04 August, 2025
ETIENNE SCERRI – Chairperson
Etienne Scerri is the Executive Director of Silvercraft Products Ltd., Malta’s leading fiberglass composite manufacturers, his experience spans across various sectors including manufacturing, aviation, and pharmaceutical. As Chairman of the Malta Turkish Business Council (MTBC), he is dedicated to strengthening business, economic and cultural ties between Malta and Türkiye. Mr. Scerri also serves on the Manufacturing and Other Industries Economic Group within The Malta Chamber and is a founding partner in a spin off company for innovative composite monopole production with the University of Malta. Beyond business, he actively supports community initiatives as a council member of Puttinu Cares.
FERSUN AKYÜZ – Deputy Chairperson
Fersun Akyüz is the General Manager of CMA CGM Malta, part of one of the world’s leading shipping and logistics groups. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she leads the agency’s operations and commercial activities, connecting Malta to global trade routes. Her career has spanned both strategic and operational roles across Europe, with a strong focus on building partnerships and delivering reliable, customer-driven solutions. Based in Malta since 2018, Fersun is passionate about sustainability in logistics and strengthening Malta’s role in the Mediterranean as a dynamic hub for international shipping.
CLIVE AZZOPARDI
Clive Azzopardi is a Chartered Certified Accountant and has over 18 years of experience in Malta’s financial services sector. Appointed Operations Director at Dixcart Management Malta in 2018, Clive oversees the Accounts Department, client relations, and daily operations. The firm is a fully fledged corporate services provider, offering complete management and support services for companies and other structures in Malta. Clive is also heavily involved in the air and marine sector and is experienced in the registration of aircraft, ships, yachts, and management and administration of ownership structures. The company is also licensed to assist clients in residency and citizenship programmes, with Turkey being a key market.
PAULINE MICALLEF
Pauline Micallef is a CPA warranted Accountant by profession with an ACCA qualification. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Henley Business School at the University of Reading and is a Fellow Member of the Malta Institute of Accountants. With over a decade of Managerial experience, Pauline served as a Director, leading large teams through multimillion-dollar projects, including business development. She is also a lecturer in Financial Management and Microsoft Excel. Pauline joined the maritime industry over 5 years ago and as CEO of MaritimeMT, Pauline utilises her expertise to shape the next generation of maritime professionals. Pauline currently represents MaritimeMT as a committee member of the Malta Chamber of Commerce’s Yachting Services Business Section and for over a year she is a Council member on the Super Yacht Industry Network Malta and acts as the Treasurer.
ANNABELLE XUEREB
With over 30 years of experience in the port industry, Annabelle had the privilege of holding various roles in Valletta Gateway Terminals (VGT), contributing to a well-rounded understanding in different areas of terminal management. Currently serving at VGT as an Assistant General Manager, she oversees the Business Development and Operations of the terminal to expand the business of VGT and create value add for our customers. VGT have always embraced the culture of continuous improvement to deliver high service level to their clients. Annabelle values the chance to collaborate and engage with other Businesses to exchange ideas and explore new approaches.
SIMAY CILINGIR
Simay Cilingir is an Associate at Ganado Advocates, forming part of the firm’s shipping team. She advises international clients on a broad range of maritime matters, including ship registration, corporate structuring for shipping operations, and ship finance transactions. Simay plays an active role in supporting clients across the maritime sector with practical and commercial legal solutions. She holds an LLM in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton and is fluent in English, Maltese and Turkish.
ALLEN LOFARO
Director of Operations with 25 years of leadership in education management, Allen is committed to operational excellence and sustainable growth. He is known for building high-performing teams, optimizing processes, and elevating service quality to support student and institutional success. A collaborative, hands-on leader, Allen is passionate about inspiring commitment, driving results, and helping schools and communities thrive.
KURT GUTTERIDGE
Kurt began his maritime career as an engineer cadet before studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, earning the RW Mann and Burrill Awards. He later joined Malta’s flag administration, where he helped draft and implement the first Malta Commercial Yacht Code. This marked a turning point in the flag’s prominence in the yachting sector. In 2011, he founded NAS, now a leading survey and consultancy firm for yachts and ships. His work spans superyacht projects, statutory surveys, and regulatory advisory. Outside of work, Kurt enjoys physical training and spending time with his family.
