Chris Fenech to join IZI Finance plc as new Chief Financial Officer

IZI Finance plc, the finance and holding company of IZI Group, on Monday announced that Chris Fenech has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with effect from 8th February 2024.

This comes a couple of months after former CFO and Executive Director Joseph Mallia left IZI Group.

Mr Fenech most recently served as CFO at Harvest Technology plc, where he served from 2019 up until this year, having been replaced by Rudolph Mifsud Saydon, who was appointed last week.

IZI Finance expressed its appreciation to Head of Finance Nicolo’ Baldacchino Orland, who occupied the position of interim CFO and proved to be “instrumental” in steering the business towards the permanent appointment of a new CFO.

Mr Fenech is a qualified accountant and auditor, having embarked on his career in 2012 after graduating with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from University of Malta.

His professional journey commenced when he joined PwC Malta, serving as Audit Supervisor. During this experience, he gained a comprehensive understanding of financial processes and compliance standards.

Following that, he joined Hili Ventures as Finance Manager, and after just over two years, he took on the role of Director of Finance at 1923 Investments, the investment arm of Hili Ventures.

Afterwards, he assumed the position of CFO at Harvest Technology, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategies. His influence extended to serving as Director for its subsidiary companies. Eventually, he also took on the role of interim CEO at Harvest Technology until Peter Ekmark, who went on to serve as CEO for a year, was appointed in 2022.

Mr Fenech built on his strong academic foundation and pursued further education, having recently graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree from Henley Business School in September 2023. Additionally, he is also actively engaged in the local accounting community, and last month assumed the role of Committee Member for the Young Members Focus Group at the Malta Institute of Accountants. There, he contributes to the emerging leaders in the industry.

IZI Finance acts as the finance company of its operating subsidiaries and associated companies. The group is a key player in Malta’s land-based gaming industry, which includes casinos, sports betting, commercial bingo, and electronic gaming machines.