Importers, Distributors and Retailers Economic Group

Mark Bajada

Mark Bajada, a successful entrepreneur, husband, and father of two. He’s a leading business thinker in Malta, with a passion for innovation and optimization. Mark is known for his strong values and ethical principles, which he embodies in his businesses, always striving to do what’s right rather than just what’s profitable.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor, Mark has led various businesses across different economic groups, primarily related to renewable energy, elderly care, bespoke engineering solutions, and manufacturing. He has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious “EY Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2022.

Mark’s diverse experiences and forward vision make him an ideal candidate to contribute to any council or organization looking for fresh ideas and solutions. With over three decades of pioneering work in various businesses, Mark is always looking for new ways to stay ahead of the curv


Geoffrey Debono

Geoffrey joined the family business at age 21 and has since been pushing to enable the company to create innovative solutions to address society’s mobility challenges. When joining the business, Geoffrey focused on modernizing all the key touch-points of the business and instilling a culture of doing the right thing both for customers and employees.

The positive change which the company achieved led him to be recognized as the “Outstanding Young Person Award for 2008’s Entrepreneurial accomplishment” in Malta by Junior Chamber International (JCI).

He firmly believes that employees are the biggest asset the company has and is consistently working to become an employer of choice. The business is currently undergoing a digital transformation which will enable a unique digital experience for its customers.


Marcel K. Mifsud

Marcel K. Mifsud is a Director of Pharma-Cos Limited, a leading business in the healthcare and retail sectors established in 1974.

Marcel has been an active member of the Malta Chamber and its Healthcare Business Section for over 35 years, having served on the Committee for many years and who currently spearheading the Medical Devices Task Force. Marcel is also an active member of the Family Business Thematic Committee.

For the past four years, Marcel has served as Council Member and Chairperson of the Importers, Distributors and Wholesalers Economic Group. During these terms, efforts were focused mainly on mitigating the various challenges presented by Covid-19 Pandemic and the successful establishment of a now well-represented Retail Business Section.

Marcel seeks to continue dedicating his energy to further the Chamber’s efforts as a force for good in Malta’s economy and society.


John Muscat

John Muscat  is a successful entrepreneur and Managing Director of the Biocare Group, a family owned business involved in the importation and distribution of health and beauty products, spa management, education and retail. He has extensive experience in the industry, having worked in various capacities for over 15 years and was appointed as the Managing Director in 2011

Apart from his involvement in the health and beauty industry, Muscat is also a shareholder and director of Just Fashion Ltd, furthering his interest in the fashion industry. Additionally, he is the director of Kontrada Merchants Ltd, a company specializing in the importation and distribution of wines and fine foods.

With his diverse experience in various industries, Muscat has become a well-respected figure in the business world, known for his strategic thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to turn businesses around. He is a hands-on leader who is passionate about his work and is always looking for new opportunities to grow and expand his businesses.


Kevin Rapinett

Kevin J. Rapinett enjoyed a rewarding career of 33 years in the banking and finance industry. He occupied senior positions at HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. ranging from Head of Global Markets and Investment Banking, Managing Director and Stockbroker of HSBC Stockbrokers (Malta) Ltd, Head of Wholesale Credit Risk and Deputy Chief Risk Officer.

In 2012, Mr Rapinett was appointed as Head of Corporate Banking during which time he was also seconded to HSBC Commercial Banking in London. In March 2020, Mr Rapinett was appointed group Chief Executive Officer of Halmann Vella Group.

He currently sits on the Council of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and is a non-executive director of a number of corporate boards.


Christopher Vassallo Cesareo

Christopher Vassallo Cesareo BA Hons (Marketing) born in 1970, husband of Katia nee’ Cuschieri and father of two boys Jack and Alexander. He furthered his studies at St John’s College in Portsmouth and at the Boston University, graduating in marketing with a minor in psychology.

On his return to Malta, he was employed as Sales and Marketing Manager with Domestica Limited a family-owned business which was set-up in the seventies. His career at Domestica Limited flourished and in 2006 he was appointed as managing director.

Mr Vassallo Cesareo has been a Council member of The Malta Chamber since 2013 where he is currently Deputy President.  He is also currently Chairman of JA Malta Foundation, served as Vice Chairman on the San Anton School Board between 2015 and 2021 and is a member of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem.


Charles A. Zahra

Charles A. Zahra has run the family business, E. Theuma & Company Ltd, since the early 1990’s importing raw materials from textiles to paper to marble.
For the past twelve years, Mr. Zahra sat on the Council of The Malta Chamber and has served on the Board of Management in the past.

He has also served on various committees within The Malta Chamber and represented it on the Building Industry Consultative Council, MEUSAC and Malta Employers’ Association. He has served as a director on the Malta Business Foundation, is serving as a director of the Trade Fairs Corporation.

Mr. Zahra is Consul for the Republic of Malawi.  He was also a Council member of Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce.