people, customers and staff, says the Bank of Bermuda's next retail banking senior vice president.

According to Mr. Alan Richardson, 44, who joined the Bank of Bermuda six years ago, it is a combination more and more companies look for when then look for management staff.

Mr. Richardson said his academic training as a chartered accountant, coupled with his extensive management training provide an excellent combination. He graduated from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1973 and obtained his CA designation in 1975.

The key to successful management is developing a climate of trust which leads to empowerment of people, he commented.

Mr. Richardson, quoting the book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People'', said: "Empowerment is the fruit of trust and trust is the fruit of trustworthiness.'' This is the type of climate which helps people make decisions in the best interests of the customers and the company, he added.

Mr. Richardson officially moves to the new position on June 27 and will take over from Mr. Henry Smith who is to head the bank's London-based European operations.

His vision of the retail banking division, made up of six bank branches, includes augmented delivery of service through technology and improved customer service.

He also favours the retail banking section at the Bank of Bermuda making a profit. Historically, the retail section has hovered around the break-even mark but he feels it can make money.

"I think we are at the point where we are marginally profitable,'' he noted.

But he continued: "The retail division has to be a good corporate citizen.'' Mr. Richardson pointed to Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, of John W. Swan Ltd., and to Mr. Richard Butterfield at accounting firm Cooper and Lines as his mentors.

He noted he developed a management style and ability to work with large groups of people while at John W. Swan Ltd. As the senior retail banking VP, Mr.

Richardson will oversee a staff of 270.

At age 16, Mr. Richardson recalls meeting Mr. Butterfield at a careers expo.

He described the meeting as a "fateful one'' which would be instrumental in his decision to go on to CA designation.

Mr. Richardson also noted that his mother, Mrs. Joan Wade Richardson was a great support in his endeavours.

The results have not gone unnoticed among Bermudians. Many have congratulated him on his pending appointment, he noted.

He is one of 11 on the bank's executive board -- all with an equal vote. Mr.

Richardson is the first black Bermudian to sit at the bank's ultimate management level in its 105 year history.

Mr. Richardson did not want to highlight his racial background feeling his academic and career experiences spoke to why he received the appointment.

Highlights from his resume include; the Bermuda Government Award (1970-73), a Dalhousie University Medal in Commerce for attaining the highest academic standing over that four-year programme, the Dalhousie University Scholarship (1970-73) and the Steward, Lockie, Gibson Scholarship (1971-73). He has been employed with the firms of Hunter and Leighton, Cooper and Lines, John W. Swan Ltd.

and Cooper and Lybrand.

He joined the Bank of Bermuda in 1988 as an assistant manager, accounting, in the Finance and Planning Division. He later transferred into retail banking in May, 1991 as manager, retail banking.

Mr. Richardson also sits on two boards of trustees and one board of directors and was a member of the Bermuda national soccer squad in 1967 and 68. He also played first division soccer for Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) from 1966 to 1973.

His appointment to the senior VP level was announced April 27 by Charles Vaughan-Johnson, president and CEO of the Bank of Bermuda as part of a reorganisation of senior management responsibilities.

"These changes will have a profound and positive impact on all employees of the Bank of Bermuda. The delegation of authority will be extended throughout the bank with the goal of giving everyone more input into improving the Bank's services. With this increased responsibility will come increased accountability and rewards for initiative,'' Mr. Vaughan-Johnson said at the time.

MOVING UP -- Mr. Alan Richardson will be the new senior vice president, retail banking, at the Bank of Bermuda effective June 27.