Brano Kollar named new CEO of Hili Ventures subsidiary Breakwater Investments Ltd

Brano Kollar has been appointed CEO of Breakwater Investments Ltd, a subsidiary of Hili Ventures, the company announced on Monday.

Formerly known as HV Marine, Breakwater Investments specialises in engineering, shipping and logistics, and also oil and gas operations across continents. It has undergone a transformation consolidating Hili Ventures’ operations in these areas under one umbrella brand. Established as a start-up in 2019, HV Marine was the holding company for Malta-based Motherwell Bridge Industries and Techniplus in Morocco, both leaders in the provision of customised engineering services.

The company rebranded to Breakwater Investments earlier this year following the acquisition of Hili Logistics Ltd, a holding company comprising Poland-based ALLcom, Malta-based Carmelo Caruana Company, and UK-based STS Marine Solutions. It employs more than 230 people and Breakwater Investments estimates turnover for this year to reach over €35 million.

A new Board of Directors will be appointed, bringing together industry veterans to support the company’s growth. Fenech & Fenech Advocates Partner and Comité Maritime International President Ann Fenech, Malta Freeport Terminals CEO and Malta Maritime Forum Vice Chairperson Alex Montebello, and former Atlas Insurance PCC Limited CEO Michael Gatt will serve as independent Non-Executive Directors. They are joined by Hili Ventures CEO Melo Hili, Director Annabel Hili, and Chief Financial Officer Dorian Desira.

Mr Kollar brings with him valuable international experience, having held various leadership roles across Africa, the Middle East and Asia at Aggreko UK for more than 15 years. Hili Ventures states that his expertise in international sales, marketing, and logistics will be “instrumental” in furthering Breakwater Investments’ strategy.

Welcoming the new CEO, Hili Ventures Chairman Archie Bethel said: “Breakwater Investments is more than a name change; it symbolises our commitment to driving growth in these industries, fuelling innovation and expanding on our delivery of first-class services.”

“As we celebrate our 100-year maritime legacy, Brano [Mr Kollar] and his team will continue to steer the group in charting its new course,” he added.

Headquartered in Malta, Hili Ventures is the holding company of a diversified group that dates back to 1923. Through its various subsidiaries, it is engaged in food service and retail, real estate and hospitality, shipping and engineering, as well as technology.