Apex Group (Apex) has appointed Gareth Smith has joined as Head of Channel Islands (Guernsey/Jersey), to manage the Group’s expanding operation and client service delivery across Jersey and Guernsey.
Smith (pictured) joins Apex from Maitland Administration (Guernsey) Limited where he has been a Director for the past two years. At Maitland he led the firm’s local growth in Guernsey, was involved with the development in the fiduciary business and established a ManCo service solution. Prior to that, Smith spent nearly ten years at R&H Fund Administration, four of which as a Director at its Guernsey arm again driving local expansion, client relationships and new business, also holding Director positions in Jersey.
Smith will report to Apex’s Head of Europe, James Burke, and will lead a team of nearly 200 employees across its Guernsey and Jersey offices. Apex’s existing well respected Channel Islands Operations Directors Gary Mauger (Guernsey) and both Gary Ayres and Vimbai Bundu-Kamara (Jersey), will report directly to him. Predominantly based in Guernsey, Smith’s experience across both of these local jurisdictions will help solidify the global provider’s growing reputation within both the closed and open ended markets in the Channel Islands.
Smith is a qualified Chartered Accountant with strong technical expertise and specialist knowledge in property and private equity funds.
James Burke, Head of Apex Europe, Apex Group Ltd, says: “As one of Apex’s largest locations in terms of employee numbers, it is essential that we have the right person to lead the development of the Apex Group in the Channel Islands. Gareth brings tremendous experience across both open and closed ended structures and will give us the focus we require to further develop our Channel Islands service offering. The acquisition of Ipes, which closed in January, has significantly increased the Apex Group’s footprint in both Jersey and Guernsey. We therefore need strong, experienced local leadership. Gareth’s unrivalled local experience, combined with the existing expertise of the rest of the Channel Islands team, means we are in an extremely strong position to deliver exceptional service to local fund managers in addition to providing them access to the wider global group.”
Gareth Smith, Head of Channel Islands (Guernsey / Jersey), Apex Group Ltd, says: “I am thrilled to be joining the Apex team at a time when it is really beginning to flourish in the Channel Islands. Having spent over a decade of my fund administration career in Jersey and Guernsey I have a deep understanding of the local market which I look forward to utilising at Apex as it continues to make great strides in both the asset management industry and beyond. The breadth of product available to managers via Apex is truly impressive and I look forward to contributing to this unique organisation as it continues to drive toward continually adding value to its clients.”
