Joe Tabone, Citadel Insurance Owner, Ex-Chairman Of BOV And Air Malta Passes Away At 92

Joseph N. Tabone, a pivotal figure in Malta’s corporate history, has passed away at 92.

With leadership roles spans several key Maltese institutions, Tabone’s influence spanned all the way to the late 1960s. He steered the operations of Rediffusion, laying the foundations of his career. Later, he established his accountancy firm.

In 1987, Tabone’s vision came to life, when he became the chairman of the Bank of Valletta (BOV). Under his leadership, the bank underwent pivotal privatization, marking a significant shift in Malta’s banking landscape.

Yet, aviation would become another chapter of his life. In 1992, Tabone took the reins of Air Malta. While controversial, his decision to acquire seven Avro RJ 70s aimed to expand the airline’s reach to new Mediterranean locales, ensuring year-round connectivity. Though  ventures like the subsidiary airline AzzurAir didn’t achieve the expected success, Tabone’s drive for innovation remained evident.

After leaving Air Malta in 1996, he founded Citadal Insurance plc, one of the most well known local insurance companies.

But beyond these corporate ventures, Tabone’s influence resonated in the chambers of commerce and institutes. Between 1985 and 1990, he presided over the Chamber of Commerce. His leadership also extended to the Malta Institute of Accountants and the Federation of Industries.

John Saliba, a long-time colleague who worked in both Air Malta and BOV as well, reflected on Tabone’s work ethic in a touching Facebook tribute.