Guernsey Finance appoints new chief executive

Guernsey Finance has announced a new chief executive to replace Fiona Le Poidevin when she leaves the organisation early next year.

International Adviser

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Dominic Wheatley has more than 25 years’ experience in the international financial services market, and was most recently a managing director at insurance broker Willis Management (Guernsey).

He has also served as chairman of the Guernsey International Business Association from 2011 to 2013, and was chairman of the Guernsey International Insurance Association from 2009 to 2011.

Wheatley’s new role will become effective from 1 December, with current chief executive Le Poidevin leaving to become chief executive of the newly-rebranded Channel Islands Stock Exchange early next year.

On the appointment, Wheatley said: “This is a very important phase in the development of the island’s economy and the promotion of our finance industry is a key part of that.

“I feel particularly privileged to be taking charge of the next chapter in its development as we build on the progress already made and continue with the strategy of protecting our core markets of the UK and wider Europe, as well as promoting the Guernsey brand in new markets such as China and Latin America.”

In other news, Guernsey and Beijing have signed an agreement to promote the “prosperity and development” of their respective financial industries.

The “statement of cooperation” was signed last week by Kevin Stewart, Guernsey’s commerce and employment minister, and Shen Hong, vice counsel of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Financial Work.

It comes after Guernsey signed similar agreements with Singapore in 2010 and the Beijing-based China Securities Regulatory Commission in 2013.

Stewart said: “This agreement demonstrates our continued commitment not only to China, but Beijing specifically.

“It represents the next phase of our relationship to cooperate, exchange ideas and trade together more extensively in the future.”

Hong added that the agreement would be key to the progression of Beijing and Guernsey’s relationship.

Prior to the signing, a meeting was held with the wider Guernsey delegation, including Le Poidevin, who said the organisation will work with the Beijing Financial Development Centre to facilitate exchange programmes, training courses and educational workshops in both jurisdictions.

 

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