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Principal Permanent Secretary

Mr Tony Sultana

​​Mr Tony Sultana was appointed Principal Permanent Secretary on 1 June 2022, following a long career in the Public Service in which he pioneered the use of information technology. He was entrusted with designing the implementation of key Government solutions.

His career began in 1986 with the Government Computer Centre. Over the years, Mr Sultana has been instrumental in implementing tax reform and other holistic systems. He led the Euro-IT Taskforce, and was responsible for coordinating the euro changeover of IT systems. He was also assigned responsibility for the Utilities System, and participated in the implementation of Integrated Utilities Business Systems.

Having held several senior management posts within MITA, Mr Sultana was appointed Executive Chairman in April 2013. During his mandate, he focused on strengthening and modernising the Government’s digital ICT systems, with priority over security.

Mr Sultana has a technical background in industrial electronics and government information systems through specialised programmes he has carried out in Singapore and Japan. He holds a degree in Mathematics and Computing from the University of Malta and a Master of Science in Management from Anglia University in the UK.

THE PERMANENT SECRETARIES

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Renzo De Gabriele

Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Health
Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Health

Dr Renzo De Gabriele

Dr Renzo De Gabriele is a family doctor by profession, with over thirty years of experience working in the public service.


He graduated as a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Malta in 1995 and was awarded a Certificate in Diabetes from the Irish College of General Practitioners in 2008. He is also a Specialist in Family Medicine, and a Fellow of the Malta College of Family Doctors. He is also an expert trainer in family medicine and delivered various national and international courses at various levels to train family doctors as trainers in family medicine.

 

In 2011, Dr De Gabriele was appointed Assistant Director Administration in the Primary HealthCare Department within the Ministry for Health. In 2013, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Primary Healthcare Department within the Ministry for Health. In 2019, he was then appointed Chief Executive Officer of Active Ageing and Community Care where he was instrumental in strengthening existing services as well as developing new ones. New services launched since 2019 include the Telecare on the Move service, the domiciliary phlebotomy service, a nationwide free transport service for the elderly (the Silver T service), community psychotherapy services for the elderly, renting of motorised beds for homebound clients, the home helper of your choice scheme, and domiciliary dietitian services. Dr De Gabriele also planned and executed the opening of several new active ageing centres, as well as two new dementia activity centres. Residential care services saw the introduction of various new services like speciality nursing and palliative care. A programme of renovation of all government homes was one of his visions, with Floriana Residential Home being renovated and all other government-run residential homes undergoing radical refurbishment. Active Ageing and Community Care was instrumental in the ongoing implementation of the National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing 2023 - 2030 and, through its Dementia Care Directorate, in the publication and current implementation of the National Dementia Strategy 2024 - 2031.


In 2023, Dr De Gabriele was awarded the Best Manager Award in the National Worker of the Year Awards and led Active Ageing and Community Care to achieve another three national awards with the Silver T service being awarded the Best Innovative Service Award in the Malta National Transport Awards, the Dar Padova Project was awarded the Best Project Award in the Public Service Awards, and the Dementia Directorate was awarded the Best Unit Award in the National Worker of the Year Awards.>

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Emil Vassallo

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Public Works
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Public Works

Mr Emil Vassallo

An educator by profession, Emil Vassallo has served in different roles in the Malta Public Service for the past 32 years. He was teacher, adult educator, Head of School, College Principal and Director General within the Education Division. Following his departure from the education sector, for the past two and a half years, he served as Director General within the Local Government Division and led the team supporting 68 local councils and 6 regional councils. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Malta, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership as well as Master of Science in ICT in Education. He values positive professional relationships and his special interests include training and professional development and digitalisation of services available to the public and corporate clients. In his free time, he engages in amateur distance running up to marathon distances. 


In June 2026, Mr Vassallo was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Public Works.

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Mario Borg

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Gozo
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Gozo

Mr Mario Borg

Mario Borg, born in 1975, began his career in the Civil Service in 1994 as a clerk at the VAT Department. He subsequently progressed through various roles within the Public Administration, gaining extensive experience across different sectors.


