Africa-headquartered Standard Bank has named a new chief executive for its offshore operations.

Standard Bank has appointed Will Thorp as chief executive of its offshore business, replacing Mark Hucker, who is leaving to “pursue new opportunities”, the bank said in a statement.

Thorp will lead the bank's offshore business in Jersey, Isle of Man and Mauritius, as well as distribution and support teams in London and Johannesburg. His appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Thorp has held various roles at the bank for the last 14 years, including finance director of the Russian operation and global finance director for the investment banking service. He moved to Jersey in 2012 as chief financial officer for the bank's offshore business, a role which was handed over to Jonathan Peake in September last year. Thorp will retain his roles of CEO of Standard Bank Jersey and island head – Jersey, which he took on in 2014. 

“I would like to congratulate Will on this much-deserved appointment and I am confident that under his leadership the offshore group will continue to grow and prosper. I would also like to wish Mark the very best in his future endeavours. His contribution to the offshore group has been significant,” said Steven Braudo, CEO of Standard Bank Wealth. 

Standard Bank is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is the largest African bank by assets. Its largest shareholder is Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, with a 20.1 per cent holding.