Debono Group and its subsidiary Michael Debono Ltd (MDL), Malta’s exclusive agents for Toyota, are proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Debono has been sworn-in as Honorary Consul-General of Japan after having received his official Letter of Appointment from the Ambassador for Japan in Italy, HE Oe Hiroshi.
During his address Mr Debono said: “I am humbled to have been given this opportunity to further develop Malta’s economic and cultural relationship with Japan. My family’s relationship with this country dates back to 1960, when my late father Michael Debono imported the first Toyota vehicle in Malta and in Europe. Since then, our relationship with Toyota has grown from strength to strength. My personal experience working and interacting with the Japanese through my many visits over the years has always been one of loyalty, respect and hard work and I look at this role as my opportunity to give back.”
Mr Debono took charge of MDL at 21 years of age in 2005 following his father’s passing, thus inevitably taking over the representative company of Toyota Motor Corporation in Malta. Upon taking on his role as CEO, Mr Debono recruited experienced personnel to form his own management team to run the company’s day-to-day operations. Mr Debono has also continually pushed for innovation in mobility, not only keeping in line with Toyota’s vision as it introduced hybrid and electric vehicles to the international market. In addition, Mr Debono together with his team have been at the forefront of improved mobility solutions such as the ridesharing business COOL.
During the last ten years, Toyota has entrenched itself as the leading new car brand in Malta, with MDL retaining its position as a leading brand in Malta, including in customer satisfaction. The Group’s milestones also include the building of a new Toyota Retail Concept showroom and the setting-up of a fully-fledged body repair centre which uses the latest technologies on the market.
Geoffrey Debono graduated with degrees in business and entrepreneurship from the University of Malta and London Business School. He is an active member in the Malta chapter of Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) and won the “Outstanding Young Person Award for 2008’s Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurial accomplishment” from Junior Chamber International (JCI).
The Ambassador for Japan in Italy, HE Oe Hiroshi, was present for the ceremony, along with the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Clinton O’Neil, Mr Debono’s family members and representatives from Malta’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.