John A. Gauci-Maistre K.M.

John A. Gauci-Maistre (born 1947) is a Maltese businessman associated with maritime services, corporate and fiduciary services, and conference organisation in Malta. He is the founder and chairman of the Economicard Group of Companies.

Early life and career Gauci-Maistre was born in Sliema, Malta, in 1947, the son of Judge Agostino Gauci-Maistre and Winifred Mifsud. He attended St. Aloysius’ College in Malta and later worked in the United Kingdom, where he gained experience in management and accounting while employed with Southwell & Tyrrel. After returning to Malta, he became involved in the management of the Penta Hotel in Paceville.

Gauci-Maistre has contributed commentary to maritime-related publications, including Lloyd’s List and Fairplay.

Economicard Group of Companies The Economicard Group of Companies is a group of Malta-based entities operating in maritime services, corporate and fiduciary services, legal services, and conference organisation. Companies within the group include GM International Services Limited, Economicard Worldwide Limited, GM Corporate & Fiduciary Services Limited, GM International Conferences & Exhibitions, GM & Associates – Advocates, and GM For You.

Economicard Worldwide Limited In 1973, Gauci-Maistre founded Economicard Worldwide Limited, which introduced a cash discount card system in Malta. The company later expanded into travel-related services and was appointed General Sales Agent for Olympic Airways in Malta from 1981 until 2009. Gauci-Maistre founded GM International Services Limited in 1974. The company provides ship and yacht registration services under the Malta flag.

Industry publications have described Gauci-Maistre as an early contributor to the development of the Malta Ship Register during its formative years.

GM Corporate & Fiduciary Services In 1988, Gauci-Maistre established GM Nominee, which later evolved into GM Corporate & Fiduciary Services Limited following legislative changes to Malta’s financial services framework. The firm provides corporate administration, fiduciary, and related professional services to international clients.

Conferences and exhibitions Through GM International Conferences & Exhibitions Limited, Gauci-Maistre has been involved in the organisation of conferences and exhibitions in Malta. In 2018, he was involved in organising the Malta Maritime Summit, which focused on maritime policy, logistics, sustainability, and related topics.

Other roles Gauci-Maistre has served on the boards of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Malta Trade Fairs Corporation. He also served as President of the Maltese–Italian Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Casino Maltese between 2009 and 2011.

Recognition In 2022, Gauci-Maistre received a lifetime achievement award recognising his contribution to the maritime industry and the development of ship registration under the Malta flag.

Honours In 2000, Gauci-Maistre was appointed a knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.