational realities. The company is developing AI-enhanced tools for predictive risk analysis and investing in its training academy to cultivate the next generation of risk professionals.
"Risk management isn't about creating bureaucracy - it's about enabling organisations to operate with confidence in an uncertain world," Mr Schembri concludes.
"As new threats emerge, from cyber risks to climate challenges, our mission remains the same: to provide practical, innovative solutions that keep people safe and businesses resilient."
For Malta's business landscape, SHIELD Consultants Ltd represents a vital asset – a strategic partner in building sustainable, future-ready organisations. Under John Schembri's leadership, the company continues to redefine what operational resilience means in an increasingly complex world.
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