Saffery Trust as announced 17 promotions across its Trust Group, including seven directorships, in a landmark move which has enhanced the firm’s leadership in alignment with its succession planning objectives.
The promotions, effective from 1 July 2025, see Guernsey’s Claire Bufton promoted to Finance Director and Sharon Coburn to People & Culture Director, while Stefan Aegerter was promoted to Executive Director in Zurich. Donna Brehaut, Nicky Kendall, Tim Le Page, and Simon Murphy were each elevated to Client Director in Guernsey.
The Guernsey director promotions follow the success of the award-winning firm’s Director Pathway initiative, which launched in 2024. The initiative combined technical development with enhanced exposure to strategic thinking and emotional intelligence to bridge the gap between Associate Director and Director level and support personal and professional growth.
Saffery Trust Group Managing Director, Nick Batiste, said the initiative had been worthwhile:
“Across the Saffery Trust Group, we are fortunate to have an exceptional collective of talented professionals, each bringing something unique and equally valuable to the table. The Director Pathway was created to open doors, nurture leadership potential, and support long-term career growth. Celebrating six of our team members stepping into Director and Client Director roles is a clear indication that the investment of time and resources has paid off, and is a testament to the impact Claire, Sharon, Donna, Nicky, Tim, and Simon have each made on our services, our clients, and our culture.”
Stefan joined the firm in 2021 and has two decades of experience in the private client sector. He was recognised as a leading profession in the 2024 Chambers & Partners High-Net-Worth Guide and is a regular speaker at industry events. Stefan continues to drive innovation across the Group, including spearheading a partnership with AI consolidated reporting firm, Masttro, last year.
Saffery Trust Suisse Managing Director, Paul Tucknott, said: “Stefan has proven himself to be an invaluable member of our team, not only in Zurich, but across the wider firm. He consistently demonstrates our core values through his work, leadership, and collaboration, and we are proud to recognise and celebrate his contribution with this well-deserved promotion.”
The firm also celebrated the promotions of Aidan Tarran-Jones to Associate Director, Katherine Edwards, and Esther Smyth to Trust Managers, and Saskia Scheelbeek to Senior Trust Officer in its Geneva office.
Other Guernsey promotions saw Sam Ward promoted to Transformation Assistant Manager, Sonia Bowditch to Senior Information Security Officer, Sue Le Gallez to Learning & Development Officer, Greg Tompkins to Trust Officer, and Oluwakemi Ogunti and Dan Strobl to Senior Trust Administrators.
Nick added:
“Our clients place a great deal of trust in us, and that’s something we never take for granted. As a leading provider of trust and corporate services, we set high standards, and our people consistently rise to meet them. Every promotion announced today has been thoroughly earned through dedication, integrity, and excellence. I’m incredibly proud of each and every person recognised, and I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.”
