Silvio Debono Officially Gives Reigns Of Db Group Empire To His Four Sons
One of the biggest hospitality empires in Malta, the db Group, has officially changed the hands of the four children of its founder.
Silvio Debono’s four children – Robert, Victoria, David and Alan – have all been given key roles within the business group, jobs they’ve been working in for a few years but which have now become official.
Robert Debono became CEO of db Group, Victoria Debono became Brands Manager, David Debono the Chief Legal Officer and Alan Debono the Chief Procurement and Accounting Officer.
Silvio Debono will remain chairman but will have a less hands-on role in the business he founded back in 1984 by setting up a guesthouse in Mellieħa which eventually developed into the Db Seabank hotel.
“My wife and I have given our children the freedom to choose their individual paths in life. They took different ones that, fortunately, are converging at this very moment,” he said.
“I am convinced that they will continue to expand and deepen the vision of our Group and carry it out in a prudent manner. As the chairman of the Group, I will oversee this positive transition, ensure that our strong financial position is sustained and see that our excellent track record extends into the future.”
It is a great sign of confidence from Silvio Debono in his four sons – Robert Debono, the eldest, is only 29 years old – at a time of heightened sense of uncertainty within the hospitality industry.
Robert Debono will now manage the db Group empire, which extends from the db Seabank and db San Antono hotels to the Starbucks Malta coffee chain, the Hard Rock Cafe, LOA, Nine Lives and Sonora restaurants.
It also runs five property companies and three healthcare companies and provides catering services to hospitals and Air Malta.
Recently, the db Group had its eyes on a large project on the former ITS site in St George’s Bay.
Db intends to develop the land into a ‘5star+’ tourist destination, which will include a Hard Rock Hotel and serviced apartments.
However, it faced significant resistance from residents and local councils, and the whole project had to go back to the drawing board in 2019 after a court revoked planning permission on the grounds that PA member Matthew Pace had a potential conflict of interest.
However, the project was approved again in 2021.
“This is an exciting and humbling challenge for my brothers and myself. The Board is trusting us to support and strengthen the success of a group of companies on which the livelihood of 4,500 families and individuals depends,” said Robert Debono.
“It is also happening as the tourism industry and the economy are expected to restart after the pandemic. The future looks bright and we are ready for it.”