Sir Robert succeeds Sir Francis Richards KCMG CVO and takes up his new post this month.

His appointment marks a return to the tradition of military governors at a time of change within the Ministry of Defence in Gibraltar.

Born in 1948 and educated at Eton College and the University of East Anglia, he has had a long and distinguished military career spanning 30 years.

Sir Robert joined the Royal Marines in 1972 and served in 40 and 42 Commandos, eventually rising through the ranks to become Commandant General Royal Marines from 1998 to 2001.

In 2001 he moved to the MoD as an Equipment Capability Manager and on June 3rd 2003 was promoted to Lieutenant General on appointment as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Equipment Capability.

Sir Robert is married to Midge and they have two sons aged 27 and 25.
His interests are primarily sporting, though they include military history, the theatre and music.

He plays golf sporadically and is President of the Royal Navy Cricket Club, the RM Cricket Club, RM Rugby League and the RN & RM Sport Parachuting Association, as well as being a Vice President of RN Rugby Union.

Royal Bank of Scotland International has boosted its local online banking team with the recent appointments of Kiara Lopez and Vicki Coxe as Electronic Banking Consultants. Both have experience of working in the bank’s Corporate Services Team and they are looking forward to bringing their client-focus know-how to the online banking area.

RBS introduced eQ, its online banking product for local businesses, both big and small, five years ago. It has become widely used not only by local corporate and intermediary businesses, but by many international companies as well. The number of client sign ups has almost doubled in the last year alone and is now hovering around 200 clients.

Kiara Lopez, eQ’s service manager says. “The absolute number of clients is a little misleading as a single client such as a lawyer or a company manager may have more than 300 separate accounts. The system is highly scalable and it is easy for a client to add new accounts as and when they need.”

“One of the big benefits for our corporate clients is that they can see the state of any of their accounts in real time. This has been a huge benefit for local businesses and has enabled them to be much more efficient with managing their cash,” says Lopez.

Costs of the system vary but will be based on a number of parameters such as level of use, number of accounts and what other business the client does with the bank.

RBS developed the system in partnership with IBM and it has undergone several further developments since its introduction. A few prospective clients have expressed some initial reservation about online security. However, the system’s architecture has been thoroughly tested by a number of third party security specialists to ensure that it is totally secure. In addition to online monitoring and specialist software aimed at detecting wrongful intrusion, the bank’s security compliance team run ongoing checks to ensure no part of the system is breached.

The long-established Gibraltar law firm of Triay & Triay are in expansion mode.

Raymond (Monchi) Triay (who needs no introducing!) has rejoined the firm after an absence of 5 years, bringing with him his invaluable experience in the commercial litigation, admiralty and shipping fields as well as an extensive private client base. In addition, Monchi practices law in Spain, being registered with the Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Cadiz, from offices in Sotogrande. This ties in neatly with the firm’s overall expansion plans. Monchi will form part of the litigation team at the firm, as well as continuing the Spanish practice. “For numerous and some very obvious reasons, we are all delighted to welcome Monchi back to the firm” said J.E. (Melo) Triay (Jnr) Managing Partner.

Also recently appointed is the international business consultant Charlie Gubbins, he will work with the firm to spearhead the firm’s rebranding, marketing and expansion drive as well as manage the human resources, IT and administration side of the law firm.

“Charlie, who has held senior management posts in top international companies such as Rothmans, Gallaher, American Brands and Reckitt Benckisser, is the ideal man to deliver the growth and solutions we need to increase the value and delivery of excellent service to our clients all over the globe”, said Melo.

“When you have been around for as long as we have, the team needs key personnel in non–legal positions that can also look at the firm from the outside and from a totally different perspective. We are proud to have created an “innovative” professional team, committed to growth and progress, whilst retaining traditional values and integrity which have helped us to build up our reputation over the years”. Melo went on to say.

“The skill sets I bring to the firm are ones of corporate business and people management; my aims will be to let the Lawyers get on with what they are good at. My challenge will be the introduction and day to day monitoring of management systems and to concentrate on new business development”, said Charlie.

Charlie, who is also fluent in Spanish and French, is a man who can communicate vision, empower others, and continually raises the bar for the team, and himself.

Joyleen Gomez, specialising in conveyancing, has also joined Triay & Triay. Joyleen will add immediate value to their conveyancing and property department.

Liz lived in Madrid until she was 11 and continued studying Spanish, obtaining a degree in Spanish and South American Studies from University College London. She moved to Marbella 15 years ago, leaving behind a successful career in London as a PR Consultant. Since then she has held a variety of different administrative posts, but was keen to work in the Advertising and Public Relations sector.

Commenting on her appointment Liz said “I am truly delighted to be given the opportunity to reintegrate myself back into a field of work where I can use my writing and people skills and express my creativity once again.”

Originally from London, Robert moved to the Coast in 2000 with his Spanish family. He refocused his career, using his natural communications skills to great effect in the Real Estate sector, where he enjoyed great success in sales, working for established well-known companies.

“I am really excited about the prospect of learning all about the advertising and communications sector” says Robert, who will be taking on a sales-led role within the company, “not only does it give me the chance to learn about a new trade in which I have always been interested, but a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and skills.”