Awards wins and promotions for two at Carey Group

Two Carey Group staff who have just been recognised among their peers with prestigious award wins have now also received promotions.

At the ICSA: The Governance Institute Guernsey Annual Dinner and Awards, Sara Bourne won the Governance, Risk and Compliance award while Claire McSwiggan was named Company Secretary of the Year.

In the same month, Mrs Bourne has been appointed as the firm’s deputy managing director while Claire McSwiggan has been promoted to associate client director.

Managing director Jim Gilligan said: ‘These promotions reflect the significant contributions both make to the business at a time when we are achieving continuing growth. I am also delighted to see Sara and Claire externally recognised with their awards which demonstrate the high regard for them within the industry.’

Mrs Bourne is a fellow of ICSA and has an MSc in corporate governance alongside 15 years’ industry experience. She joined Carey Group in September 2014 where she now has responsibility for overseeing the corporate services team and the fund services team.

Her appointment as deputy managing director sees her get more actively involved in all aspects of the management of the business.

Mr Gilligan said: ‘This is a new position which acknowledges the substantial growth in our business over recent years and will provide me with the required support to help move the business even further forward. Sara’s expertise in corporate governance is invaluable in inculcating a governance culture within our staff and business to allow for further expansion within a robust regulatory framework.’

Mrs Bourne added: ‘This appointment allows me to get more involved with all areas of the business and therefore brings me a wealth of new experiences and challenges.  I hope to bring my governance experience and expertise into this role.’

Mrs McSwiggan joined Carey Group in November 2014 in the corporate team, where she provides company secretarial services to a diverse portfolio of companies including businesses listed on a number of stock exchanges worldwide. She completed the MSc in corporate governance in December 2014, with distinction, and is also an Associate Member of ICSA.

Mrs Bourne said: ‘Claire’s promotion and award exemplify the values of Carey Group to develop our staff and to provide opportunities for growth for all, especially as our company grows. We are fortunate to have highly skilled and professional staff that are able to handle our portfolio of complex structures for our extraordinary clients.

‘Some of Claire’s nominations for this award were from her clients and non-executive directors showing the esteem they hold her in. She was described as having the trust and confidence of the board, who really rely on her.’

Mrs McSwiggan said the ICSA dinner was a very enjoyable night, which served the profession well.

‘Events like this promote ICSA professionals and provides a platform to recognise the important role that the company secretary has, More often than not our work is merged with administration but the company secretary is also qualified to provide professional governance advice and add significant value to a board.’ ‘I am fortunate to work in a supportive environment where I have been able to grow’.

Mrs Bourne also congratulated fellow Carey Group staff Jane de Jersey, Nikolett Mezei and David Wilson who also received individual nominations.

‘All provide an excellent service and I am very proud to lead such a professional and dedicated team.’