In 2004, he joined the Economic Policy Department within the Ministry for Finance, initially as an Economic Officer and later as an Economic Analyst. In 2015, he was appointed Director of Economic and Business Statistics at the National Statistics Office (NSO). In 2020, he became the first Chief Executive Officer of the Gozo Regional Development Authority (GRDA).


Throughout his career, Mario Borg has been actively engaged in bilateral discussions with the European Commission and international institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and credit agencies. He represented Malta on several technical working groups and committees within DG ECFIN and Eurostat. Additionally, he served on various consultative and regulatory bodies, including Malta’s National Blockchain Taskforce, the Board of Governors of the MFSA, and the Planning Board.


Over the years, Mario Borg has made significant contributions to numerous technical and strategic public documents and has published several papers on socio-economic issues. He has studied in Malta and the United Kingdom, holding a Bachelor of Commerce and a MA degree in Island and Small States from the University of Malta, and a MSc in Public Economics from the University of York, UK. 

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Sharlo Camilleri

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply

Mr Sharlo Camilleri

Mr Sharlo Camilleri was born on 20th February 1976. He is married and has two children. He graduated from the University of Malta with a Diploma in Agriculture and M.Sc in Environmental Studies and Planning, as well as B.Sc. (Hons) in Geography from the University of London.

 

Mr Camilleri started as a student worker at the Department of Agriculture. He joined the Public Service in September 1997. In his first years of service he was involved in research activities, monitoring programmes, consultancies in agriculture, and technical advice on the agricultural policies.

 

In August 2006 he joined the Agricultural and Rural Payment Agency (ARPA) and contributed in strategic decision taking. He occupied the role of Deputy Director Operations within the ARPA, was the Agency Head, Director for Plant Health and Director General for Rural Development.

 

He has served on a number of committees and government boards. This includes the Planning Authority Board, and the Consultative Committee for Agriculture. He was Chairperson of the Agriculture Advisory Committee and served on the Selection Committee for Projects within the Rural Development Programme. He also served as a Spokesperson on the Special Committee on Agriculture in the European Union Council.

 

In January 2020, he was appointed as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights. In November 2020, the Ministry underwent a redesignation, expanding its scope to include food and subsequently renaming itself as the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food, and Animal Rights. In April 2022, Mr Camilleri retained his position, and following another redesignation, the Ministry reverted to the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights. As of January 2024, Mr Camilleri maintained his position as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights.

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Joseph F. Caruana

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour

Mr Joseph F. Caruana

Mr Joseph Caruana was born in Marsaxlokk on the 2nd May 1961. He graduated from the University of Malta with a B.A. Honours in Public Administration in 1985 and a Master’s in Business Administration (Executive) with distinction in November 2001.


Mr Caruana joined the Public Service as a student-worker in 1980 and in 1985 was appointed Principal Officer in charge of the Land Department's Revenue Collection function. In 1996 he was appointed Senior Principal and in the same year he was given the additional role of IT Projects Coordinator for the Land Department and the Estate Management Department. In October 1999 he was appointed Director of the Estate Management Department within the Government Property Division. In November 2008 Mr Caruana was assigned the role of Director General Operations in the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport & Communications and also served as a Director of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation.


Mr Caruana was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Climate Change in July 2013. In January 2020, the Ministry was redesignated as the Ministry for the Environment, Climate Change, and Planning.


In April 2022, it was renamed the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, and in January 2024, it became the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour. As of January 2025, the ministry was redesignated as the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness.


He is also a Sustainable Development Network Board member and Chairman of the Eco-Contribution Approving Body.

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Paul Zahra

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Finance

Mr Paul Zahra

Mr Zahra joined the Malta Public Service in 1984 and served at the Economic Division within the Office of the Prime Minister. During 1989-1992, he was personal assistant to the Economic Secretary and Chief Economics Officer at the Ministry of Finance. In 1993 he was appointed Director (Economic Strategy) and subsequently Director General (Economic Policy).


