MBR final low res

COVER STORY INTERVIEW
Malta Business Review
DI: With the rapid expansion of the group,
I have had to dedicate more time to the
overall strategy and the large projects
which we plan launching in the years
ahead. It has therefore been necessary
to strengthen our management structure
in order for me to have persons directly
responsible for various areas of the
business who still report directly to me. This
now allows me to manage my time better
and, consequently, be more available to
whoever requires my contribution.
MBR: What is something that guided you
throughout your first six months as CEO?
DI: What struck me first was the need to
recognise that unless we would work as
a team in it would be definitely harder
to achieve the desired success. This still
applies today and is a defining principle
within the DIZZ Group.
MBR: What excited you about the
opportunities to have various prestigious
brands under your umbrella and made
you feel it was the right fit?
DI: Having established Terranova and
Calliope on the market and having acquired
the franchise for Liu Jo we realised that the
fashion retail business was really where
we belonged. This was further confirmed
when a number of companies started
contacting us in order to discuss the
possibility of representing their interests
in Malta. This trend continues till this very
day and is of great satisfaction as it proves
that we are seen as the ideal partner.
MBR: How important is it to use
technology to speed data collection and
support rapid decision making?
DI: Considering we run 33 outlets which sell
hundreds of items every day information
technology is crucial in order for us to keep
the correct stock levels 365 days of the
year. We invest in hardware and software
but our main focus is to have the machines
supported by fully trained and prepared
staff who ensure we never experience any
down time.
MBR: Has change occurred when it
comes to women leading in the fashion
industry?
DI: I don’t believe it is a question of
change which has led to women leading
in the fashion industry. I believe it is that
more women have proved themselves as
important and competent participants in
Diane Izzo
many sectors of the economy, in the arts,
sciences and also politics. The natural
consequence was that some would
become leaders in their respective fields.
MBR: How ingrained is corporate
responsibility within the culture of Dizz
Group?
DI: We are heavily involved in promoting
directly and indirectly CSR in Malta and we
have an ever-growing number of initiatives
which have become annual events.
"Information technology
is crucial in order
for us to keep the
correct stock levels
365 days of the year.
Through these we raise money which is
then distributed amongst a number of very
honourable organisations which require
continuous support.
On the other hand, we also feel that fashion
is beauty, a healthy bodies and we feel that
sport is another way through which we can
help in creating a stronger and healthier
society. Hence, our investment in this
sector also.
MBR: How do you define your specific
role and how critical is it that your role is
involved in business strategy?
Background
Diane Izzo was the mastermind behind the
set-up of the group in the year 2000 and its
eventual continuous bursts of growth. The
group is owned by the parent company
Dizz Group of Companies. The company
is owned equally by Diane Izzo and her
husband Karl Izzo. Still in her thirties
she is in by far one of Malta’s leading
and innovative entrepreneurs who has
successfully made a strong name for the
group in the fashion, beauty and catering
industries and believes that the group
has more growth prospects ahead. Diane
occupies to the role of Chief Executive
Officer within the group and drives the
strategy and expansionary plans of the
group.
The group is backed by strong levels of
equity and profitability and therefore
enjoys very positive backing by its bankers,
suppliers and other stakeholders. Karl is
a reference point for the group as the
Public Relations Officer and attends all
important company meetings both locally
and overseas, assisting Diane in all major
decisions that are taken. The group’s core
activity is that of importing and retailing
of fashion wear by means of its franchise
agreements, warehouse stores and retail
outlets. In fact, the group is the franchisee
of the prestigious fashion brands:
Terranova, Calliope, LIU.JO, Harmont &
Blaine, Trussardi, Goldenpoint, Elisabetta
Franchi, PINKO, Caffe Pascucci, Max&co,
Brooks Brothers, Guess, Alberta Ferretti,
Philosophy, Philip Plein, Moschino, Micheal
Kors, Pollini, Versace & Billionaire .
The group has more recently also invested
in a number of cafeterias under the
exclusive franchise Pascucci. The group
engages over two hundred and fifty
personnel and is an equal opportunities
employer. The sectional heads of the
departments include the Chief Operations
Manager, the Chief Financial Officer, the
Head of Human Resources and the Head
of Sales and Marketing. Diane also believes
in innovative management practices which
see empowerment of staff and few tiers of
management levels. MBR
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