Page 30 - SA Chamber UK MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - March 2024

NEW MEMBER FOCUS

Ian Kirkland

I am excited to introduce myself as the newest member of
the South African Chamber of Commerce on the Isle of Man.
My journey to this point has been a tapestry of adventures,

challenges, and profound learning experiences, and I am
thrilled to share a glimpse of it with you.

My Journey

My professional odyssey began in 2001 when I moved to
the UK, embarking on a career in the recruitment industry,
primarily serving global investment banks. This initial
phase included a brief period working for a local authority,

followed by a significant stint with a consulting firm across
investment banks in London. The quest for growth and
exploration then took me to India for two years, further
Ian Kirkland, Head of Operations
and Real Estate Services, Standard enriching my experience in the consulting domain, with
Bank Offshore projects spanning the UK and Poland for a retail bank.

In 2012, the allure of new challenges drew me to South Africa, where I joined Standard
Bank in Johannesburg. Here, I was entrusted with a significant territory, including what was
then known as Standard Bank International. The role demanded extensive travel, notably to

London, Jersey, and the Isle of Man — a place I had to swiftly familiarise myself with, which
soon captured my heart with its unique charm, safety, and lifestyle reminiscent of a 1980s
first world setting.

Isle of Man: A New Chapter
The decision to move to the Isle of Man with my family marked the beginning of an extraordinary
chapter. Despite the initial challenges posed by the pandemic, we embraced the island life,

finding solace and adventure even within the confines of Groudle Cottages during our initial
quarantine. The island’s rich history, from Viking tales to the thrilling TT races, only added to
the allure that made this place our home.

Career at Standard Bank
My tenure at Standard Bank on the Isle of Man has been a journey of privilege and excitement.
Leading a diverse team and eventually heading up the Real Estate services function, I’ve been

30

SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER MARCH 2024