ST JOHN’S, Antigua – After two and half years in what was a historic placement, Marlon Rawlins has resigned suddenly from the post of country manager of ScotiaBank.

Rawlins was the first Antiguan to hold that position and the youngest person in the Eastern Caribbean to attain such an achievement in the banking industry.

Claire Jordan, senior marketing manager in the bank, revealed, “He assembled the staff and made the announcement of his resignation (on Wednesday). He has taken some time off and will therefore not be on the job again before he officially departs on May 31.”

The bank official said the country manager is separating from the bank on “amicable terms” and denied reports Rawlins was forced out of the institution. Jordan said she does not know what Rawlins’ next move would be.

Efforts to reach Rawlins proved futile.

The bank has already put its Head of Operations, Iolette Batson, to act in the capacity of country manager until a replacement is chosen.

“We have identified potential replacements from within the bank, but we also have to go through a recruiting process so we will be putting out advertisements possibly from next week,” Jordan said.

At the same time, Sean Albert, managing director of the Caribbean East Region for ScotiaBank said, “Marlon has decided to leave ScotiaBank to pursue other career opportunities and while we are sad to see him go, we wish him continued success.

“I speak for all Scotiabankers in Antigua and in the broader Eastern Caribbean when I thank Marlon for his significant contributions to our regional goals,” Albert added.

Rawlins took up the post at ScotiaBank effective November 30, 2009. Prior to joining the financial institution, he was country manager at RBTT Bank Caribbean Ltd for four and a half years.

(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)