The Chief Executive of Guernsey Finance has resigned with an independent investigation underway.
Guernsey Finance, the arms length promotional body for the island’s largest sector, said it is “taking recent events extremely seriously” and confirmed Rupert Pleasant has resigned from the organisation.
“The Board can also confirm that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders whilst ensuring the wellbeing of its staff and operational continuity,” it added.
There has been widespread speculation in the community over the past few days about Mr Pleasants’ position and the “recent events” that Guernsey Finance has alluded to.
Express understands from multiple sources this relates to a video featuring Mr Pleasant which was inadvertently shared with staff members.
Guernsey Finance said investigations began last week and will continue independently.
It declined to provide any further details at this time.
The Deputy Chief Executive Barnaby Molloy has now become the acting CEO.
Mr Pleasant was still appearing on the Guernsey Finance website this morning before being removed this afternoon.
His LinkedIn profile has also been deactivated.
Guernsey Finance is an independent organisation, supported financially by the States of Guernsey, to promote the finance industry to the world.
It provides research, marketing, communications and business development services to connect local business with the rest of the world and raise the profile of the islands as an offshore finance centre internationally.
It works across the UK, United States, South Africa and the Middle East with dedicated representatives in place to achieve this.
The States provides the majority of funding to Guernsey Finance – currently £1.5m per year in core funding, but an extra £1m per year was agreed by politicians until mid-2027.
It receives another £1m per year from industry members for operational costs.
Representatives from the States of Guernsey and the Guernsey International Business Association sit on its board.
Financial services makes up 40% of the island’s economy employing around 6,000 people.