Colin Kniveton, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Economic Development, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Spellman to the role of Director of Financial Services with immediate effect.
 
Commenting, Mr Kniveton said:
 
‘John has worked with the Department for a number of years in a special advisor role and going forward he will work with an increased focus on the Finance Sector to drive its development.  He has wide experience across many financial services sub sectors and disciplines and latterly has worked with the Isle of Man Government on generating strategic opportunity for the industry.’
 
Mr Spellman has led several large financial services organisations in the UK and more recently has developed a number of successful businesses offshore.  He is a qualified banker and accountant and has managed a leading UK life company.  He also formerly held the position of Head of Isle of Man Finance in the Treasury where he was responsible for promotion and development of the financial services sector.

John Spellman said:

‘My ambition is to meet the future head on by focusing on promotional opportunities, helping to shape a competitive regulative and legislative environment, and working across Government and Regulators to create the right business opportunities for the Isle of Man.  The Department will nurture the inherent entrepreneurial spirit and assist in creating the new business needed in a post Euro Crisis world.’
 
Alan Crowe MLC, the Department of Economic Development’s Political Member for Financial Services, added:
 
‘I am delighted that John has accepted this additional challenge and am confident that with his dynamism and determination the Isle of Man can build on its already successful finance sector.  I look forward to continuing to work with him in this important area.’