He began his journey in 1990, at twenty years of age, when he joined the Saint James Hospital Group. Over time, he worked his way up the ladder, heading the business development arm which included the opening of the first healthcare branches outside of the main facility in Zabbar (Malta).

A major milestone came in 2002, when Mr Muscat spearheaded negotiations on behalf of the Group during the family business’s acquisition of Malta’s largest private hospital at the time, Capua Palace Hospital. Building on this success, he then directed the setting up of a new concept aesthetic clinic in Malta.

The following years marked the Group’s first tangible overseas expansion, with Mr Muscat leading the establishment of Saint James Hospital facilities in Libya in 2006 and in Hungary in 2009. 

His focus later returned to Malta, where in 2016 he oversaw the creation of a specialised ophthalmic centre of excellence.

Alongside his professional achievements, in 2013 he was awarded an MBA by Henley University (UK), further strengthening his leadership and strategic management expertise. A few years later, in 2019, he directed the completion and opening of a modern flagship hospital in Żejtun.

In 2025 as part of tits expansion program and a 7Million Euro investment., the Hungary operation relocated to larger premises offering specialized ophthalmic and aesthetic & plastic surgery services.

Jean Claude is looking forward to being part of the tremendous changes taking place in the healthcare industry, with a specific focus on introducing AI and Digital Medicine as a standard tool in the delivery of the healthcare services within the Saint James Hospital Group.
 

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I first travelled to Hungary in 2006 to consider opening a small medical facility there as our company (Saint James Hospital) was looking to expand outside of Malta.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

I have been an expat in Libya where we opened another Saint James Hospital branch in 2005.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

The culture, and particularly the discipline of the people, stood out to me. I was impressed by how structured and organised most people are, especially when compared to Malta, where I come from. I was also pleasantly surprised and impressed by the overall beauty of the country.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

Go for a pre-dinner drink at the four seasons before having dinner somewhere close to the Basilica.

Walk across Chain Bridge and take the funicular to Castle District.

Enjoy some chill after dinner time at one of the Gozsdu Court's joints.

5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?

Definitely the Lecsó.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Chocolate 

7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?

Egészségedre! 🙂

8. What do you miss most from home? 

The sea 

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Hospitality, providing hotel or restaurant services.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

A job where I am not constantly in touch with people.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Rome (Italy)

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Mykonos (Greece) with my wife and children and their friends celebrating one of my children's birthday.

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Wine and chocolate.

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Band: Duran Duran
Film: ET
Hobby: Football

15. Red or white?

Red

16. Books or films?

Both

17. Morning person or night person?

For work or exercise - definitely morning person.  Anything else - night person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

LGBTQ issues and rights.

19. Buda or Pest?

I love both depending on my mood and activities of the day.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

Believe, build and persevere, persevere, persevere. You will get there.