Getting to Know Our Board of Directors: Giles Wrench

Could you tell us a bit about what yourself? Where did you grow up? When did you move to New York? What do you do for a living? Any fun passions or hobbies you’d like to share? 

I was very lucky to grow up in Tunbridge Wells in Kent (about 45 mins on the train to the south of London).  Childhood was a pleasant mix of a busy provincial town surrounded by farms, fields and beautiful English country pubs … but with convenient access to the Big Smoke.  

Growing up my parents were big fans of American soaps including Dallas and Dynasty.  Somehow that sparked a fascination with all things ‘America’ and so at the tender age of eighteen I packed my bags and headed to California where I spent the next three years of my life.  Following that I returned to University in London and then spent time living and working in Hong Kong before finally arriving in New York City in January, 1998.  I’ve been here ever since.

I work in the world of commercial real estate and have enjoyed a variety of different roles during my career.  Today I work for JLL which is one of the largest providers of commercial real estate services across the globe.  I look after our banking and insurance clients many of whom are HQ’d here in NYC. I really do relish life so the passions and hobbies are too long to list but if I had to pick my most favorite thing to do it would be traveling the world with close family and friends.

When and how did you first learn about St. George’s Society of New York? 

I’ve always been involved in some capacity or another with the ex-pat community here in NYC.  It’s a few years ago now but I think it was through a mix of friends at the British American/Business and The Mountbatten Program that first introduced me to SGSNY.

What made you interested in joining the board of directors? 

The kids are growing up so finally I can afford the time!  My oldest works for a global advertising company here in NYC.  My second is at The College of Charleston in South Carolina and my youngest is a rising senior in High School.  I know the importance of being able to dedicate the right amount of time to make the effort worthwhile for the organization you are supporting.  A number of my close friends are past board directors and their insights, and encouragement, contributed to my happy acceptance of the position.   

What hopes do you have for the Society during your term on the board? If you know, where would you like to be involved? 

We have a bold ambition to double the reach of the Society.  That type of growth does not happen by accident and requires meticulous planning, a clear vision and first-class execution.  Most of my professional life has been focused on scaling new business opportunities through such efforts.  To enthusiastically apply those skills with a clear sense of purpose for the benefit of the British and Commonwealth community is truly inspiring. 

What was the biggest culture shock about NYC when you first moved here?

I knew almost immediately on arriving some 26 years ago that I would spend the majority of my life in this amazing city.  So I struggle to identify a singular cultural ‘shock’ to what I thought life in New York City would be?  Although, thinking about it, in the early days there was something of a period of ‘adjustment’ to the generous pours one enjoys here versus London. 

What’s your favourite moment so far, from your involvement at St George’s?  

The British Bash is an absolute highlight and there’s been some great times with clients and friends at that party over the years.  More recently my wife and I helped with the SGSNY Holiday Event at St. Thomas’ Church on Fifth Avenue.  If anyone ever needs a little bit of encouragement to get into the holiday mood I highly recommend participating in this event where you can first-hand witness the joy our support brings to our elderly members.

What’s your best NYC memory?  

Two of my kids were born at NYU and I also got engaged here so this is a question requiring a delicate answer!  One of my fondest memories was of my parents’ first visit to NYC.  Back in those days the Rainbow Room at the top of the GE Building included a bar that wrapped the entire south side of the building.  We picked a perfect evening and enjoyed cocktails watching the sun set to the west and the lights come up across lower Manhattan.  Choosing to make a life some 3,500 miles away from your family doesn’t come without sacrifice but I knew in that moment they understood why I’d made the decision and that I had their loving support.  I’ll never forget that.