Shawn Abela

MBA-qualified operations leader with more than 20 years of experience in technical operations, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, aftersales and group management. I currently oversee the operations of six companies and report directly to the CEO, with no General Manager between us. My background combines business leadership with practical knowledge of electrical systems, generators, data centres and 24/7 service environments.

I have managed seven-figure budgets, multidisciplinary teams, tenders, suppliers and major operational changes, using financial and technical information to make sound decisions on cost, risk, service continuity and business performance.

Group Operations Manager at Infinite Fusion Group Ltd (2025-01 – Present)

I report directly to the CEO and oversee the operations of six businesses covering IT, turnkey works, property, maintenance, fitness and wellness, commercial premises and corporate events. As there is no separate General Manager, I work with the CEO on business priorities, budgets, investment requirements, staffing and commercial performance, while coordinating the managers, employees, suppliers and contractors responsible for delivery. The group operates mainly in Malta and also carries out business in Cyprus and Dubai.

Around 80% of the workforce is international, giving me extensive experience leading people from different professional and cultural backgrounds. My involvement normally begins when an opportunity or tender is being considered and continues through planning, delivery, client and authority meetings, completion, handover and ongoing support. I review the operational and commercial requirements, ensure that the right resources are available and follow up on progress, costs and issues.

I am also involved in supplier negotiations, maintenance agreements, repairs, recruitment and business development. Across the group, I have introduced clearer procedures, KPIs and reporting to improve accountability and coordination between the different companies.

Technical Facilities Manager at Melita Ltd (2019-01 – 2024-12)

Reporting directly to the CTO, I was responsible for the 24/7 operation of the 10,000 m2 Madliena Headend and Data Centres together with Melita's technical hubs across Malta. I managed a seven-figure OPEX and CAPEX budget and coordinated employees, contractors and specialist service providers. The infrastructure included standby generators and fuel systems, UPS and batteries, LV distribution and switchgear, cooling, fire protection and security systems.

For the generator installations, I managed maintenance agreements, quotations, repairs, major services and requirements for additional capacity or new setups, considering reliability, operational risk, cost and service continuity. I also oversaw upgrades in live technical environments, from defining the requirement and obtaining quotations through contractor coordination, testing, commissioning and handover. These works had to be completed without affecting critical services.

My wider remit included preventive maintenance, service contracts, incidents, supplier performance, audits and procedures within ISO 27001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 environments.

Service Manager at Kind's Auto Sales Ltd (2018-01 – 2019-12)

Managed the complete technical servicing department of approximately 30 employees supporting Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Renault, Dacia and Fuso. Held operational responsibility for workshop capacity, labour allocation, productivity, service quality, customer outcomes, technical escalations and manufacturer standards. Oversaw audits, tools calibration, health and safety, facilities and security systems, and the 24/7 Mercedes-Benz emergency breakdown operation, combining commercial awareness with disciplined service delivery.

Assistant Manager - Aftersales at Alberta (2018-01 – 2018-12)

Coordinated daily operations for the security-systems aftersales department, including technician deployment, customer support, key accounts, maintenance agreements and the 24/7 on-call team. Improved technician productivity without increasing headcount and supported staff development, technical sales, quotations and new business opportunities.

Administrator - Engineering Core Networks at GO plc (2011-01 – 2018-12)

Managed mobile and fixed core-network projects and service improvements across GO's three principal technical data centres. Coordinated suppliers and critical-power support requirements, including generator maintenance, repairs, service quotations and additional setups, alongside wider data-centre and network infrastructure. Managed delivery activities from requirements and supplier engagement through implementation, testing and operational acceptance.

Owned continuous improvement of the Mobile CRM workflow, provided third-level support for mobile-core and roaming platforms, and trained more than 300 customer-care, retail, team-leader, quality and NOC employees.

Senior Technical Officer - Network Operations Centre at GO plc (2008-01 – 2011-12)

Led NOC technicians monitoring and escalating service-affecting events across mobile platforms, data centres, electrical and battery infrastructure, external antennas and CCTV systems. Coordinated 24/7 incident response and protected network availability and business continuity.

Commissioning Engineer at Alberta (2004-01 – 2008-12)

Commissioned, tested and handed over large-scale CCTV, intruder and fire-alarm projects, including Mater Dei Hospital and CHOGM 2005. Coordinated installation quality, client requirements, technical documentation, aftersales support, workshop and outsourced repairs, and 24/7 emergency response.

Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and Leadership – University of Derby (2016-01 – 2018-12)

Extended Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership in Strategic Management & Leadership – Pearson (2016-01 – 2016-12)

Diploma in Electrical & Electronics Engineering in Electrical & Electronics Engineering – Fellenberg Training Centre / MCAST (2001-01 – 2005-12)