Ogier, the offshore law firm, has appointed Gareth Thomas as managing director of Ogier Fiduciary Services (British Virgin Islands).

Mr Thomas joined Ogier after seven years at Codan Trust Company, a BVI-based affiliate company of Conyers Dill and Pearman, where he was the general manager. Mr Thomas’ prior career also includes roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Schroders.

"He [Gareth’s] brings a sound appreciation of the BVI market as well as experience in the leadership of a well regarded trust company," said Michael Fay, managing partner of Ogier BVI and director of OFS (BVI).

Mr Thomas' appointment closely follows the announcement that Marina Kozlova joined Ogier BVI as a member of its global Russia and CIS Practice. Ms Kozlova is the only native Russian lawyer admitted in the British Virgin Islands, according to the firm.

Ms Kozlova joined Ogier from Harney Westwood & Riegels’ British Virgin Islands office, where she also focused on the Russian and CIS markets.

Ms Kozlova is initially based in Ogier’s Jersey office and practises British Virgin Islands law. She is working closely with Ray Wearmouth, who she follows to Ogier from Harneys.

Mr Wearmouth heads the corporate and finance practices in Ogier’s BVI office and joined Ogier earlier in the year from Harneys, where he had led the same practices.

In other recent hires, in May this year Ogier appointed Marcus Hawgood as head of Treasury Services from Computer Patent Annuities, where he was group treasurer. Mr Hawgood now focuses on enhancing the management of client cash assets as a part of his new role.