Hili Properties plc appears to have launched a search for a new Chief Executive Officer, according to a LinkedIn job posting that has since expired.

Hili Properties was advertising a CEO position based in Marsa, offering a salary package between €130,000 and €150,000 per year. The role was listed as a full-time, on-site position and had attracted over 100 applications at the time the vacancy listing closed earlier this week.

The development comes after Hili Properties and other companies within the Hili Ventures group disclosed legal action brought by former executive Georgios Kakouras following his dismissal earlier this year.

Mr Kakouras, who previously served as Managing Director of Hili Properties and CEO of Harvest Technologies, has initiated proceedings before the Employment and Industrial Tribunal, alleging wrongful termination. He is also seeking compensation for services allegedly rendered to Harvest Technologies and its subsidiary Apcopay Limited.

The executive was suspended from his positions in January pending an internal investigation and was permanently dismissed in February following its conclusion.

Hili Properties has denied the allegations and said it intends to defend its position vigorously before the Tribunal.

Harvest Technologies has likewise rejected Mr Kakouras’s claims.

A Greek national, Mr Kakouras joined Apcopay in 2019 after serving as Chief Operating Officer of former national lottery operator Maltco. He subsequently assumed several senior leadership positions across Hili Ventures portfolio companies.

The now-expired job posting could indicate that Hili Properties is seeking a permanent replacement following Mr Kakouras's departure. The company has been led by interim CEO and CFO Daniela Pavia since Mr Kakouras's departure.