Date: Tuesday 18 October 2022
Lee Francis, Chief Executive and Island Head at Standard Bank (Isle of Man)
Lee Francis’s arrival as Chief Executive and Island Head at Standard Bank (Isle of Man) comes in the year the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Manx shores.
Lee’s experience has spanned Gibraltar, Cyprus, Geneva, London and South Africa over a career approaching 30 years, including eight years as Chief Operating Officer for Barclays Africa Wealth & Investment Management.
He relocates to the Isle of Man from BUPA UK where he held a senior role in IT Security.
‘I am delighted to be on the Isle of Man and, after working in the healthcare sector for the last couple of years, it’s exciting to return to financial services with a future-focussed organisation that encompasses my own values of prioritising sustainability, diversity and inclusion,’ Lee explained.
‘The opportunity to play a key role in the Isle of Man business as Chief Executive and Island Head, especially through the short-term economic headwinds and into an exciting next chapter, was a hugely attractive proposition and I am really looking forward to further the development of the bank.
‘I am excited to work closely with new colleagues to continue the bank’s client-first approach, as well as my own focus to build upon the brilliant working environment for our employees to thrive.’
After spending eight years living and working in South Africa, Lee admits to having some ‘African blood running through my veins’.
As part of Africa’s largest banking group by assets, Standard Bank Offshore Group has operated in the Isle of Man for three decades and the bank continues to expand its presence in the Island.
The company has grown considerably through this time with business from Africa and other international markets and is committed to sustainable growth with a pledge to look beyond the financial outcome to create more value socially, economically and environmentally.
Standard Bank Offshore Group's Chief Executive Officer, Will Thorp, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Lee to the team. His experience will undoubtedly help us serve even more individuals and businesses in meeting their financial needs.
‘His combination of regulatory experience, strong digital mindset and on-the-ground Africa exposure makes Lee an excellent fit for the role.
‘I would also like to thank Chris Till for everything he has done to progress the Isle of Man business for the past 26 years. Chris has moved to his new role as Head of Governance, Isle of Man International Companies and we wish him well.'