Since 2001 Mr Zahra has discharged duties as Permanent Secretary in a number of Government Ministries, including the Ministry for Economic Services, Ministry of Finance, Ministry for Fair Competition, Small Business and Consumers and the Office of the Prime Minister.


In March 2013 he was appointed to the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto. In November 2020 he was appointed Permanent Secretary for EU Funds at the Office of the Prime Minister. In April 2022 he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands (European Funds) and in June 2022 he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Finance.


Mr Zahra also sits on a number of Government boards and committees. He has studied in Malta and the UK and is formally qualified in finance, management and law.

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Christopher Cutajar

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs

Mr Christopher Cutajar

Mr Christopher Cutajar is the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Tourism at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. He heads the administration and coordinates all the departments within the Ministry, which also covers European Affairs and Trade. 

 

Mr Cutajar sits on the Governing Board of Administrators of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law since 2020. He holds an Honours Degree, which was then supplemented by an Executive Master in Business Administration, both from the University of Malta. In his younger days he was an activist within the civil society as the young leader of the General Workers’ Union Youths, editor of a local journal, and financial officer of the executive committee of the National Youth Council.

 

His career within the public administration started off in 2011 when he served as Executive Secretary for Local Councils and for the national Local Councils’ Association. In June 2016 he was appointed as Permanent Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital projects for a 4-year stint. During that period, he coordinated major projects such as the Triton Square project, which is a landmark at the entrance of Valletta. He was also the Deputy Chairperson of the Maritime Security Committee at that time.

 

During his current tenure at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Malta intensified its multilateral efforts through a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2023-2024 and by assuming the Chairpersonship-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2024, which was culminated by a successful OSCE Ministerial Council that took place in Malta in December of that year. 

 

He was born in 1985 and is married with one son. Fluent in Maltese, English and Italian; also conversant in Spanish.

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Ramon Deguara

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Accommodation and Lands
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Accommodation and Lands

Mr Ramon Deguara

Mr Ramon Deguara started his career within the Public Service way back in 1992.  After serving in a number of roles, he was appointed as Director of the Cleansing Department in 2013. Mr. Deguara was a key player in developing a strategic vision for the Department which eventually led to the latter being enhanced into a Division in 2017. He was appointed Director General and through his professional and analytical experience, contributed to the Division becoming a key stakeholder in the Public Sector. 


Throughout the years, Mr Deguara’s foresight has led to the introduction of several projects which were later used as good practices within the Public Sector. He introduced the Cleansing and Maintenance Division to Artificial Intelligence, led the Division to a shift from traditional cleaning methods to electrified equipment and autonomous cleaning and was a key player in establishing a strong network between the Division and other government entities. 


Apart from his work within the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, Mr Deguara was involved in a number of projects implemented throughout the years by the Central Government. His technical expertise, sharp foresight and flexible knowledge were crucial in the introduction of national projects like the mobile reverse vending machines (BCRS).


In June 2026, Mr Deguara was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Accommodation and Lands.

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Ronald Mizzi

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment

Mr Ronald Mizzi

Ronald Mizzi is a seasoned Maltese public servant with over two decades of experience in economic planning, EU affairs, and strategic policy development. He has held several senior leadership roles across government, most recently serving as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects (2022 - 2024). In this role, he was responsible for key national priorities including economic development, foreign direct investment, innovation, the digital economy, and enterprise policy.


He is currently leading Malta Vision 2050, a landmark national foresight initiative that aims to define Malta’s long-term economic, environmental, and social development goals. Through an inclusive and forward-looking process, Mizzi is steering engagement across government, business, civil society, and youth to align national priorities with emerging global challenges and opportunities. Malta Vision 2050 is intended as a unifying framework to guide public and private decision-making over the coming decades - grounded in sustainability, quality of life, innovation, and resilience. Under his leadership, the initiative is also enhancing policy coherence, mobilising investment, and strengthening Malta’s future-readiness.


