The former chairman of STEP BeNeLux, Luca Tomasi, has left Luxembourg to take up a new professional challenge in the United Arab Emirates.

Luca was a member of STEP BeNELux since 1996 and held the position for three years before handing over to Louise Benjamin who currently holds that position.

In a statement from Luca upon his departure, he acknowledged that he had "mixed emotions" as Luxembourg has been his home and workplace for 15 years. "On the other hand, however, I am looking forward to a new challenge in a part of the world which has a wealth of opportunities as well as challenges, including the soaring temperatures!"

He added "It is with sadness that I leave STEP Benelux, an association I have been a member of since 1996 and as an active committee member in Luxembourg since 2003, having been part of orchestrating its birth alongside fellow professionals who have over time become friends. I recall fondly our first, somewhat timid, event where Richard Frimston TEP spoke to the audience over coffee and biscuits and which attracted some 25 professionals not yet STEP members."

He continued "STEP Benelux has grown significantly since then, both in number of members across the three countries, as well as in standing and recognition in the professional community of Luxembourg. I was lucky enough to be able to serve our members since the beginning in various offices including Treasurer and for the last three years as Chair. My particular interest in the educational aspects of our profession led to STEP Luxembourg being included as a STEP/Central Law Training examination centre, and successfully hosting, in 2014, a week-long course and examination of the STEP Foundation Certificate for 14 students. Efforts are ongoing with the Luxembourg ABBL and House of Training to set up a minimum standard of professional education across Luxembourg’s financial industry which will include elements of wealth planning, considered essential in the armoury of a client's advisor."

"The STEP Benelux Board has expanded and evolved yet the pillars of the Association have remained in the form of Louise Benjamin, Graham Wilson and the original members of STEP Benelux. Graham is the founding father of STEP Benelux; he was Chair until 2013 and currently holds the most valued office of Treasurer. Louise, who has been involved in STEP Benelux from the beginning, was elected Chair at the last AGM. Louise has been instrumental in making my three years as Chair an easy task, securing sponsorships, speakers for our ‘lunch & learn’ events and many other tasks" he stated, including a personal tribute "Thank you, Louise, for your commitment, ongoing support and interest in the Association and all it stands for, and all the best with your Chairmanship."

He concluded "Whilst I leave STEP Benelux, its members, its activities and my STEP friends with some sadness, I know that in Louise you have a strong and dedicated Chair who will lead the ongoing growth and development of the branch. My congratulations also to the existing Board Members who have taken up new positions at the last AGM, Paolo Panico as Vice-Chair, Chiara Deceglie as Secretary and best wises to newly appointed Board members Eric Fort, Simon Gorbutt, and Wim Ritz. and existing Board members Graham Wilson as Treasurer, Vadim Blaustein (Netherlands), Serge Krancenblum, Alain Nijs (Belgium)."

Photo by Geoff Thompson (L-R) at at STEP event on Succession Regulation: Luca Tomasi, STEP Benelux; Daniel Lehmann, STEP Germany; Louise Benjamin, STEP BeNeLux