Meeting Francois Ganado, the Risk and Compliance Officer at IHI, was an enlightening experience. Despite identifying himself as an introvert, I found him to be quite engaging and generous with his insights and feedback. Although he joined the organisation in March 2024, he brings a wealth of experience with him.
Francois began his career in consultancy with KPMG in 2000, where he worked for nearly 17 years. After a brief period with a UK company based in Malta, he spent around six years with RSM consultancy. Thus, his professional background has been predominantly in consultation throughout his career. “Eventually, I reached a point where I wanted to transition to the client side. In consultancy, I would often remain in the dark if clients have embraced the recommendations made. I wanted to see the results of my efforts and engage in further discussions about them. It was around this time that I reconnected with an old colleague Melvin Bonnici, the Head of Group Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance at IHI, who casually inquired if I would be interested in joining Corinthia to work in his department.”
It didn’t take long for Francois to make his decision. “I accepted right away because it aligned perfectly with my aspirations. Corinthia is a strong and appealing brand that, in addition to hospitality, is involved in various other sectors like catering and dry cleaning. Moreover, Corinthia operates in multiple countries apart from Malta, and the unique challenges posed by different jurisdictions and cultures in each hotel were truly enticing. It was certainly an exciting opportunity to be a part of all that.”
Francois is highly qualified, holding a Bachelor of Commerce from Malta University, a Master’s degree in International Economics and Management from SDA Bocconi, two international certifications in Data Protection, and a certification in Enterprise Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management in the UK.
“When I joined Corinthia, I found a solid foundation established by Melvin and some previous collaborators in my department; however, my role was to build upon that and further enhance it.”
I asked Francois to provide a brief explanation of compliance and risk for the readers of Insider Plus. “Risk and Compliance are crucial components of organisational strategic management. They encompass the identification, assessment, and management of risks while ensuring the organisation complies with laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Risk and compliance management are essential for safeguarding the organisation against financial losses, reputational harm, and legal repercussions, ensuring that companies operate within the legal framework while strategically managing risks to achieve their objectives.”
I mentioned to Francois that the focus on risk and compliance has intensified to the point where some believe it stifles certain commercial activities. His response was enlightening: “Traditionally, compliance can be perceived as a tedious tick-the-box exercise or even a hindrance, but that perspective is fundamentally flawed. Compliance and risk should evolve into a business partner that can anticipate potential issues and facilitate opportunities. Initially, risk was viewed negatively; however, risk represents uncertainty, which can have both positive and negative dimensions. The role of risk management is to mitigate those negative factors while simultaneously optimising opportunities. When approached correctly, and establishing the right framework, compliance and risk management can significantly enhance stakeholder value.”
Based on my observations, the entire endeavour likely requires the collaboration of numerous other departments within the organisation. Am I correct?
“Absolutely, my role is to maintain ongoing communication with a wide array of departments—indeed, all of them: finance, HR, front office, sales & marketing, operations, engineering, sustainability, FLHSS, procurement, food and beverage, and more. We cannot view risks solely in isolation, at departmental or entity level; rather, we have to engage and draw the attention of all other stakeholders to follow a shared and advantageous plan across the whole Group. This collaboration is not only a crucial requirement but also a source of enjoyment for me, as it allows me to become more acquainted with the various facets of this large organisation. I experience a great deal of mutual respect, and I hold in high regard those who possess strong principles and values, as well as those who communicate directly and transparently.”
Francois expressed his enthusiasm for his role. “It’s an incredible and passionate journey for me, and my goal is to make the most of it. I don’t adhere strictly to set working hours and often go beyond them when necessary; however, I try to leave work-related issues at the office unless absolutely essential.”
“When I return home, I do my utmost to bond with my family, particularly my dear wife, Lisa. She is employed as a Learning Support Educator (LSE) at Stella Maris College and is in her final year of her Master’s in Gestalt Psychotherapy; intriguingly, she is also beginning another Master’s program while completing the first. So, finding that little time together is important for me.
Additionally, I have three wonderful boys: they may be a handful, but they are truly a treasure. Sean, my oldest at 17, is in his second year of Junior College; Zac, 15, is in fifth form at Stella Maris College, and the youngest, Sam, who is 10, is also attending Stella Maris. I make an effort to bond with all of them, though I am keenly aware that my children are growing up and are carving their own paths independently of me. As Kahlil Gibran wisely expressed, “Children come through you but not from you.”
Francois, known for his meticulous attention to detail, prefers not to rush or jump to conclusions. He takes his time to reflect and analyse all aspects before reaching a decision. This approach is not rooted in pessimism—an attitude he does not embody—but rather relates to his professional problem-solving method.
His calm demeanour prompted me to ask if he maintains that tranquillity at all times. “It varies with circumstances,” he replied, “But at work I am very open to ideas, suggestions, and requests for help. However, when someone seeks my assistance, I prefer they don’t view me as just a mailbox; I appreciate it when they come with a suggestion, even if it’s incomplete.”
I glanced at my watch and realised our conversation had extended well beyond the expected time, but we both found it enjoyable.
