Zedra appoints new head of funds

Zedra has appointed Damien Fitzgerald as the new head of Funds for its Guernsey business. 

In this role, he will lead the firm’s fund solutions offering and will be supported by the recently appointed head of Fund Operations, John Donnelly, an industry veteran with “considerable” experience in client service management, financial reporting and fund accounting.

According to the group, Fitzgerald brings with him a “wealth of knowledge” with 23 years of fund administration, corporate governance, accounting and audit experience, including 17 years in Guernsey’s financial services industry. 

Prior to joining the firm, he was head of Funds at another fund services administrator in Guernsey, leading a team of 70 and chairing all of their Guernsey regulated boards. 

He has also held senior roles at several other Guernsey based administrators, as well as KPMG in Guernsey and Deloitte in Ireland. In addition, Fitzgerald is a fellow of the Chartered Accountants Ireland and holds a diploma from the Institute of Directors.

The Guernsey fund team specialises in fund establishment and administration, company secretarial services and governance as well as financial accounting and NAV production.

Wim Ritz, global head of Zedra Funds, said: “We are thrilled to have Damien join our team. His in-depth knowledge of the funds industry will help us further propel the firm’s growth strategy. 

“As highlighted by our recent acquisition of the fund and corporate services arm of Banque Internationale in Luxembourg, Zedra’s ambition is to be recognised as a leading fund formation and administration provider globally.”

Fitzgerald added: “Zedra is a successful and vibrant company that I am delighted to be joining, especially at a pivotal moment in the Guernsey funds industry with the implementation of the new rules for Private Investment Funds earlier this year set to enhance the appeal of the island as a leading fund jurisdiction of choice.”