In 2021, Express Group appointed Edmond Brincat as its new Chairman. An accountant by profession Mr Brincat comes from a long career at GO plc where initially he was part of the team entrusted to set up and launch Go Mobile, and later as Group CFO, where he was heavily involved in the restructuring and expansion of the group. At GO Mr. Brincat was also the lead behind the creation and eventual spin off and listing of Malta Properties Company plc. He is currently the CEO of SmartCity and also serves on the Board of a number of companies, including FIMBank plc.

What was your impression of Express Group before being appointed Chairman?

The first time I walked into Express Group’s offices was some twenty-five years ago. At the time I worked as an auditor and my job took me to many clients. I could see the differences from one company to another and every time I visited the group’s offices, I was always struck by the place, the environment and work ethics. I continued to visit occasionally and over the years I only reinforced my original assessment of the group as a professionally managed organisation. It is no coincidence that today Express Group is Malta’s leading logistics company – the result of consistent hard work and commitment by a great team of workers.

When involved with a business that is still intrinsically a family business, do you feel one needs to adopt a particular approach?

Every business has its particular circumstances, be it a family business, a publicly listed organisation, a government owned entity or a subsidiary of an international group. Beyond the ownership structure, any company depends on aspects such as the market conditions, the legislative framework that governs the business and the maturity of its product/ services portfolio. Shareholders establish the objectives for their company and the company’s board, management and employees have to work towards those objectives. Being family-owned is just one aspect but the fact that the family is united in supporting the business to continue to grow and move forward, is a significant consideration.

What are your preferred leadership styles?

As chairman of the board of directors, my role is to lead the board to work with management for the benefit of the group. I consider it to be important that all board members participate in debating performance, discuss options and to challenge views. Only with everyone’s input we can ensure that the company remains strong and an employer of choice for everyone. Success is dependent on management providing unwavering support to the board of directors and for the latter to allow management the space and flexibility it requires to manage the business. It is my duty to ensure that this balance is achieved.

What is the strategy and direction you are seeing for Express Trailers for the next years?

The group is a success story. It wouldn’t be in the leading position it is today if it did not have in place a strategy to achieve that vision and a programme to implement and monitor that strategy. It is important for the company to evolve its vision and strategy, ensuring it remains relevant as circumstances change. I am mindful of the fact that the group is a family-owned business whose leadership is transitioning from the second generation to the third.

My priority will be to ensure that all shareholders remain united and committed towards the group’s vision and strategy. The group needs to continue to grow, both locally and abroad. The group can grow from its investment in Italy but I also believe that there are opportunities for growth in the local market. We need to challenge the way we do business, consolidate what is good but also be prepared to modify what can be done better. Growth will open new opportunities, especially for the group’s dedicated team, ensuring financial stability and attractive work conditions for all.

What are your interests outside your professional domain?

I enjoy gardening but I also wish I had more time to read and to be active in voluntary work. Any particular book you are reading? I enjoy reading all sorts of things. Currently, I am reading one of the volumes of Histories of Malta by Giovanni Bonello. I like his style, his depth and insight of the topics covered as well as his sense of humour.

What is your favourite music?

Depends on the mood. I mostly listen to the latest popular songs but there are moments I enjoy listening to pop/rock classics as well as classical music.

Your personal wishes for 2022?

More time with family and hopefully back to travelling.