From 2017 to 2022, Mizzi served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Tourism, where he led Malta’s tourism sector through a period of record growth and the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. He oversaw the sector’s sustainable recovery and initiated a long-term shift towards quality-driven tourism. His responsibilities also extended to aviation, public-private partnerships, the film industry, consumer protection, and external transport.


Earlier, as Permanent Secretary for Energy and later within the Office of the Prime Minister (2014 - 2017), Mizzi played a central role in energy sector reform - focusing on infrastructure investment, regulatory modernisation, and public-private partnerships in energy and water policy.


Mizzi’s early career was rooted in EU Structural and Cohesion Funds management, where he was instrumental in programme implementation and national-level funding coordination - helping to shape Malta’s strategic investment frameworks.


Originally from Żabbar, he holds a Master’s degree in European Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Malta. He has undertaken a range of specialised training programmes, served on numerous government boards and committees, and represented Malta in various high-level international negotiations, particularly in energy, tourism, EU affairs, and economic strategy. These experiences have equipped him to lead in complex, multi-stakeholder environments - both nationally and internationally.

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Stephanie Rocco

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector

Ms Stephanie Rocco

Stephanie Rocco has vast experience in the public administration having joined the Malta Tourism Authority back in 2008 where she had served in various roles including project management of EU-Funded projects focusing on training opportunities for people working in the tourism and hospitality sector and later she was entrusted the role of Internal HR Executive.  In 2015, she then shifted to the public service where she joined the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Economy, Investment and Small Business as a Manager.


Her professional experience is underpinned by extensive expertise in policy coordination, strategic planning, organisational management, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the strengthening of institutional practices related to performance monitoring, inter-ministerial coordination, and the delivery of complex programmes within tight governance frameworks.


She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialisation in Tourism from the Institut Universitaire Kurt Bösch in Switzerland, and a Bachelor of Honours in Tourism Studies from the University of Malta. She has further strengthened her professional profile through continuous development in leadership, ethics, public procurement, and public administration. 


In parallel to her public service role, she is actively engaged in the governance of youth sport, serving on the Executive Board of the Malta Football Association and as General Secretary of the Youth Football Association, reflecting a sustained commitment to community engagement and youth development.


In June 2026, Ms Rocco was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.

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Emanuel Psaila

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights

Mr Emanuel Psaila

Emanuel Psaila was born in 1968 in Marsaxlokk but spent most of his childhood and adulthood in Żejtun.


In 1986 he joined the Public Service where, following a two-year apprenticeship, he worked in the restoration section of the Valletta Rehabilitation Project.


He joined the Civil Protection Department upon its inception in 1999, as part of its first recruitment. For 16 years he served as Assistance and Rescue Officer, until he was given his first role in the department's administration. He served as Public Relations Manager and then as Deputy Director, going on to become the fifth Director of the Civil Protection Department in 2017 and Director General three years later.


During his career he has also sat on several boards and committees, most notably as President of the Civil Protection Association for 14 years, member of the Academy for Disciplined Forces and member of the National Book Council.


He has a Bachelor of Arts in Maltese and a Masters in Maltese Literature. His writings have been acknowledged with literary awards and published in journals and anthologies.


In 2021 he was declared Manager of the Year in the National Worker of the Year Award. In April 2022, Mr Psaila was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality, and in September 2023 he became Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Social and Affordable Accommodation.


Emanuel Psaila is married and has a daughter.

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Jonathan Vassallo

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection

Mr Jonathan Vassallo

Mr. Jonathan Vassallo began his career in the Public Service in 2006 as a Programme Manager within the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD). In this role, he was responsible for overseeing financial control for the Single Programming Document (SPD) 2004-2006 and projects funded by the Cohesion Fund for the same period.


He was subsequently appointed Senior Manager within the PPCD and later advanced to the role of Director General in 2011. As Director General, Mr. Vassallo was tasked with ensuring the efficient absorption and management of European assistance, including EU and bilateral funds, through effective coordination among Government departments, authorities, agencies, and other stakeholders.


