Standard Bank Group, the largest African banking group by assets, has appointed Will Thorp as Chief Executive Officer of its Offshore Group, subject to regulatory approval. He will lead the Bank’s offshore businesses in Jersey, Isle of Man and Mauritius, as well as distribution and support teams in London and Johannesburg. Standard Bank Offshore Group employs 400 people and offers Banking, Investment, and Trust and Fiduciary products to its international client base.

Will was appointed as Chief Executive of Standard Bank Jersey Limited and Island Head - Jersey in 2014, roles which he retains under his broader remit. He takes over the role from Mark Hucker, who is leaving Standard Bank to pursue new opportunities.

Will's appointment follows a 14 year career at Standard Bank. During the last decade, he has held a number of roles including Finance Director of the Bank’s Russian operation, based in Moscow, and Global Finance Director – Investment Banking, based in both London and Johannesburg. He moved to Jersey in 2012 as Chief Financial Officer for Standard Bank Offshore Group.

He said: ‘It is a real privilege to lead the Offshore Group at an exciting time for Standard Bank. Our roots are firmly set in the wonderful continent of Africa, which brings with it huge opportunity. Our highly experienced and motivated team across the islands and our links to the Bank’s employees on the ground in 20 countries throughout Africa means that we are ideally placed to be the Bank of choice for anyone wanting to do business on the continent.’

Steven Braudo, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Wealth, said: ‘I would like to congratulate Will on this much-deserved appointment and I am confident that under his leadership the Offshore Group will continue to grow and prosper. I would also like to wish Mark the very best in his future endeavours. His contribution to the Offshore Group has been significant.’