New Director of International Finance appointed

11 January 2007

Martin De Forest-Brown, a former Managing Director of Abbey National in Jersey, has been appointed the new Director of International Finance. He will take up his appointment on 15 January 2007.

Having spent several years in Jersey, Mr De Forest-Brown is familiar with the Island's financial services environment and has a significant understanding of the international political and global economic pressures it faces. He is clearly excited by his new appointment, "I am delighted to be returning to Jersey and taking on the challenges ahead", he said today, "I am also looking forward to renewing old acquaintances on the Island".

Mr De Forest-Brown will lead on all finance industry matters and advise ministers on policy regarding Jersey's finance industry and related fiscal matters. As such he will liaise and negotiate with officials and representatives of the UK, EU and other Countries.

An important part of his role will be to increase and enhance the international profile of the Island as a safe, reputable and responsible offshore finance centre. He will be working closely with industry representatives both in the Island and elsewhere to ensure that Jersey’s adherence to best practice in international standards is fully understood.

Martin will also be focusing on inward investment, retention and support for the finance industry as a major contribution to the required economic growth. Not only will he be working closely with Jersey Finance Limited, but he will be co-ordinating activities across the States.

He will also be responsible for leading the Chief Minister’s international policy team and representing Jersey abroad. In this role he will be the Deputy to the Chief Executive.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker said, "Our finance industry is of great importance to the Island so I am delighted to welcome Mr De Forest-Brown who will bring a wealth of experience to this key position. I am confident he will deliver extremely sound analysis and advice and will be a strong advocate for Jersey".

Senator Walker also paid tribute to the previous Director of International Finance, John Harris "We have been extremely fortunate to have enjoyed the services of John for three years" he said. "He has done an excellent job and I wish him every success in his new role as Director General of the Jersey Financial Services Commission".

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Notes to Editors:

1. Mr De Forest-Brown is a 46 year old Chartered Accountant, married with three children.

1. He joined Abbey National in 1993, initially in a strategic planning role. After three years he was appointed Managing Director of the Spanish office.

1. He then relocated back to the UK as Managing Director of their Intermediary Sales and in 2000 he was appointed Managing Director of the offshore business, based in Jersey but with responsibility for the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Ireland, Hong Kong and Dubai.

1. He left Jersey in 2002 and became a Director of the marketing division. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, he had broad strategic responsibilities for business development.

1. At the end of 2003, he left Abbey and joined Prudential PLC as Strategy Director.

1. For further information please contact Moya Fenoughty, Communication Officer on Tel; 440450.