Ronald Sultana appointed as new Gozo Channel CEO

Ronald Sultana has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Channel, while lawyer Marlene Cini has been named as the company's first woman chairperson, the Gozo Ministry said.

On Friday, the ministry announced that the roles of chairperson and chief executive officer have been separated, with the CEO post becoming a full-time role responsible for the company's day-to-day management and its long-term transformation.

Lawyer Marlene Cini is the ferry service's new chairperson.

Sultana had previously served as a director responsible for tourism and economic development within the Gozo Ministry since 2019. He will now be replacing Joe Cordina, who was appointed as Gozo Channel executive chairman in April 2013.

Times of Malta first reported the change in the ferry service's leadership last month.

The ministry said connectivity will be a key priority during the legislature, with major investments in Gozo Channel, Mġarr Harbour and the Xewkija Air Fields.

"The appointment of Chief Executive Officer Ronald Sultana marks an important transition for one of Gozo’s most strategic entities. This appointment comes at a time when the company is facing the challenge of modernising its fleet and improving its digital systems and customer service-related systems," the ministry said.

The statement said Sultana’s knowledge of Gozo’s tourism sector, together with his ability to translate strategy into concrete results, places him in a strong position to lead the company through this transformation. 

The Ministry said Cini has extensive experience in public administration, legal affairs, corporate governance, and strategic leadership. She has served as board secretary of Gozo Channel Operations Ltd, Board Secretary of the Gozo Regional Development Authority, and Deputy Head of the Maltese Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.

She graduated as a lawyer from the University of Malta and holds a professional certificate in taxation.

It said the Gozo Channel would need substantial investment to modernise and expand its fleet in response to ever-growing demand, improve sustainability and strengthen operational efficiency. It said work will be carried out to update digital platforms, including ticketing systems and marketing channels.

The Ministry thanked former Gozo Channel chairman Joe Cordina for his service.