Nazzareno Vassallo, Chairman of Vassallo Group, has won the fourth edition of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year™. Vassallo Group is involved in several sectors in the local market that include property and construction, furniture and interiors, elderly and disability, catering, hospitality, architecture and education and employs over 1,700 people. This June, he will represent Malta and compete in EY’s World Entrepreneur of the Year™ award together with business leaders from more than 60 countries.
John Winfield, Founder and Managing Director of Dr Juice, has taken home the prize of EY’s Rising Star, an award which is supported by Melita Ltd.
EY has been holding the Entrepreneur of the Year™ awards globally for over three decades. Now found in more than 60 countries, they include a global network of 50,000 entrepreneurs and are the global benchmark for capturing today’s and tomorrow’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The Maltese award is adjudicated by an independent panel made up of key figures from the business community. This year’s panel included; Mr. David Xuereb (President, the Malta Chamber); Mr. Paul Abela (President, the Malta Chamber of SME’s), Ms. Sue Vella (Non-Executive Director, HSBC); Mr. Rick Hunkin (CEO, Bank of Valletta); Ms. Catherine Calleja (Managing Director, Atlas Health Insurance), and; Mr. David Darmanin (CEO & Founder, Hotjar and Entrepreneur of the Year winner 2019).
The Malta award promotes entrepreneurship across the Maltese islands and empowers entrepreneurs to grow their businesses both locally and globally. Apart from 2019’s win by David Darmanin of Hotjar, previous winners include Mr. Alfred Pisani (Corinthia Group) in 2017 and Mr. Angelo Xuereb (AX Holdings) in 2018.
Ronald Attard, EY Malta’s Country Managing Partner, said: “The past year has been extremely difficult for many Maltese businesses, but this award is a celebration of entrepreneurs that keep moving forward and believing in their ideas, despite so much uncertainty. The award has once again attracted exceptionally strong nominations. This year’s overall winner includes a seasoned entrepreneur who’s long-term vision and perserverance has undoubtedly served as inspiration to many, while the Rising Star is a captivating success story on how to promote a healthy lifetsyle. As the road to recovery commences after the economic impact of COVID-19, I am certain inspirational Maltese entrepreneur’s will be the driving force.”
Malcolm Briffa, Melita Ltd’s Director of Business Services, said: “Up-and-coming entrepreneurs who create novel business opportunities are a true source of inspiration for Melita to continue providing cutting-edge technology, which can so often be fundamental to making their dreams a reality. Our support of the Rising Star Award recognises the hard work and talent needed to create and grow a nascent business, bringing the individuals and their businesses to the fore, not only to be recognised by their peers but also to serve as a motivation for us all.”
The awards are supported by Melita Ltd., the Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Chamber of SME’s.
