‘Security is not just about having a guard at the door’ – Edward Chetcuti

Established in 1988, G4S Malta has been instrumental in shaping the island’s security sector. Under the leadership of Edward Chetcuti, appointed CEO in 2023, the company is redefining its role as an integrated security provider, embracing advanced technologies and DRIVING global standards. With over 1,600 employees and a strong local presence, G4S Malta is driving innovation in the provision of security solutions and looking ahead to 2025 with strategic growth plans.

Edward Chetcuti’s journey to becoming CEO of G4S Security Services (Malta) Ltd has been defined by his passion for people and commitment to operational excellence. His 25-year career began with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a Master’s in executive business administration. This blend of technical expertise and business acumen has since guided him through various local and international roles at the helm of large and complex organisations – always focusing on creating environments where people can excel.

“As a business leader, my job is to inspire, develop and support every person in the company so that they can be a little better each day. The rest follows naturally,” Edward explains. “I enjoy being CEO as it allows me to shape both the environment and attitude of the organisation. My goal is the constant pursuit of excellence, which I define as doing the right things right.”

Edward’s approach has shaped his career across several diverse sectors, including his leadership of the then-fledgling plastic bottle recycling initiative, BCRS Malta, where he revolutionised the country’s recycling efforts. “Setting up BCRS involved three years of extremely hard work, building an entity from scratch, not just into a company, but into a nationwide exercise that impacted everyone in Malta. I’m proud that we smashed the country’s recycling target from 20 per cent to 80 per cent within the first year of operation – not to mention shifting the mindset of an entire nation.”

Despite the variety of industries he has worked in – from manufacturing to environmental services, and now security – Edward’s people-centric work ethos remains universally applicable. “It doesn’t matter what we do; it’s how we do it. Always act with integrity and respect, even when no one is watching. Be passionate about that and achieve it through teamwork. Lead by example and from the front. For me, it’s always about people: the common denominator in every business is its people, and my focus is on building teams, giving them purpose and creating environments where they can succeed.”

Edward’s deep-seated passion for his home country has shaped his career choices and trajectory. After years of working internationally, he took on local leadership roles, including a brief tenure as CEO of the Malta Chamber of Commerce. “I wanted to give back to Malta. I’ve always gravitated toward roles that not only make a business impact but also contribute positively to the fabric of Maltese society,” he shares.

Founded in 1988, G4S Security Services (Malta) Ltd was the first private security company on the island. Over the past 35 years, it has grown to become Malta’s largest private employer in the security sector. “We employ 1,600 people, with over 90 per cent being Maltese, which speaks to how deeply embedded the company is in local culture. That said, we operate in partnership with international security services leader Allied Universal – the second-largest employer globally, with 900,000 employees – to benefit from a global infrastructure. Yet, G4S Malta remains deeply local and touches every corner of Maltese society,” Edward explains. 

As CEO, Edward’s vision is to push G4S Malta beyond its traditional role, often associated with supplying security guards, and reposition it as a fully integrated security provider. Shifting perceptions, both within the company and in the public eye, is central to his strategy. “Our mission is to demonstrate that security is not just about having a guard at the door. We’re not just a ‘watchman company’,” he clarifies. 

“We’re at the forefront of technology, with several business units beyond security officers. We offer security solutions that encompass cash management services, cybersecurity, electronic surveillance systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered CCTV installation, managing most of Malta’s ATMs, and monitoring the country’s traffic and speed cameras. Among our diverse services, we also handle nearly 70 per cent of Malta’s cash operations and fibre communication installations for the country’s most significant telecommunications companies.”

Today, G4S Malta is a critical component of the island’s security framework across Government, banking, retail, and healthcare. However, like many businesses in Malta, G4S faces external challenges as the country grapples with rising costs and labour shortages. “Inflation and a lack of skilled workers were major concerns in 2024,” Edward notes, adding that the security sector is also undergoing significant regulatory changes, which could disrupt traditional business models. “Growing public concern over quality of life has prompted the Government to introduce blanket regulations, which risk stifling professional industries like ours.”

One such regulation is the equal pay legislation set to be enforced in 2025. While Edward welcomes the law’s intent, he cautions that poor implementation could cripple the security sector. To address this, G4S Malta has teamed up with other key players to form an industry association, of which Edward is Vice President. “Our goal is to work with the Government to ensure that these regulations enhance rather than harm the industry. After all, we employ 1,600 people in Malta, so protecting their jobs while maintaining the highest standards of security is a top priority.”

Global trends such as AI and automation are also reshaping G4S Malta’s operations. “AI is transforming the security landscape,” Edward explains. “We already use AI for perimeter detection, automated number plate recognition and retail security. Moving forward, we plan to integrate drones and further develop AI-driven solutions to augment our capabilities and improve efficiency.”

In 2025 and beyond, Edward predicts further developments within the local and international security sectors. “2025 will be the year when businesses need to step up, take control and address nationwide challenges with long-term, business-led solutions, avoiding and mitigating short-term political decisions. Over the next five years, the security industry must become more professional, incorporating technology, AI, drones, and integrated systems. The challenge will be to provide a higher level of service amid rising costs.”

As a key player in Malta’s security sector, Edward envisions G4S Malta’s continued evolution into an even stronger force within the industry, focusing on growth through technology, service diversification and deeper community engagement. “We have big plans and are at a pivotal moment in our journey,” Edward reveals. “In 2023, we were like a caterpillar – good, but with the potential to be great. In 2024, we entered our cocoon, evolving with a focus on building a strong C-level suite. In 2025, we’ll emerge as a butterfly, transformed into a company known not just for excellence but as an innovative pioneer in security services.”

Part of that growth involves strengthening G4S Malta’s integrated service offerings. “We are expanding our technological capabilities, developing new partnerships and, if the right opportunity arises, considering strategic acquisitions. Our goal is to consolidate our leadership in Malta and continue setting the standard for security services on the island.” 

This article is part of the serialisation of 50 interviews featured in Malta CEOs 2025 – the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt and an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders.