Hawksford appoints Jerseyman to manage Swiss office

James Qualtrough | October 27, 2011 | 0 Comments

Hawksford Group has appointed Grant Osborn-Smith as Swiss office manager.

In his new role, Jerseyman Mr Osborn-Smith, will be dividing his time between Jersey and Zurich and will be responsible for setting up the processes and procedures for a growing Swiss client base.

Mr Osborn-Smith, 47, who was educated at St Michael’s school before studying at Eton College and Bristol University, began his career as a chartered accountant in Jersey. After moving into the trust sector, where he gained more than 12 years of experience, he then moved to Switzerland to set up a Zurich office for Rawlinson and Hunter. After establishing another trust company in 2009, STM Swiss, he then spent a year on sabbatical, working in the commercial sector.

Mr Osborn-Smith has worked with Hawksford on a number of projects in the past and it was these positive experiences, which prompted his move to the Hawksford Group. ‘The Hawksford Group has a strong reputation and employs some great people,’ said Mr Osborn-Smith. ‘It is an exciting opportunity for me to join this dynamic firm and to help play a role in integrating its Zurich and Jersey offices. I also hope I can help the company achieve its ambitious global growth targets.’

Mr Osborn-Smith, who has worked with clients boasting assets of £250million plus, will be responsible for the development of trust work for Hawksford’s Swiss company, L-S&S GmbH.

‘We are delighted to welcome Grant to the team,’ said Peter Murley, chief executive, Hawksford. ‘He has a wealth of trust experience having worked in the industry for many years and through the start up of two new business in Switzerland. It is perfect for us to find someone of Grant’s calibre who has intricate knowledge of both Jersey and Zurich.’

Away from work Mr Osborn-Smith enjoys skiing in Switzerland and taking part in watersports such as windsurfing, in Jersey. He also enjoys outdoor pursuits and spending time with his wife and two children. Mr Osborn-Smith’s father, Roland, has just been awarded France’s most prestigious award, the insignia of the Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur. Lieutenant Roland Osborn-Smith served as gunnery control officer on board HMS Albrighton during WWII and was instrumental in destroying many German ships. He also escorted General de Gaulle back to France after the Normandy landing.

Hawksford is a leading independent funds and fiduciary services provider with a range of differentiated product offerings, which include investment fund administration, employee solutions, law services including wills and probate, family office and the management of image and royalty rights. Hawksford acquired Zurich based firm, L-S&S GmbH, earlier this year.