Bank of Valletta plc announced on Friday (today) that regulatory approval has been granted for the appointment of Deborah Schembri as Non-Executive Director.

Her appointment was announced in June, but it only became effective today following the approval.

Her new position comes after two vacancies for Non-Executive Directors arose during the bank’s AGM in June, with Ms Schembri and James Grech being appointed for each of them. BOV had received four valid nominations, yet two of them were withdrawn at various stages of the selection process, and thus Ms Schembri and Mr Grech were automatically appointed.

Since then, Kenneth Farrugia has also succeeded Rick Hunkin as the bank's CEO and Executive Director.

As a result, BOV’s Board of Directors is now made up of Gordon Cordina as Non-Executive Director and Chairman, Miguel Borg and Mr Farrugia as Executive Directors, along with Kevin Borg, Diane Bugeja, Elizabeth Camilleri, Mr Grech, Alfred Lupi, Anita Mangion, Alfred Mifsud, Antonio Piras, Ms Schembri, and Godfrey Swain as Non-Executive Directors.

Ms Schembri is a Certified Public Accountant, holding a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Henley Management College, and an Advanced Diploma in Retirement Provision pursued with the United Kingdom Pensions Management Institute.

She is also Group Chief Financial Officer at a major local diversified group of companies operating locally and internationally.

Ms Schembri has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services, gaming, caring, construction and property development, oil and fuel, transport and pest control, as well hospitality and travel industries.