Channel Islands Appoint Head Of New Brussels Office

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News,com, London

31 January 2011

The governments of Guernsey and Jersey have announced the appointment of the current British Ambassador to Bulgaria, Steve Williams, as the head of the islands’ new joint office in Brussels, tasked with increasing the territories' say on international issues.

Williams will take on the role of Director of European Affairs at the Channel Islands’ Brussels Office from April 4, 2011. He will be Guernsey's and Jersey’s senior representative in Brussels, leading efforts to develop the islands’ influence, while advising the respective governments on European and international matters.

Welcoming his appointment, Guernsey's Chief Minister, Lyndon Trott said: "I am delighted with the appointment of our new Director. His experience and track record are of an extremely high calibre and I am looking forward to working with him. He will play a vital role in the way that Guernsey and the Channel Islands engage with their partners in Brussels and across the European Union over the coming years."

Williams has worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for nearly 30 years, with postings including Oslo, Buenos Aires, Sofia and the UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. During this time, he has gained extensive experience of working with the EU and its institutions to deliver UK policy objectives in Europe, the joint statement said.

Williams, for his part, commented: "I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed to head the new Channel Islands’ Brussels Office. I am greatly looking forward to taking up my position, working with and for the governments, business communities and people of Guernsey and Jersey to promote the Channel Islands’ interests in Europe".

The two islands, based in the English channel, announced their intention to cooperate on matters of dual interest in March 2010 through the creation of a joint Brussels office, citing the changing environment and requirements on offshore international finance centres.

Recommended