New President Appointed to the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation for 2025/2026

The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Colonel Dr Mark Mallia as its new President, effective 1st August 2025.

Ever since it was established in 2001 following an agreement between the Government and the Catholic Church in Malta, the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation has been the guardian of unquestionably the greatest artistic treasures to be seen in the Maltese Islands. Its purpose is to ensure that this heritage is conserved to internationally accepted standards while being accessible to the thousands of visitors who walk through the doors of St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Colonel Dr Mallia’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment in the Foundation’s continued efforts to preserve and promote this national and sacred treasure. His experience and commitment will support the Foundation’s mission to manage the Co-Cathedral and its Museum with integrity, maintaining its sacred character, enhancing its cultural and educational value, and securing the necessary resources for ongoing restoration and conservation.

Welcoming his appointment, Col. Dr Mallia stated “It is a privilege to take on the role of President of the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and to contribute to its ongoing work. The year ahead brings important projects that will continue to strengthen the Co-Cathedral’s role as a sacred space and a national cultural landmark. I look forward to working with the Council and staff in the year ahead.”

Mark Mallia is a distinguished military leader, with extensive experience in the Armed Forces of Malta. He joined the Armed Forces of Malta in 1997 as an Officer Cadet and, after graduating from the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst (UK), was commissioned as an Officer. He occupied various prominent positions of responsibility within the AFM, exhibiting remarkable leadership and strategic expertise. On 20 December 2013, he was appointed Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, as well as Head of the Human Resources Management Branch. He also served as a Senior Aide-de-Camp in the Office of the President of the Republic of Malta.

He was subsequently appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Identità in January 2022, followed by his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Transport Malta in February 2024. In June 2024, he was appointed Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Col. Dr Mark Mallia is a lawyer, and holds a Master of Advocacy, an Executive Master in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), and a Diploma in Management Studies, all from the University of Malta.

Throughout the years, he also coordinated various national philanthropic initiatives, including L-Istrina, the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, and the President’s Solidarity Fun Run.

The Foundation warmly welcomes his presidency and extends its best wishes for a successful term ahead.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Mgr. Prof. Emmanuel Agius for his dedicated service and leadership during his tenure as President.