The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) has appointed experienced strategist and leader Gavril Flores as Chief Officer for Strategy, Policy and Governance.

This appointment forms part of a wider organisational optimisation process whereby the MDIA is positioning itself as the leading entity that directs and facilitates the secure and optimal uptake of digital innovation.

Mr Flores will be primarily tasked with implementing the MDIA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2025, which was launched late last year, and is aimed at transforming, inspiring, and enabling digital innovation.

He joined the MDIA from the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) where he was responsible for strategy, programme management, quality and digital transformation. At the MCCAA, he successfully established new functions on digital investigations, planning and performance, which have been recognised by European Institutions and international certifications. Mr Flores also led the MCCAA’s regulatory portfolio realignment initiatives to adopt a forward-looking approach whilst ensuring it is at the forefront of international advancements.

Prior to that, Mr Flores was Director at the Malta Medicines Authority, where he spearheaded a major organisational transformation and actively participated on the Board of the European Medicines Agency while also representing Malta in various international fora.

He is also a Senior Visiting Lecturer at University of Malta’s Faculty for Economics, Management and Accountancy, as well as a certified lead auditor.

Following the completion of an undergraduate degree at University of Malta, he completed a Master of Arts in Creativity and Innovation at the Edward de Bono Institute for the Design and Development of Thinking and a Master of Business and Administration at Warwick Business School (UK).

The MDIA is a government entity that is tasked with promoting consistent principles for developing people's and organisations' visions, skills, and other qualities related to technological innovation.