About INIALA
Inspired experiences world-class hospitality
Who we are
The Iniala Group is a cluster of companies that spans luxury hotels, restaurants, real-estate developments and workspaces around the world. It has also founded and continues to support charitable foundations through Iniala Giving. Conceived by Mark Weingard, Iniala began in the hospitality industry, inspired by an ethos that still guides and connects the group’s diverse activities today. Hospitalitas, the Latin root of the word ‘hospitality’ means friendliness and caring for guests, and hospitalitas remains the foundation of Iniala: caring on a human level to elevate the experience of others through hospitality, design, art, gastronomy, community, service and philanthropy.
What we do
Where we do it
How we do it
The Iniala Group functions as a closely linked team and independently develops new ventures and service lines as ‘proof of concept’ projects. For international expansions, the group is open to discussions with select joint venture partners who can add local expertise to the Iniala model as well as cornerstone investors who share the group’s vision.
Our pillars
Hospitality and service
Hospitality is the rock on which Iniala is built. Our defining purpose in hotels, real estate and workspaces is to make people feel at home, understanding their needs as individuals so that we can serve them as a team. In hotels, workspaces and property developments worldwide, we pay meticulous attention to detail, offering world-class expertise and peerless service with a personal touch.
Art and design
Every Iniala project is a work of art. Our hotels and real estate developments are designed to enhance their surroundings; their interiors are designed to enhance lives. Iniala goes to exceptional lengths to create and cultivate aesthetic pleasure and meaningful expression, from working with world-class architects and designers to integrating specially commissioned works by renowned artists.
Gastronomy
Great hospitality cannot exist without great gastronomy. In our restaurants, guests find more than the pleasure of delicious food; they find the joy of dedicated service. Iniala’s gastronomy partners include the British chef Simon Rogan who holds three Michelin stars and is renowned for hyperlocal and ultra-seasonal ingredients. Dining with Iniala is an experience to be savoured.
Community and philanthropy
Iniala projects respect and serve the cultures and communities they touch. We alloy business and philanthropy with a hard head and an open heart, using our growth to give back to others. Through Iniala Giving, we support many great causes including the philanthropic foundations of Mark Weinberg and other activities that have a positive social impact.
Mission
At Iniala, we leverage our world-class hospitality experience to create hotels, restaurants, real-estate developments and workspaces of unsurpassed quality and sophistication in terms of service, design and user experience.
All Iniala Group projects respect the culture and history of their settings and enhance the lives of the communities that we are part of.
Vision
Statement
Our ambition is to give everyone the opportunity to experience impeccable hospitality and service by connecting with the Iniala brand. By expanding our horizons, we aim to meet more people’s needs, service their requirements, and fulfil their dreams.
Around the world, our growth is supported by the local communities whose lives we touch. By giving back through the philanthropic foundations of Mark Weinberg, Iniala’s success will continue to support theirs.
INIALA
Family
Mark Weingard
Mark Portelli
Jason Potter
Simon Rogan
Sam Ward
Aurelia Ferreira
David Weingard
Diane Agius
Angie Balzan
Kyle Pace Cumbo
Suwimon Sittachai
Jamie Christie
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 the founder of the Inspirasia Foundation. The Foundation was set up in 2003 after Marks fiancé was killed in the Bali bombing. 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 Ngo’s focused on disability on the island. Mark has set up the Academy of Givers in Malta. This is a members organisation that promotes philanthropy and CSR. Mark also created the Malta Social impact awards and a TV programme called Changemakers that promotes charitable investment in sustainable projects. Mark holds a 1st class honours degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of London.
Director - Iniala Developments
Mark Portelli
Mark Portelli has served as a non-executive director of Iniala during the last eight years and has recently taken on an executive role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Group. He is a graduate from the University of Manchester and a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the UK. He has served as a board member of several companies and public entities. 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. Between 2017 and 2023 he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDI plc, one of the largest property development companies in Malta.
Chief Operating Officer
Jason Potter
Jason started off his career within hotel operations in the late 90’s working fro De Vere Hotel Group, where he quickly realised hospitality was in his blood. After deciding on his career path he later gained his BA honours in hospitality and then later his MBA. In 2006 Jason moved to Malta where he joined Corinthia Hotels initally within their operations but later took on roles of Operations Analyst for the the group and several management roles withinMarketing at Corinthia Hotels. Jason would later move on to start 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 weingards Senior team in the role of Director of Communications and finally 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 Restaurant L’enclume has been awarded 3 Michelin stars as well as the top spot in the Good Food Guide in the UK. Simon has several other restaurants worldwide and has 5 Michelin stars in total. Simon recently took over as Executive Chef/Patron of the Iniala Group worldwide. Iniala has ION restaurant, a one Michelin star restaurant in Malta and is opening a 16-seater Chefs Table in Phuket in November 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
Over the last 11 years, David has been managing Iniala Hotels. In 2013 he was brought on to be the general manager of what was the newly opened Iniala Beach House, but has since moved to Malta where he now manages the flagship Iniala Harbour House. Representing and protecting the Iniala brand, David ensures the rigorous standards the hotel sets are always met and creates 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
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 organization in hospitality, real estate, and entrepreneurship. Her strategic thinking and visionary approach contribute to the growth and success of the group.
Ms. Balzan, equipped with years of knowledge from her role as head of guest experiences, 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 Balzan’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to organizational 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.
Sales Director - Malta
Kyle Pace Cumbo
General Manager - Thailand
Suwimon Sittachai
With a home in hospitality, 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 earning professional experience at the Six Senses in Hua Hin. A multilingualist, speaking Thai and English, with an understanding of hospitality and service, she was headhunted from the 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 a source of knowledge for both guests and staff on the Iniala brand, the running of the hotel, 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 served in this role since its opening. He previously worked as Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier in Cyprus at Locatelli, bringing a keen understanding of restaurant service within hotels. He is a Malta native and has spent many years on the island, also serving in various restaurants and consistently rising to management positions. James is one of the key members at ION Harbour who ensures the quality levels of service and experience that ION Harbour promises.
Mark Weingard story
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