First female top team appointed by business group

GIBA said Jo Peacegood (R) and Helen Wyatt are the first female chair and deputy team in its 44-year history

A business group has appointed women to top roles for the first time in its history.

The Guernsey International Business Association (GIBA) has appointed Jo Peacegood as chair and Helen Wyatt as deputy chair.

Ms Peacegood becomes the first female chair in the association's 44-year history, it said.

She said she was looking forward to support the growth and resilience of the island's financial sector.

'Highly accomplished'

Ms Peacegood had been chair of the Guernsey Investment and Funds Association and has served as GIBA's deputy chair for the past two years.

She said: "I hope to continue our commitment to collaboration, innovation and maintaining the island's reputation for high standards and expertise."

GIBA said Helen Wyatt, partner in the corporate practice at Mourant Ozannes (Guernsey) LLP, brought legal expertise and a particular interest in financial services regulatory matters to the role.

It added that Paul Sykes would remain a council member after stepping down from two years as chair.

Mr Sykes said: "I'm delighted that GIBA's leadership is being taken forward by two such highly accomplished and experienced executives as Jo and Helen.

"The fact that they are GIBA's first female leaders makes the news even more exciting."

GIBA said it served as the collective voice of the island's financial services industry, which employs more than 7,500 professionals, making it one of the largest employee sectors on the island.