The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced the appointment of Charles Mizzi as its new chief executive, with effect from 26 January.
Mizzi will officially begin his new role as CEO at the Malta regulator on 26 January. He will replace Charles Brincat, who is stepping down after two years at the helm.
He joins the MGA from Residency Malta Agency, where he served as its CEO for five years. Mizzi has also worked in a range of other senior roles during his career. These include being head of the image and communications unit at BNF Bank.
“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the Authority,” Mizzi said. “I am keen to build on past successes and, together with the team under the guidance of the minister responsible and the board of governors, to strategically steer the Authority forward so that Malta’s already robust position in the field may be further strengthened, while delivering value to all stakeholders.”
Malta’s minister for the economy, EU funds and lands, Silvio Schembri, also welcomed Mizzi’s appointment.
“With his vast experience in managing the operations of a number of entities and his contributions towards major projects, Charles is undoubtedly the right candidate to continue building on what the MGA has achieved so far,” Schembri said.
“He will lead his excellent colleagues within the Authority towards further future success.”
MGA Bill 55
A potential task for Mizzi after his arrival will be defending Europe’s opposition to Malta’s Bill 55. This has proved contentious with other European stakeholders, which many say is incompatible with European law.
Also known as Article 56A of Malta’s Gaming Act, the bill protects Malta-licensed operators from legal liability resulting from their gambling activities.
The controversy followed news in August that the German gambling regulator said the law conflicts with the Brussels Recast Regulation. The regulation governs how legal judgements are settled between EU members.