IL-BIZZILLA TALKS TO STEVE CAMILLERI

HEAD OF PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTS MANAGEMENT

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT AIR MALTA AND IN WHAT ROLES?

I have been employed with Air Malta for the past 28 years, with the longest contributions being in Projects Management, as Head of Crew Resources and now as the Head of Procurement & Contracts Management.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Airline operations have carved in me an appetite for solving complex problems in a very fast-paced environment. On top of that, currently I have the luxury of working in a very dynamic environment, surrounded with people who aspire for continuous improvement.

AND WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT?

Focus and prioritization is a key aspect of the job. One moment you are approving procurement of office stationery, the minute after you’re reviewing a multi-million aircraft leasing contract.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

I am not generally bothered with big gatherings or complex plans. The perfect day generally is when I manage to have my wife and the kids on a long drive, stopping for lunch or a coffee along the way and having a good conversation.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE EUROPEAN DESTINATION AND WHY?

I like travelling and simply fell in love with Sweden the moment I arrived.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LANGUAGE?

My closest and dearest will confirm that I do not believe in a quick answer for an easy question. What I find most captivating is body language - the balance of speech with silence.

FAVOURITE MOVIE?

Absolutely not a movie person and I’d rather watch a good documentary.

FAVOURITE GENRE OF MUSIC?

I love all sorts of music dependent on the time of the day or the mood. Orchestra and instrumental when in need of concentration, whereas club music helps when in need of motivation.

DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

I’d like to believe that one day I will have time and opportunity to travel to the Far East, the likes of the Kazakh regions and Nepal.

WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND VISITING WITHIN THE MALTESE ISLANDS?

Probably the west coast including Rabat, Dingli and Buskett offer the most beautiful views. For those who love Summer then, the bays in the surroundings of Mellieħ a together with spots in Gozo and Comino are an absolute bliss.

PREFERRED MALTESE DISH? Mum’s pork stew.

FAVOURITE MALTESE EXPRESSION?

"Insomma mela” which translates into a sort of “whatever”. Mostly used by my wife to tell me off, whenever I take more time than the ‘necessary’ to make a point!

London LHR