During his tenure, he successfully led the closure and completion of the 2004-2006 SPD, oversaw the closure of the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy Operational Programmes, and spearheaded the launch of the 2014-2020 Operational Programmes. He also played a pivotal role in establishing Malta’s first Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).


In September 2022, Mr Vassallo was appointed Permanent Secretary, assuming responsibility for EU Funds in Malta. By 2024, his portfolio expanded to include Social Dialogue, Industrial and Employment Relations, Equality, and Reforms. In this capacity, he also led Malta’s delegation to the Human Rights Committee during the Committee's review of the country’s human rights practices. As from May 2025, Mr Vassallo was appointed as Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme. Mr. Vassallo serves on various supervisory boards overseeing the implementation of financial instruments supported by European funding.


He holds a degree in Public and Private Sector Management, with a specialization in Public Policy, from the University of Malta.

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Joyce Cassar

Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister (People and Standards)
Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister (People and Standards)

Dr Joyce Cassar

Dr Cassar is a highly qualified professional, having earned postgraduate and master's degrees in management and Religious Studies from Sheffield Hallam University. 


Her career commenced in the manufacturing sector, where she gained managerial experience and expertise in industrial relations. With over a decade in the tourism industry, she progressed to top management roles, specializing in human resources management.


Beyond her corporate journey, Dr Cassar delved into the social sector, overseeing the establishment of the first female residential program for drug users with Caritas Malta. Joining the Public Service in 2013, she served as Director General Human Resources for the Ministry of Health, later assuming roles in implementation and, eventually, becoming Permanent Secretary of the Division for People and Standards within the Office of the Prime Minister in 2017. 


Dr Cassar's career showcases her dedication to organizational development, leaving a lasting impact on human resources, standards, and training within the government sector.

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Bjorn Callus

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Sustainable Mobility
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Sustainable Mobility

Mr Bjorn Callus

Bjorn Callus was born in Malta in September 1986 to Anthony and Doris. Following his engagement in the public sector in June 2009 as EU Fund Officer with Agriculture’s Paying Agency, he eventually progressed to EU Funds Manager in 2011 with the same agency.


In April 2015 he was appointed as Senior Policy Officer within the Permanent Representation of Malta to the EU in Brussels, where he was assigned the task to handle policies related to Fisheries, most importantly including many preparations for Malta to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in January 2017. Subsequently, he was appointed Technical Attaché for Fisheries until August 2019. In the same month, he moved back to Malta and began serving as Agent Director General for the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, after which he was confirmed as Director General in February 2020. On 1 January 2025, Bjorn Callus was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works. 


During his career, Bjorn Callus served as member in various Boards, such as the Agricultural Advisory Committee and in the Marine and Maritime Thematic Committee. He was also Chairperson for the Fisheries Board. Bjorn Callus graduated from the University of Malta, holding a Bachelor’s degree with Honours as well as a Master’s degree in European Studies. He is married to Ilona.

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Joyce Dimech

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Home Affairs and Security
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Home Affairs and Security

Ms Joyce Dimech

Joyce Dimech is a prominent Maltese civil servant with a long and distinguished career in public administration. She has served in various high-profile roles within the Maltese government, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to public service. Her career is marked by her contributions to the development and implementation of policies aimed at improving governance and public sector efficiency in Malta.

 

Her expertise spans across various areas of public administration, and she is known for her strategic approach to management and her ability to navigate complex bureaucratic environments. Throughout her career, Joyce Dimech has played a key role in shaping Malta's administrative landscape, earning respect and recognition for her dedication to public service and her contributions to the betterment of Maltese society.

 

Joyce Dimech was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2013 and has held this role in various portfolios. At present she is Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment.

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Godwin Mifsud

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects

Mr Godwin Mifsud

Mr Godwin Mifsud joined the Malta Public Service in 2001 as an Economics Officer and served at the Economic Policy Department within the Ministry for Finance in various capacities prior to his appointment as Director (Structural Economic Research) in 2011 and subsequently Director General (Economic Policy) in 2015. The latter role provided Mr Mifsud with the opportunity to consolidate the Department’s policy advisory function with a particular focus on empirical evidence.


