Plaza Centres plc has announced changes to its board of Directors following a significant shift in its shareholding structure, triggered by the recent acquisition of a substantial stake in the company by Virgata Group Sarl.

The company confirmed that Josianne Briffa and Stephen Gauci have resigned from their roles as Non-Executive Directors with effect from 18th December 2025. Both had been appointed to the board by Mapfre MSV Life plc, which recently disposed of its entire shareholding in Plaza Centres. Ms Briffa has also stepped down as Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

Stephen Gauci (left) and Josianne Briffa (right) / LinkedIn

In the same announcement, Plaza Centres revealed the appointment of Gregory Gatt and Jordi Goetstouwers as Non-Executive Directors, effective 19th December 2025. The appointments were made by Virgata HQ Ltd, a member of Virgata Group Sarl, by virtue of its qualifying shareholding, which now amounts to 37.615 per cent of the company’s voting shares.

Gregory Gatt / LinkedIn

Mr Gatt, a Maltese national based in Mellieħa, and Mr Goetstouwers, who is based in Salzburg, Austria, will both serve as Non-Executive Directors. According to the disclosures made under Capital Markets Rule 5.20, neither appointee holds current or recent directorships in other listed companies, nor do they have principal external activities deemed significant in relation to Plaza Centres.

Jordi Goetstouwers Odena

Virgata HQ Limited increased its stake in Plaza from 6.2 per cent to 37.6 per cent via an off-market transaction at €0.94 per share, representing a 38 per cent premium over the last traded price.

The changes come as Plaza Centres adjusts its governance structure in line with its updated shareholder composition, following the exit of Mapfre MSV Life plc and the entry of Virgata Group Sarl as a major shareholder.

Related

‘Discipline, management and political leadership’ must guide decisions – Tony Zahra

3 July 2026
by Kevin Schembri Orland

No matter what size a country is, no country can pursue every opportunity, Tony Zahra says.

How a witty reply to Jack Whitehall became one of Malta’s most memorable marketing moments

3 July 2026
by Nicole Zammit

Malta's national airline's casual tweet brought Jack Whitehall to Malta.

Ronald Sultana appointed CEO of Gozo Channel

3 July 2026
by Tim Diacono

Marlene Cini has also been appointed Gozo Channel Chairperson.

Malta’s Central Bank Governor urges ECB caution as oil prices ease inflation pressures

3 July 2026
by Nicole Zammit

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the ECB Forum on Central Banking, he said that, with price pressures continuing ...