Guernsey Finance names Wheatley’s successor as chief executive
Guernsey Finance has appointed Rupert Pleasant as its new chief executive.
The news follows the recent announcement that Dominic Wheatley, the current chief executive, will step down from the role in June.
In this role, Pleasant is responsible for strengthening the security and stability of Guernsey’s finance sector and acting as an ambassador for the further development of the industry.
Pleasant joins from Beauvoir Group, where he was acting group managing director, and has spent nearly 30 years working in the private wealth sector, both in Guernsey and abroad. Former employers include Lloyds Bank, Barclays Wealth, Credit Suisse, Investec and PraxisIFM.
Guernsey Finance noted Pleasant has personal experience of working in both Hong Kong and South Africa, which it identified as two of Guernsey’s finance industry’s key markets.
Lyndon Trott, chairman of Guernsey Finance, welcomed Pleasant’s international finance and marketing experience, which he said will help him in his role.
“This is a key time for Guernsey as we look to innovate and create fresh opportunities to promote the island and the finance industry across current and emerging markets,” Trott added.
Tony Mancini, chair of the Guernsey International Business Association, emphasised the enormous role finance plays in Guernsey’s prosperity. “[Pleasant] brings a combination of wide international experience across a number of different sectors and a passion for Guernsey,” he said.
Pleasant said: “Guernsey is in an enviable position, offering innovation, substance, stability, security and expertise.” However, the island cannot rest on its laurels, he added. “We need to work hard to both maintain and enhance our reputation on the international stage.”
