From Junior Trust Administrator to Client Services Director; a Q&A with Joe Webborn on his career progression at Summit Group

From Junior Administrator to Director in six years: Joe Webborn’s career journey at Summit Group.

How do you go from applying for an entry-level job to leading a team in the Cayman Islands within just six years? For one Summit Group colleague, the answer lies in saying yes to opportunities, staying organised, and thriving under pressure.

We sat down with Joe Webborn, the Client Services Director in our Cayman Islands business to learn more about his journey, mindset, and what advice he’d give to others looking to carve out a rewarding career at Summit Group.

Q: Why did you choose to join Summit Group?

“I actually came across the role somewhat by chance. Like many who enter the trust industry, I didn’t have prior sector experience. I had worked previously in sales, and enjoyed the trade execution and administration side of the role. In late 2018 I found myself searching for entry-level roles in Geneva…and a position as Junior Trust Administrator at Summit Group came up, so I applied!”

Q: Can you walk us through your career journey within the Group?

“I joined Summit Group’s Geneva office in 2019 as a Junior Trust Administrator and after a year I was promoted to Trust Administrator. I completed the STEP Diploma and received full STEP membership in 2022, when I was promoted to Senior Trust Administrator. By May 2023 I had progressed to a Trust Officer role. At the start of 2025 I was promoted to Senior Trust Officer and in May of the same year I was appointed as Client Services Director in the Cayman Islands business. It would be fair to say that it’s been a very dynamic six years with Summit Group – I’ve attended conferences all over Europe, completed a secondment in Bermuda, moved from Geneva to Cayman, and even translated for a diamond-setter!”

Q: Tell us about your current role and the Cayman office set-up.

“It’s a big change from my previous role in the Geneva office; I now have responsibility for ensuring that the business runs smoothly, looking after our clients, liaising with the regulator and attending events as well as overseeing overall operations. We are a small team locally, however we benefit from extensive support from our Geneva office, especially in compliance and client accounting, which enables us to operate effectively and efficiently.”

Q: How would you describe the client base you work with in Cayman?

“Our structures tend to be large, complex, and internationally diverse. We manage sophisticated mandates, often involving operating businesses, tech entrepreneurs, investment portfolios, real assets, and lifestyle assets such as yachts.”

Q: What do you think has contributed most to your impressive progression within the Group?

“Saying ‘yes’ early on to challenges, even when I was out of my comfort zone and not particularly confident! The combination of having an open mindset and being adaptable allowed me to take advantage of new opportunities as they arose.  Equally, being willing to shift between teams and client books as needed also helped accelerate my development. Those moments where I took on higher levels of responsibility pushed me to grow. Of course, Summit Group’s willingness to trust people to step up and prove themselves was also key to allowing me to take on these challenges.”

Q: What part has mentorship and internal support played in your journey?

“While I was working in the Geneva office, the senior team were always approachable and generous with their time. Summit Group places strong emphasis on helping their people understand the “why” behind what they do. That foundation has been incredibly helpful to me over the past few years.”

Q: What values or mindset do you bring to work each day?

“Efficiency, organisation and productivity. The nature of the role means there’s always a high volume of work, so prioritisation is key to meet deadlines, manage relationships, and ensure everything is handled correctly. As I’ve become more senior, people management and communication have also become critical parts of the role.”

Q: How do you stay motivated and manage pressure?

“I seem to thrive in fast-paced, demanding environments. I’ve always been quite high-energy and I really enjoy the constant pace of the work. There’s a sense of satisfaction in meeting deadlines and delivering quality service. I also find the sense of responsibility to clients and the team inherently motivating.”

Q: Are there any specific skills you’ve developed throughout your time at Summit Group?

“Organisation, time management, attention to detail, and people skills are all crucial and developing these skills early on was essential. As I’ve progressed, the focus has shifted towards leadership, client relationship management, and contributing to wider strategic initiatives.”

Q: What excites you most about your current role?

“The scope and responsibility – it’s a unique opportunity in my career to effectively lead a local office and represent the Group in a key jurisdiction. My role is ensuring continuity and maintaining the high level of client service for which the Cayman office is known. In addition, it has evolved to include other important aspects such as strategic oversight, business development, and regulatory engagement. It’s both professionally rewarding and personally exciting to be part of Summit Group’s growth story. We hope to expand the Cayman office and grow our presence in the region. Summit Group is committed to growth both regionally and globally and there is clear ambition to reflect that growth in Cayman as well.”

Q: How do you like living in the Cayman Islands?

“Cayman has a strong expat community and a very active lifestyle, which suits me well. It feels open and easy to integrate into, especially through sport and community events. There’s a good balance between professional life and recreational activities. I also like the climate!”

Q: What advice would you give to someone new at Summit Group who wants to progress quickly?

“Be proactive, say yes to opportunities (even small ones) and demonstrate that you’re willing to take on more responsibility. Make it known when you have capacity to do more and deliver consistently. In a fast-paced environment like ours, people who take the initiative stand out and this can lead to exciting career growth opportunities.”

Q: What’s the best thing about working at Summit Group?

“Variety and opportunity; no two days are the same. For someone like me who enjoys a challenge, it’s ideal. The dynamic nature of my role ensures that each day involves a diverse set of responsibilities. If you’re curious and open to trying new experiences, there’s almost no limit to what you can get involved in. I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter at Summit Group Cayman.”

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