Wearing two hats at the same time can be tricky at times, but for Carlo Aquilina serving as both the Chief Corporate Services Officer and Chief Information Officer it means he must balance the drive for innovation with corporate responsibility within the Group. “I believe in fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” he says. It is a fine balancing act serving the unique needs and goals of each company within the Group, each with its own specific regulatory requirements, dynamics and operational challenges, while ensuring they all align with the overarching strategic vision of Vassallo Group.
“Understanding and catering to these diverse needs tends to be a challenge,” says Carlo. However, he adds that by implementing the right strategies and distributing resources efficiently across all companies “we ensure that Group-wide decisions drive mutual benefits”. “As CIO, I must ensure that IT systems are not only efficient and secure but also scalable and adaptable to meet the varied technological needs of each company. This cannot be done without the outstanding support of my team,” he says.
“As a Corporate Services team, we advocate for a tailored approach, developing flexible structures that allow customised solutions while adhering to the Group’s standards and policies.” And, with Vassallo Group continually expanding with diverse initiatives coming on board, a strategic and collaborative approach is critical for a smooth integration. “The priority has always been to set up robust policies and procedures that outline roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes. Establishing clear structures help maintain accountability and transparency across all project stages,” explains Carlo.
To this aim, the team is planning to introduce standardised project management methodologies across the Group for consistency, and implementing comprehensive risk management processes to identify potential challenges as early as possible and develop contingency plans. “The key to integrating and overseeing new projects lies in establishing strong governance, promoting collaboration, standardising project management practices and maintaining transparency,” he points out. “By implementing flexible systems, allocating resources carefully and ensuring continuous feedback we create an environment where all sectors are supported effectively, driving both individual and Group-wide success.”