Ainsworth Peter.
PRESS RELEASE-The St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Ltd (SMFC) has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at its helm. The appointment of Ainsworth Peter to the office CEO of the forty-six-year-old institution took effect on July 1, 2014. Peter takes over the mantle following the retirement of Rupert Orlando Martyr, which took effect from June 30, 2014.
With over two decades experience in the banking sector Peter has been appointed to oversee the operations of the St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Ltd (SMFC) and the execution of the company’s strategies as it continues to grow towards being a preferred provider of mortgage financing opportunities for Saint Lucians.
The new SMFC Head is designated an Associate of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (AICB) and holds a BComm in Financial Services from Nipissing University, Canada and an LLB (Hons) from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom (UK).
Peter’s passion for finance and banking was fuelled during his years of tenure with Bank of Saint Lucia from 1986 to 2011, where he had the opportunity to experience and develop expertise in a number of areas. Also an Attorney at Law, his areas of interest are general civil practice with emphasis on banking, corporate and commercial matters, offshore banking, trusts, insurance, personal Injury and conveyancing, As such he brings a diverse knowledge base and skill-set to the role.
Peter is currently a member of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, UK, The Bar of England & Wales and The Bar of Saint Lucia.
Commenting on his appointment, Peter stated that “St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Ltd is confronting an entirely new phase within the sector which will serve to define the role of the company in these challenging economic times. I feel very privileged to be joining this long standing company at such a pivotal time in its history and look forward to working closely with the board of directors, our shareholders, our customers and the rest of our talented team to ensure that St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company realizes its extraordinary growth potential.”
Speaking on behalf of the board of director’s SMFC Chairman Daniel Girard expressed the board’s pleasure to have the benefit of Peter’s wealth of experience, which is further supported by his knowledge and training as an attorney.
“We trust that his long standing experience as a banker, his client-focused approach and professionalism will help him build successfully on the strong foundations that the company has secured over the many years”, Girard said.
The SMFC Chairman also noted the major contributions of retired CEO Rupert Orlando Martyr, who he said has done a commendable job in strengthening SMFC’s core amidst a challenging climate.
The new CEO also recognised the yeoman service of his predecessor, whose tenure he described as characterising prudence and exemplary leadership. “It is indeed an honour to take over from Rupert Orlando Martyr who has excellently led SMFC for over three decades. His example is an inspiration to me certainly in terms of making a mark and leaving a legacy such as he has done.”