Lucienne Ebejer is our next guest in this mini-series on women breaking barriers in Corinthia’s financial sector.
Lucienne Ebejer
Gentle, young, unpretentious but with a solid personality, Lucienne currently leads the consolidations team for the Corinthia group, ensuring that group consolidation is completed accurately and within the statutory tight deadlines. Additionally, she oversees the monthly profit and loss forecasting for the IHI Group and manages the IHI plc finance team, providing them with guidance and support.
She joined the Corinthia Group in 2011 as an Assistant Accountant, with her initial responsibilities focusing on handling all the accounting for IHI p.l.c. Over time, she was entrusted with more responsibilities and was promoted to Accountant, then Financial Controller, and currently serves as Director of Finance. “As the company expanded, so did my role, and I got involved in reporting across the Group. I’ve grown with the company, and the journey has been incredibly rewarding.”
How would Lucienne describe her management style? “I would say my management style is centred around empathy, clarity, and collaboration. I maintain an open-door policy to encourage honest communication and make sure my team feels heard and supported. I believe in being approachable and present — offering a helping hand when needed, while also empowering others to take initiative. I prefer direct and open meetings where everyone feels safe to contribute. This approach helps build trust, fosters growth, and ensures that we move forward together as a team.”
What a fun photo!
Lucienne is fully aware of her challenges as a woman. “Work-life balance can be one of the biggest challenges, especially when pursuing a career in a demanding field like finance. There are often long working hours, but home responsibilities do not pause. I suppose that every working mother is bound to feel the added weight of helping in the house and rearing a family. So, having a strong support system at home makes all the difference.”
And does she enjoy such support? Lucienne smiled gently. “I am fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive family: my husband Steven (Architect and civil engineer), our two daughters Maria & Yoselin aged 8 and 5 respectively and our dog, Manny Shiba Inu . Despite my husband having a demanding career of his own, he supports me wholeheartedly, both in raising our children and in pursuing my career. I’m deeply grateful for his enduring commitment to our family and shared goals.”
With her greatest treasure: her family.
In her typical gentle, soft-spoken manner, Lucienne confessed warmly, “We’re still in the early stages of our parenting journey, having welcomed our daughters into our family through adoption last summer. It’s such a life-changing and heart-warming experience. As a family, we enjoy travelling and spending time outdoors. It helps us bond better when free from the demands of house duties. Personally, I love hiking and keeping active, although, I must admit that this past year I have found it more challenging to find time for regular exercise.”
Adventure in her blood
“Work, family and home chores tend to snowball at the cost of a decreasing time for regular exercise, so, yes, I am conscious I should work to better myself on that score.”
“There is never a dull moment at Corinthia. I believe that’s largely due to the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Each year brings new developments and opportunities. I hasten to add that each year also presents more engaging adventures that sharpen my interest and determination to live and enjoy new experiences. Every challenge entices me to search new answers and responses that fit the problem. So, I am continually enriching my knowledge arsenal.” I reminded Lucienne of a wonderful quote by Albert Einstein: “We cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them.’ Finding solutions is a regenerative, developmental process.
What would Lucienne advise aspiring finance professionals, especially women? “My advice is to remain open to learning, stay adaptable, and surround yourself with and appreciate people who support your growth.” I thought about these three simple precepts. Learning is a humble disposition to listen, discern and absorb. Adaptation implies merging and changing for a new purpose. Appreciation involves recognising the good in others. All very effective pillars!
Family, smile!
What does Lucienne appreciate most in others and what irks her? “I certainly appreciate most integrity, kindness, and a willingness to collaborate. I value people who take ownership, communicate respectfully, and bring a positive, solution-focused attitude to challenges. What tends to irk me—though I try to approach it with understanding—is a lack of accountability or disregard for others’ time and contributions. I believe that mutual respect and responsibility are essential for a healthy and productive work environment.”
“Throughout my time at Corinthia, I’ve always felt supported by my superiors. I have benefited from their approach which I have found of mutual respect and flexibility. I truly value it. Whether it was during my ACCA studies or the lengthy adoption process, they stood by me. I aim to echo that by being available and approachable for younger professionals in our team, offering guidance and support wherever and whenever I can. This aspect of generous assistance is a strong facet of the Spirit of Corinthia and is highly beneficial from a personal, humane and professional point of view.”