Supporting his work on national policy, Mr Mifsud had the privilege of representing Malta in several high-level fora on an international level, most notably as Malta’s Head of Delegation to the Economic Policy Committee, one of the preparatory bodies of the ECOFIN Council. He also served as Chairman of the Ageing Populations and Sustainability Working Group of the same committee. Mr Mifsud has led delegations in meetings with international institutions, including the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and credit rating agencies.


In September 2022 Mr Mifsud was appointed as Permanent Secretary within the Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, taking on the responsibility for the Public Works Department in January 2024. Mr Mifsud was appointed as Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects in January 2025.


Mr Mifsud also sits on several Government boards and committees. He has studied in Malta and the United Kingdom and holds post-graduate degrees in Economics and in Public Policy.

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Mark Musù

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Social Policy and the Family
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Social Policy and the Family

Mr Mark Musù

Mr Mark Musù joined the Public Service in 1986, holding various positions within the Ministry for the Family, Children's Rights and Social Solidarity and the Department of Social Security ever since. He worked in various positions within this Department until in December 2005 he was appointed Director responsible for EU & International Affairs within the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.


In November 2008 Mr Musù was appointed Director (Strategic Development and International Relations) in the Department of Social Security and in November 2012 he was trusted with the role of Director (Pensions Strategy). During these years he represented Malta in various EU social security and other international committees, conferences and seminars.


In March 2013 he was appointed Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity and in June 2017 he was reappointed as Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for the Family, Children's Rights and Social Solidarity. In November 2020 Mr Mark Musù was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children's Rights and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Social Accommodation. In April 2022 Mr Musù was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights. 


Between April 2022 and September 2023 he additionally served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Social and Affordable Accommodation while between July and December 2023 additionally served as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.


Presently Mr Musù is Chairperson of the Pensions Strategy Group, Deputy Chairperson of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) and Deputy Chairperson of the Low Wage Commission.


He serves as well as Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and member of the Sustainable Development Network Board as well as a member of the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.


Mr Musù graduated in Public Administration.

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Matthew Vella

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Education and Sport
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Education and Sport

Mr Matthew Vella

Mr Matthew Vella was born in 1989. He studied at the University of Malta where he was awarded a Bachelor of Honours in Social Work, followed by a Master's qualification in Family Studies. His areas of specialisation include social planning and auditing, community development and services, regulations, and policy development.

 

Mr Vella began his career within the Public Service as a social worker in Children Services. He later served as Director of Corporate Services in the Ministry for Economy, Investment, and Small Businesses from 2015. In 2018, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Social Care Standards Authority, where he oversaw significant initiatives and reforms.

 

Other contributions within the Public Service include the establishment of the Social Regulatory Standards for Social Welfare Services and the Strategic Vision 2020-2027: Striving for Excellence: Driving Social Innovation through Regulation.

 

In December 2020, Mr Vella was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Senior Citizens and Active Ageing and the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing. In December 2021, the latter was redesignated as the Ministry for Inclusion, Social Wellbeing, and Voluntary Organisations. In January 2022, Mr Vella was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Education and Sports, and in April 2022, he assumed the role of Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, and Research and Innovation.

 

As part of his tenure in the education sector, Mr Vella has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the National Education Strategy, underscoring his commitment to fostering a forward-looking and inclusive education system. Mr Vella has supported the incorporation of Strategic Foresight in shaping sustainable educational policies and facilitated the establishment of a dedicated directorate within the ministry to promote long-term planning and innovation. Additionally, he has overseen efforts to modernise educational facilities through the Edu Infrastructure Programme, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the sector.

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Johan Galea

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Justice, Research and Innovation
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Justice, Research and Innovation

Mr Johan Galea

Mr. Johan Galea has been serving as Permanent Secretary within the Justice sector since December 2016. Initially, he held this role in the Ministry for Justice, Culture, and Local Government. Following a ministry redesignation in January 2020, he continued as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Justice, Equality, and Governance, and from April 2022, in the Ministry for Justice.


