Hili Group Facing €500k Lawsuit from Former Executive

Picture this: a bustling morning at the Hili Group’s headquarters in Birkirkara. The air is thick with tension as a former executive, armed with a legal team, serves a €500,000 lawsuit. This isn’t just any former employee; it’s Simon Azzopardi, who once steered the group’s ambitious projects. Now, he’s seeking compensation for unfair dismissal.

Simon Azzopardi was no stranger to the limelight during his tenure at the Hili Group. He was instrumental in the group’s expansion, including the controversial yet ambitious Skyparks project at Malta International Airport. But in 2021, Azzopardi was suddenly out, with the group citing ‘personal reasons’. Now, he’s fighting back.

Azzopardi’s lawsuit, filed at the First Hall of the Civil Court, alleges constructive dismissal. He claims that the group made his working conditions intolerable, effectively forcing him out. He’s seeking €500,000 in damages, plus interest and costs.

The Hili Group, founded by Joseph Hili, is a Malta success story. It’s diversified, with interests in property development, hospitality, and more. But it’s not immune to controversy. The Skyparks project, for instance, was met with opposition due to its impact on the airport’s flight path. Now, the group faces another challenge.

Hili Group has yet to respond publicly to the lawsuit. However, a source close to the group told Hot Malta, “We’re surprised by this move. We parted ways amicably, and we’re confident in our legal position.”

The lawsuit is set to be heard later this year. Meanwhile, Azzopardi, now a consultant, tells Hot Malta, “I’m not doing this for the money. I’m doing this to stand up for what’s right.” The Hili Group, for its part, is likely to defend its position robustly.

This isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a test of the Hili Group’s corporate culture and a reminder that even the most successful local businesses aren’t immune to controversy.