Seven promotions at PraxisIFM

Thursday 11 February 2016

PraxisIFM has made seven promotions in its Jersey office.

Julie Gavin, Samantha Flambard and Dan Toft have been promoted from senior manager to associate director, managers Jon Figueiredo, Hilary Arthur and Caron Wallace have become senior managers and Ross De Biasi becomes a manager.

"Last year saw a significant amount of change with the creation of PraxisIFM through the merger of Guernsey-based Praxis Group and Jersey-based IFM Group and then a number of acquisitions which strengthened our position as one of the largest independent and owner-managed financial services groups headquartered in the Channel Islands," said Managing Director Richard Kearsey.

"We now have assets under administration in excess of $48 billion and revenues of over £28 million and more than 250 staff across 10 jurisdictions. The only way that we can build on the success of 2015 is by having the right people leading our teams. Julie, Samantha, Dan, Jon, Hilary, Caron and Ross collectively have more than 100 years’ experience in financial services and will be significant support to the directors as we look to further develop our services and grow the firm organically and through acquisitions."

Mrs Gavin has worked for the company for 30 years and in her new role, she will continue to oversee a private client administration team looking after high net worth clients, whilst helping to grow the existing client base through marketing and business development.

"Continuity is really important to our clients and I have a number who I have looked after since the 1980s. In my new role, I want to encourage the teams to work together to meet the company’s goals and continue delivering," she said.

Mrs Flambard has 25 years’ experience and hopes to use that to support PraxisIFM’s board of directors and develop and mentor team members.

In his new role, Mr Toft wants to increasingly focus on business development.

"One of the massive advantages of working for an owner-managed business like PraxisIFM is its ability to be nimble and adapt. While it is growing and developing its service offering, it is committed to retaining a personal approach in both its client service and in staff engagement and development," he said.

"There has been a real focus on improving the skill set and knowledge of our teams and this is now bearing fruit allowing me more time to use my business development and relationship skills to create opportunities with new clients and intermediaries. PraxisIFM is a really exciting place to work at the moment."

Mr Figueiredo brings more than 27 years’ experience to his new role of group IT and systems security senior manager which will see him support and enhance the firm’s IT systems and security across the group.

Mrs Wallace said PraxisIFM’s independence would help her in her new role of internal audit senior manager.

"As an independent and owner-managed business, there is less red tape than larger, corporate firms so we can focus on regulatory compliance whilst delivering quality client service. Decisions for improvements are also considered and actioned far quicker due to the hands on approach of the directors and their in depth knowledge of the business," she said.

As a senior manager, investments Miss Arthur said the group’s merger added to the enjoyment.

"As a details person, I love the challenge of looking at where we can enhance existing processes and considering where I may need to develop new ones to meet the demands of the growing group," she said.

Mr de Biasi added that there was another benefit to being independent.

"Being an independent company, we are not tied to certain banks or investment houses and so we can ensure our clients are offered a truly bespoke service by using providers who are best suited to their needs," he said.