In February 2022, he also took on the role of Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Capital Projects, concurrently serving both ministries for nine months. In January 2024, he was appointed Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Building and Construction Sector.


Mr. Galea joined the Public Service in 1991 in the teaching grade. From 2004 to 2009, he served as an Assistant Head of School and later as Head of School. In 2009, Mr. Galea was appointed as Assistant Director in the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division within the Office of the Prime Minister. In 2012, he became Director of Corporate Services within the Ministry for Fair Competition, Small Business, and Consumers. The following year, in 2013, he took on the same role within the Ministry for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto. In 2015, Mr. Galea was appointed Director of Corporate Affairs at Arts Council Malta.


Mr. Johan Galea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Malta, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a Diploma in Educational Administration and Management.

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Keith Bartolo

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme

Mr Keith Bartolo

A senior public administration leader with extensive experience in corporate governance, education, human resources, and organisational development, he served as Director General of the Institute for the Public Service (IPS Malta), leading national initiatives in workforce training, leadership development, and public administration reform.


Over the course of his career, he has played a central role in shaping strategic frameworks for talent attraction, development, and retention, while overseeing key institutional functions including registrar and certification systems, human resources and administration, finance and procurement, and strategy and communications. Mr Bartolo also spearheaded organisational restructuring and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring alignment with public sector governance standards and national priorities.


Prior to serving as Director General of the Institute for the Public Service (IPS Malta), he held several senior leadership roles in public administration and education, including serving as College Principal within the Ministry for Education between 2015 and 2021. In this capacity, he contributed significantly to staff development, compliance monitoring, policy implementation, and service delivery improvement.


He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Physical Education, complemented by further professional training in public administration, leadership and management, and human resources and compliance.


In June 2026, Mr Bartolo was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme.

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Carlos Tabone

Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tourism and Ministry for Arts, Culture and the National Heritage
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tourism and Ministry for Arts, Culture and the National Heritage

Mr Carlos Tabone

Mr Carlos Tabone was born in 1986 and started his career in the Public Service in 2009. ​He graduated from the University of Malta with a Bachelor in Arts with Honours in Social Policy in 2008 and obtained a Masters degree in Business Administration (Executive) in 2012.


Mr Tabone started his career in the Public Service as an EU Fund Officer at the Paying Agency, responsible for managing European funds under the Common Agricultural Policy programme. In 2012, he was appointed Senior Manager at the Agency with responsibility for running the Accounts Division.


In 2015, Mr Tabone was appointed as Senior Manager at the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary and, in 2018, was appointed Head (Implementation) in the Prime Minister's Office while maintaining coordination with the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary. In 2020, Mr Tabone was appointed Director (Management Support) to the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary.


In April 2022, Mr Tabone was appointed Permanent Secretary with responsibility for the Ministry of Public Works and Planning, while in January 2024, he was entrusted with the Ministry for Lands and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme. As from May 2025, Mr Tabone was appointed Permanent Secretary (Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue) within the Office of the Prime Minister.


He is married and has two children.​

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Cabinet Secretary

Mr Ryan Spagnol

Mr ​​​Ryan​ Spagnol joined the public administration in 2013 with the then Malta-EU Steering and Action Committee as an EU Policy and Legislation Executive. The following year, he joined Identity Malta whereby he was responsible of the implementation of the new organizational structure of the Expatriates Unit as well as several policies emanating from EU legislation and national policies. In 2015 he was entrusted with leading the process to change the residence documentation of foreign nationals residing in Malta.

After serving as the Agency’s policy officer between 2018 and 2019, Ryan Spagnol joined the Ministry for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement to coordinate policies and tasks related to migration and asylum. He was responsible for the over-all strategy of the Ministry with respect to migration, contingency planning and the revision of laws and policies applied in this area.

Spagnol holds a degree in Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Public Policy and a Master of Arts in Public Policy Leadership from the University of Malta.