Maltese Entrepreneur Matthew Wismayer, founder of Pet Nutrition House, has passed away at the age of 53 after battling a serious illness.

Mr Wismayer was widely regarded as one of Malta’s most successful and forward-thinking business leaders in the pet nutrition sector, having built a company that grew from a local operation into an international brand exporting to dozens of countries worldwide.

He founded Pet Nutrition House in 2010, following a strategic decision to step away from his family’s textile business and pursue his own entrepreneurial vision. Under his leadership, the company expanded rapidly, developing a strong portfolio of pet food and care brands while investing heavily in manufacturing, innovation and export markets. At its peak, the business operated in over 70 international markets, positioning Malta on the global pet nutrition map.

Beyond commercial success, Mr Wismayer was known for his hands-on leadership style, resilience and long-term outlook. Industry peers often described him as determined yet humble, with a strong belief in quality, sustainability and team culture.

In recent years, Mr Wismayer spoke openly about his health battle and how it reshaped his outlook on life. This experience inspired him to deepen his philanthropic efforts, leading to the establishment of the Schools for Africa Malta Foundation, an initiative focused on improving access to education for children in underserved communities.

The news of his passing was shared by his son, Sean Wismayer, in a public tribute in which he described his father as his mentor, his rock, and the kindest and most selfless man he had known. He thanked his father for teaching him to lead with kindness, remain humble in success, and always put family first.

Matthew Wismayer is remembered not only as a highly accomplished entrepreneur, but also as a devoted father, mentor and philanthropist. His legacy lives on through the business he built, the charitable work he championed, and the lasting impact he had on Malta’s business community.