Inspired experiences world-class hospitality

CEO & Founder

Mark Weingard

Mark Weingard is a self-made serial entrepreneur and investor. He was a pioneer in the world of fintech and sold his company Reset to ICAP in 2008. The company has since been sold to S and P Global and the CME and is now named Osstra. Mark has since turned his hand to the world of hospitality and real estate. He has created the Iniala brand which is famed for its prestigious multi-awarded hotels in Thailand and Malta. Iniala has also recently launched its first villa project in Barcelona. These are the city’s most prestigious houses situated in Pedralbes.

Mark is also the founder of the Inspirasia Foundation. The Foundation was set up in 2003 after Mark’s fiancée was killed in the Bali bombings. The foundation has since given over USD 15 million to charitable causes and the foundation also has the Annika Linden Centre in Denpasar, which is a leading hub for NGOs focused on disability on the island. In Malta, Mark set up the Academy of Givers, a members organisation that promotes philanthropy and CSR. Mark also created the Malta Social impact Awards which later evolved into a TV programme called Changemakers, which awarded funding to initiatives with a social or environmental impact. Mark holds a first class honours degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of London.

Director - Iniala Developments

Mark Portelli

Mark Portelli is a non-executive director of Iniala Group. He is a graduate from the University of Manchester and a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the UK. He currently serves as Managing Director of MIDI plc and as a board member of several companies. Between 2002 and 2013, he served as Executive Chairman of Malta Freeport Corporation, and he also served as Chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation between 2007 and 2013.

Chief Operating Officer

Jason Potter

Jason started his career within hotel operations in the late 1990s working for De Vere Hotel Group, where he quickly realised hospitality was in his blood. After deciding on his career path, he went on to earn his BA Honours in hospitality and later completed his MBA. In 2006, Jason moved to Malta where he joined Corinthia Hotels, initally within their operations but later taking on the roles of Operations Analyst for the group, as well as several management roles within Marketing at Corinthia Hotels. Jason eventually started his own hospitality consultancy, working with the likes of Rocco Forte Hotels, Argos, Yoo and also initially Iniala. In 2019, after Iniala announced the opening of its second property in Malta, Jason joined Mark Weingard’s senior team as Director of Communications and in 2023 took over the role of Chief Operating Officer where he is responsible for Iniala’s hospitaliy business.

Partner

Simon Rogan

Simon Rogan is an internationally renowned award-winning chef recognised as one of the pioneers of the farm-to-table movement. Simon’s flagship restaurant L’Enclume, in the UK, has been awarded three Michelin stars and holds five AA Rosettes. Simon has several other restaurants worldwide which together have eight Michelin stars and two Michelin green stars. In early 2023, Simon took over as chef patron of the Iniala Group worldwide. Iniala has ION Harbour, a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Malta, and Aulis Phuket, a 15-seater chefs table restaurant which opened in Thailand in December 2023.

Partner

Sam Ward

Sam Ward is the managing director of Simon Rogan Restaurants worldwide (Umbel Group) and has recently become the Food & Beverage Director for Iniala Group in Malta and Thailand. Sam is a world-class F&B operator and has spearheaded the development of the Umbel Group internationally.

CEO Iniala Projects

Aurelia Ferreira

With 27 years of solid real estate experience under her belt, Aurelia’s property expertise provide authority to her role of project manager for Iniala Property Developments. A degree in Real Estate Business, and training by Multiscore and the French National Real Estate Federation (FNAIM) provided Aurelia’s foundation which she then applied to an entrepreneurial career path. She started as a co-founder and director for both her first two companies, which she managed to successfully sell. Learning through entrepreneurship, and finding success in COO and Director positions, showing skills in other industries in Malta, and multiple successful real estate companies, Aurelia’s body of work speaks for itself. She is highly capable and her diverse experience make her a valuable asset in the Iniala property team.

General Manager - Malta

David Weingard

David has been an integral part of Iniala since the opening of the group’s flagship hotel, Iniala Beach House, in 2013. He later took over the role of General Manager there before relocating to Malta in 2022 to assume the position of General Manager at Iniala Harbour House. Representing and protecting the Iniala brand, David ensures the rigorous standards the hotel sets are always met, while creating a unique and enjoyable experience for all who check into the hotel, as well as those working on the hotel. His long-term experience within Iniala, and being involved since conception makes his knowledge of the brand, service, hospitality, and the pillars that found Iniala, indispensable.

Finance Director

Diane Agius

Diane brings over 28 years of extensive finance experience to her role at Iniala. She began her career at a local Maltese bank, where she worked in various sections, including Regulatory Internal Audit. Following her time in banking, Diane transitioned to the private sector, gaining valuable insights across multiple companies. Since joining Iniala in 2022, Diane has taken on the role of Financial Controller as of May 2023.

Director of business development

Angie Balzan

Angie Balzan is the Director of Business Development at Iniala. She actively explores and implements innovative ideas to contribute to building Iniala’s overarching vision as the ultimate organisation in hospitality, real estate, and entrepreneurship. Her strategic thinking and visionary approach contribute to the growth and success of the group.

Equipped with years of knowledge from her role as head of guest experiences, Angie is strongly committed to delivering a luxurious and unparalleled service to all guests. She played a crucial role in shaping the hospitality experience at Iniala Harbour House.

Angie’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to organisational growth make her an integral part of the leadership team. Her unique blend of skills, cultural pride, and strategic vision contributes significantly to the success of Iniala as a distinguished player in the world of luxury hospitality.

Global Sales & Marketing Director

Kyle Pace Cumbo

With a lifelong passion for the tourism industry, Kyle has dedicated his career to elevating the luxury hospitality landscape in Malta. Over the years, he’s been at the forefront of opening and managing prestigious hotels and restaurants, ensuring each property provides an unparalleled guest experience.

Now, as the Director of Sales and Marketing for all Iniala Hotels, Kyle is responsible for shaping the brand’s global presence. His extensive experience in the hospitality sector allows him to drive strategic growth and forge lasting relationships within the industry.

Kyle thrives on creating memorable experiences for guests and pushing the boundaries of luxury travel. He’s excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead within the Iniala Group.

General Manager - Thailand

Suwimon Sittachai

Taii has been a valuable member of the Iniala team since its opening in 2013 in Thailand, but her experience in hospitality goes back to her early professional development at Six Senses in Hua Hin. As a multilingualist speaking Thai and English and with a deep understanding of hospitality and service, she was headhunted from Paresa Resort to become Iniala Beach House’s Front Office Manager, a role she held until the closure of the hotel in 2019. Since its reopening, she has returned as the General Manager of the property and is now a key source of knowledge for both guests and staff on the Iniala brand, the hotel’s operations, and what it takes to provide unforgettable hospitality and service.

Head Of Food And Beverage

Jamie Christie

James Christie is the Restaurant Manager of ION Harbour by Simon Rogan and has held this role since the restaurant’s opening. Before joining ION Harbour, he previously worked as Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier at Locatelli in Cyprus, bringing a deep understanding of restaurant service within hotels. A Malta native, he has spent many years on the island, working in various restaurants and consistently rising to management positions. James is one of the key members at ION Harbour, ensuring the high standards of service and experience that ION Harbour promises.