John A. Gauci Maistre K.M. is the founder and C.E.O of the GM Group (formerly Economicard Group of Companies) which embraces GM Corporate and Fiduciary Services Limited and its affiliates, GM International Services Limited and GM International Conferences and Exhibitions Ltd.
He has been defined as the man who put Malta on the map of flag states since he singlehandedly pioneered ship and yacht registration under the Malta Flag in the 1970s. Long attracting top-tier maritime firms together with blue chip owning companies and operators to Malta, to date GM International Services Limited has registered over 50 million tons and formed just under 2,000 companies. Almost 50 years on, he continues to contribute to sustaining the Malta Flag Registry as the undisputed leader in the EU as well as its 6th global ranking.
Owing to the worldwide stellar reputation he enjoys in the maritime industry, John Gauci Maistre was accredited by the Panamanian Government as its consul in Malta in 1994 - a post he has held ever since. Furthermore, in 1995 he co-founded the Honorary Consular Corps and served as Dean from 1995 to 2011.
It is also through his foresight to offer international clients a holistic service provider that GMC was founded in 2009, a company specifically involved in the area of international financial services focused on the design and administration of tax efficient structures, fund management and other related services. This expansion also led to a notable number of financial institutions investing in Malta.
His experience in accountancy and legal work has enabled him to sit on various government sponsored maritime committees, advisory boards and councils, including the Association of Malta Shipowners (1990-1992); The Malta Chamber of Commerce (1993-1998, 2004-2008); the Federation Union des Consuls Hororairs en Europe [F.U.C.H.E.] (1996-2011) and the Camera di Commercio Italo-Maltese (2004-2008); and the Malta International Trade Fair Council.
Guided by his strong belief to offer something to the greater community, John Gauci Maistre currently serves as President of the philanthropic organization, National Council of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and is an active member of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Oder of Malta (S.M.O.M.) holding the rank of Knight of Magistral Grace.
Dr Jean-Pie Gauci-Maistre is the Director of GM International Services Limited, a lawyer by profession, who specialises in Maritime Law, including Ship & Yacht Registration, Ship & Yacht Finance as well as Corporate and Tax Law. With the amendments of Maltese Aviation Law in recent years, he has also focused on the firm’s aviation practice.
With the substantial growth of his legal practice, Dr. Gauci-Maistre co-founded the firm Gauci-Maistre Xynou, with Ms Despoina Xynou, a Greek lawyer. Together with their growing team of lawyers, the firm is operated from Malta with a predominantly international client base.
Practice Areas
Languages
English, Maltese, Italian
Memberships
Education
2013, Malta Institute of Taxation (MIT) Diploma in Taxation
2008-2009 MSc Degree in Maritime Affairs (Ship Management), World Maritime University. Thesis: “Shipping Strategies in the Dry Bulk and Tanker Sectors (Specialization vs Diversification)”
2008-2009 Institute of Chartered Shipbroker Professional Qualifying Examinations
2008 LL.D. Degree, University of Malta. Thesis: "The Implications for Malta in Light of the Proposed Maritime Policy by the Commission"
2006 Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2005 B.A. Legal & Humanistic Studies, University of Malta
Despoina Xynou, lawyer by profession, is part of the legal department of GM International Services Limited focusing primarily on ship and yacht registration under the Malta flag. She is also the founding Partner at Gauci-Maistre Xynou, having co-founded the firm in 2015. With GMX she specialises in maritime and corporate law, ship registration, ship finance, mortgages and taxation.
Despoina’s client portfolio comprises local and international law firms, financial institutions, ship owners and managers.
Practice Areas
Languages
Greek and English
Memberships
Education
Charles, who is the Head of the Shipping Department, joined GM International Services Limited way back in 2002. At that time, he was assisting in the clerical duties within the shipping department. Over the years, he attended number of courses by which he gained a great knowledge of the shipping Industry. With GMI he specialises in Ship and Yacht Registrations under the Malta Flag as well in the Ship and Yacht Agency. Today Charles heads the Shipping Department.
Practice Areas
Languages
English and Maltese
Memberships
Member of Malta Maritime Law Association
Education
Maria Sakka is Shipping Administrator at GM International Services Limited. She joined the company in January 2019 and started working within the Shipping Department, focusing on all aspects related to the ship and yacht registration under the Malta flag and crewing.
Prior joining GM International Services Limited, Maria was Operations Clerk within a local Shipping company whereby she gained more two years’ experience in the shipping sector, particularly in Ship Registration under the Malta flag.
Practice Areas
Languages
Greek, English, German
Education