Butterfield Bank (Bahamas) Limited appointed Julien Martel as managing director, with effect from June 1st, 2011.  Mr. Martel joined Butterfield in 2000 following its acquisition of ANZ Banking Group's Guernsey operation, where he was senior manager, client relationship management.  In his past 11 years at Butterfield, Martel led the private banking team in Guernsey before relocating to The Bahamas in 2006, where eventually he was named head of trusts and fiduciary services in 2010. What attracted you to the sector? When I left full time education in Guernsey back in the 1980s, primarily "banking" was the main driver of the economy, so I joined a thriving industry, which I considered offered the best opportunity for a long term career. How long have you been involved in financial services? I started my first job on 16th May 1986, so 25 years this year. What keeps you motivated? Lots of things.  Certainly the financial services sector is a constantly changing environment to work in, and the huge changes over these past 25 years in regulatory, compliance and risk management has been challenging.  Primarily however, I'm motivated by the relationships I've had with my clients over my career to date, which in each instance brings a different dynamic to the same group of products and services. Why do you think you have been successful? I believe my success is down to the fact I've never forgotten why I'm doing the job: to service the clients.  Without clients there is no business, and it must play a significant part of each of our daily roles. Did mentoring play a part in your success? Without doubt.  I've worked for -- and with -- some very astute and very knowledgeable individuals throughout my career, which have definitely had an influence and played a part in my success. What qualifications do you feel are the most useful in helping you perform in the sector? Professional and industry specific qualifications are paramount in this day and age, with so many well educated individuals wanting to join.  There are also many personal qualities which are also important, such as understanding the absolute importance of service, both internal and external. Why is it important to encourage our youth to think of careers within financial services? Locally and globally, financial services will always be required, even if products and the services change in shape and size.  For this reason, as I stated earlier, through commitment and self discipline, a career in financial services can be rewarding and fulfilling, and be a lifetime career which challenges and offers many opportunities. Are there specific suggestions you have for sustaining and/or growing the financial services sector? A financial services sector will thrive through "service, service, service".  We have a well considered and broad product range available to The Bahamas industry, as well as the ability to attract investment and wealthy clients to The Bahamas.  Now to deliver!

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