Mr Jankarl Farrugia, member of the BNI Verdala Chapter in Sliema, has accepted a seat on BNI’s International Board of Advisors. BNI (Business Network International) is the world’s largest business referral organisation with over 150,000 members spread in over 6,300 chapters in more than 50 countries.

Founded in California in 1985 by Dr Ivan Misner, BNI’s mission is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional word-of-mouth programme that enables them to develop long-term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.  BNI’s philosophy builds upon the idea of Givers Gain^®, which means that business professionals who give referrals to others will get referrals from others.  Last year alone, the organisation passed a total of 7.1 million referrals worldwide amounting to $3.3 billion (USD) in business for its members.

BNI’s International Board of Advisors (IBOA) exists to address policy issues relating to BNI. It is made up from experienced BNI members from around the world.  The purpose of the International Board of Advisors is to ensure that there is open communication between the membership and BNI Headquarters.

Mr Jankarl Farrugia has been recommended to serve on BNI’s International Board by Mr David Bullock, the National Director for Malta BNI.   This distinction is due to Mr Farrugia’s history as a very enthusiastic Founding Member and Leader of the BNI Verdala Chapter.  Malta BNI launched in March of 2011 and currently has four chapters.   During this time, Jankarl has served as the Verdala Chapter’s First President (two terms), and then in his current position as Chapter Ambassador. He has a great reputation for effectively bringing visitors and also offers his guidance to other chapters in Malta.

National Director, David Bullock, says that Mr Farrugia is an “outstanding person to contribute to the IBOA today,” adding that he “brings charm, diplomacy, gravitas and a great sense of humour to BNI.”   Bullock says that Jankarl is an “obvious choice” for the position and has demonstrated his leadership and abilities to organize large Visitor Days, chapter launches and also a recent Awards Dinner.

Mr Farrugia is the General Manager of Regus Malta and manages their local business operations. Regus is the world’s leading provider of pioneering workspace solutions, including fully-equipped offices, professional meeting and training rooms and business lounges.    Prior to working with Regus, Mr Farrugia had a successful career in the hotel industry.   He is well-connected in Maltese society and the business community, and is fluent in both English and the native language, Maltese.   He has been described as successful and well-respected and at the same time “natural and approachable.”   Malta BNI is honoured to have Mr Farrugia represent them with the BNI International Board.