Colonel Edric Zahra appointed Identità CEO as Steve Agius moves to Active Ageing
Agius departs from Identità less than 18 months after taking up the role
Former deputy commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Colonel Edric Zahra, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Identità while outgoing chief Steve Agius has moved to head up Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC).
Zahra's appointment, one that had been expected, sees Agius depart from the agency less than 18 months after taking up the role.
Zahra became AFM deputy commander three years ago, taking over from Mark Mallia who led Identità, then Identity Malta, for two years until February last year.
He attended St Aloysius College before continuing his studies at the University of Malta where he was awarded two bachelor's and two master's degrees. He also studied at the International Maritime Law Institute and US Naval War College.
Zahra, 47, joined the Armed Forces in 1999 and served in the AFM’s Rapid Deployment Team, the Maritime Squadron and as Officer Commanding the First Regiment. He followed studies in peacekeeping, terrorism and maritime law enforcement.
He served in Libya as part of a training delegation to the Libyan navy following the Libyan uprising and as National Contingent Commander in Athens, Greece, as part of a FRONTEX – the EU border force – operation.
Zahra instructed at the AFM Maritime Safety and Security Training Centre and was decorated with the Long and Efficient Service Medal.
He retires from his role in the armed forces after having completed 25 years of service.
Agius’ appointment as AACC CEO follows the departure of former chief Renzo De Gabriele, who has since taken up the role of Permanent Secretary within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Active Ageing.
Agius previously served as Mater Dei Hospital CEO, where he led the national COVID-19 vaccination programme, and has a background in data analysis. He recently completed a doctorate focusing on evidence-based decision-making.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri congratulated Zahra on his appointment, describing him as well positioned to lead the agency in light of his skills and experience, and thanked Agius for his service.
Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, thanked De Gabriele for his years of service and wished Agius success in his new role.