KPMG Partner Malta and Country Head of Audit Hilary Galea-Lauri, has penned an emotional tribute to fellow respected colleague, the former Chairman of Air Malta and Bank of Valletta (BOV), Joseph N Tabone.

The passing of Mr Tabone, at age 92, was announced on 15th August by John Saliba, a close colleague that worked with the beloved Mr Tabone numerous times.

Mr Tabone’s career started out in the accountancy industry. It was in the late 1960s that he set up his very own accountancy firm. Twenty years later, Mr Tabone was appointed chairman of BOV and launched the privatisation of the bank. Later, Mr Tabone ventured to Air Malta and eventually he also set up the renowned Citadel Insurance plc. Mr Tabone was also the founder of Joseph Tabone & Co, later to become KPMG in Malta.

His long career also included stints as President of the Chamber of Commerce between and as President of the Malta Institute of Accountants as well as a council member of the Federation of Industries.

“Much has been said about Mr Tabone’s significant achievements in business. To me (and may others who have been employed by the firm he established), he will be remembered as a central figure during the early years of my career,” Mr Galea-Lauri explained. He also expressed that although he penned a few words of appreciation under his name, he believes to be echoing the sentiments of several colleagues and leaders (past and present) who have worked alongside the businessman.

Mr Galea-Lauri stated that Mr Tabone's celebration of life coincides with his own retirement as a partner with KPMG, later this year. Upon this he also reflected on the mark Mr Tabone left on him especially, on what being a true ambassador of the firm was all about and how to protect its image. “He truly personified every aspect of client-focussed strategy, yet remained true to our firm and professional obligations when serving the stakeholders to whom we report.”

He described Mr Tabone as a beacon of inspiration who made significant contributions to the profession and that he had a unique ability to see beyond the horizon, to envision possibilities where others saw obstacles and to turn dreams into reality and to have a life well-lived in every aspect. In a sense of admiration Mr Galea-Lauri added that is not his business acumen that made him stand apart from the rest but also “his integrity and ethics. Mr Tabone did not measure success solely in terms of financial results but also by the impact he had on others.”

He believes that Mr Tabone recognised that the key to building a successful business also required fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, nurturing talent, inspiration and respect. It is for that reason that, Mr Galea-Lauri believes, his celebration of life was attended by a diverse group of people who in one way or another connected with him.

“It was evident from the memories some of us shared after Holy Mass, that Mr Tabone was much respected and admired and had touched the lives of many people in more ways than one. My thoughts and sympathies go out to Mr Tabone’s family during this difficult time. May his soul find eternal peace and may the legacy he left behind bring us all, who have been fortunate enough to have known him, comfort, inspiration and guidance towards a future filled with purpose,” Mr Galea-Lauri says.