First Names Group is delighted to announce that a senior member of its Isle of Man team has been named in eprivateclient’s 2015 ‘Top 35 Under 35’. James Russell, Associate Director, is the only Isle of Man-based professional to have been recognised this year by the annual listing, which aims to identify and promote the rising stars of the Private Client practitioner community.

Currently based in the Group’s Isle of Man office, James has worked in four jurisdictions during his career with the company and has progressed rapidly through the ranks. His progression culminated with his promotion to Associate Director in June 2013, which made him one of the youngest Associate Directors in First Names Group history.

Most recently, James spent ten months in the Group’s new Hong Kong and Singapore offices to help establish operations there. He returned to the Isle of Man earlier this year where he continues to work closely with the Asian business development team to grow business for the Group’s European offices in Asia and vice versa.

An Associate of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and member of the Securities and Investments Institute, James has a thorough understanding of the complexity of international fiduciary services and has been instrumental in developing a number of significant client relationships for the Group.

James was nominated for the award by First Names Group Commercial Director, Kevin O’Connell. Kevin commented:

“I am thrilled James has received this recognition. He is a stand-out colleague who consistently impresses the leadership team with his dedication, natural aptitude and infectiously positive outlook. He is a huge asset to the organisation, both in terms of business acumen and corporate culture. Having spent his entire career with us, James is a shining testament to the commercial value of investing in your people. He is home-grown talent personified and has had a huge impact on the company and its strategic development.”