First Names Group Increases its Channel Islands Team

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First Names Group is delighted to announce the appointment of four new directors in Guernsey following the rebrand of Mercator.

The acquisition of Mercator on 31 March 2014, provided First Names Group not only with a much sought after pan-island presence in the Channel Islands, but also 59 new ‘First Names’, cementing the organisation’s position as the largest independent trust and corporate services provider in the UK and UK Offshore.

The new directors include: David Preston, who will continue as Managing Director of the Guernsey trust business; Clive Damsell, who will head up the Private Client Team as Client Services Director; and Mark Douglas, who will split his time between the Group’s trust business and its funds arm which operates under the Moore brand. Sharon McMillan will take up a new role as Director of Operations for the Channel Islands. The addition of four Mercator Associate Directors similarly strengthens the First Names management team in Guernsey.

The Group also welcomes the appointment of Jon Hodge as Head of Change. Jon initially joined the Jersey office 12 months ago to project manage the integration of Basel, a leading Jersey fiduciary services provider. He has now accepted a permanent role within the business and will oversee and direct the delivery of all acquisition and integration projects, as well as the Group’s change portfolio. The nature of Jon’s Group role will require him to divide his time between the Group’s Jersey, Isle of Man and UK offices.

The Group now has nearly 600 ‘First Names’ working from 14 strategic locations worldwide.

Managing Director of First Names (Guernsey) Limited, David Preston comments; “The acquisition is a real milestone in our history. Everyone is very excited about becoming a ‘First Name’ and the opportunities being part of a much larger organisation brings. I look forward to working with my new colleagues across all of our jurisdictions to offer a truly global service to our clients and intermediaries.”

Morgan Jubb, CEO of First Names Group, comments; “I am delighted we have rebranded the Mercator business, expanding First Names Group into Guernsey. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet the team in Guernsey and I am very much looking forward to working closely with them all as we continue to grow the business. The new directors that have joined the Group—David, Sharon, Mark, Clive and Jon—have unrivalled experience and knowledge in their respective areas and I know they are going to be invaluable members of the senior management team.”