BCB director records a first for Bermuda

THURSDAY, NOV. 15: There can only be one first and Horst E. Finkbeiner II, accomplished it.

The director and chief operating officer at Bermuda Commercial Bank, has become the first Bermudian to receive the Chartered Director designation in Bermuda.

The announcement was made by the Institute of Directors Bermuda Branch (IoD) on Thursday.

Mr Finkbeiner said in a press release: “By achieving Chartered Director status, I will be able to bring best practice to the organisations with which I am involved. The programme has enabled me to gain the latest knowledge and understanding on a range of business issues essential for successfully directing an organisation from a strategic perspective. I would like to thank the Institute of Directors for developing this programme and encourage other directors to consider undertaking this challenging but rewarding review.”

Roger Gillett, chairman of the IoD Bermuda Branch, said in a press release: “Chartered Directors have a dramatic and positive effect on the success of their organisations and are able to demonstrate to shareholders, stakeholders, clients and customers that their organisation is professional and successful. 

“They operate at a strategic and tactical level to establish and sustain growth and appreciate all aspects of effective business leadership and sound corporate governance, improve the board’s effectiveness and their personal contribution and enhance their career prospects as an executive director or non-executive director. 

“We would like to congratulate Horst on achieving this distinction as well as being the first in Bermuda to do so.”

To become a Chartered Director you must be a full Member or Fellow of the IoD and have passed the Certificate and Diploma examinations in Company Direction, followed by the Chartered Director peer interview.  

The director must demonstrate their understanding of the role of a director, and the role of the board across four broad learning modules followed by the Certificate examination; their knowledge and experience through the Diploma examination; and finally demonstrate their significant experience as a director in five key areas, evidenced through interviews with two peer reviewers, and supported by a portfolio that documents their director role.