The Xara Collection, a group of companies including the renowned Xara Palace Hotel, the de Mondion Restaurant and Trattoria AD 1530, has appointed Neal Debono as Group CEO, it announced on Wednesday.

Mr Debono is a hospitality industry veteran, with a wealth of experience, which the group expects to guide him as it continues building the Xara brand through sustainable luxury.

The new CEO celebrated his appointment, saying: “I am honoured to be entrusted with such a quality-focused reputable brand. I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career and to work closely with the functional and operational teams within the group.

“We have a unique opportunity to continue shaping the company into a leading Maltese hospitality company that embodies all that makes us a truly hospitable country.”

Mr Debono, who most recently led the InterContinental Malta and Holiday Inn Express Malta team – encompassing a portfolio of six distinctive outlets and a leading conference facility – will report directly to the Board of Directors.

Welcoming him, Justin Zammit Tabona, Xara Collection’s Managing Director said: “I am pleased to welcome Neal on board, a highly respected and effective leader within the Maltese hospitality scene.

“It is a time of change and renewal for The Xara Collection and Neal will surely contribute to our growth and quality aspirations.”

Mr Debono brings with him a strong academic background, graduating from Henley and moving into the five-star and luxury hotel business where he has focused his career ever since.

With the Grand Hotel Excelsior, he branched out from the commercial team into leading the successful operations of the hotel.

He also served as Director of Operations at the Le Meridien Malta where he helped grow the company portfolio and developed brands such as The Villa and Taro while contributing to the design stage of the first Malta Marriott.

Soon after, he joined IHG as Hotel Manager for InterContinental Malta and grew into the position of Cluster Acting General Manager where his drive helped both the InterContinental and Holiday Inn Express Malta teams succeed through the challenges presented by the tumultuous COVID pandemic.