Dr. David John Saul was Bermuda's Minister of Finance from 1989 to 1995, and Premier of Bermuda from 1995 to 1997.

Early life

David John Saul was born at home on Keith Hall Road in Bermuda on 27 November 1939.

Career

Dr. David J. Saul was elected in Bermuda Parliament in 1989 and soon became the Minister of Finance. The next few years he focussed on navigating Bermuda through the trying times of early 1990s recession. He had taken several measures including introduction of National Pension Scheme, initiating Trust Business, putting down legislation for Government Borrowing and more.

During his tenure as the Premier of Bermuda, he had led the negotiation with Britain's Prime Minister that resulted in Bermudians getting rights to full British citizenship and also to hold UK/ European Passport so that they can work and live anywhere in Europe. Dr. David Saul surprised many by announcing his retirement while being at the helm and also choosing to limit his directorships in business, and deciding to spend much of his time in local charities.

In addition to his political background, Dr. Saul held two senior posts with Fidelity Investments, from 1984 through 1995, as the President of Fidelity Bermuda and Executive Vice President of Fidelity International. He retired from the firm in 1999 but remains a Director of Fidelity's main international Board, and a Director of some 40 other Fidelity Companies around the world - including the U.K., Bermuda, Jersey, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, Luxembourg and Taiwan.

Dr. Saul's professional activities also include two stints as a Director of the Bermuda Monetary Authority and he currently serves as a Director of Lombard Odier (Bermuda), a subsidiary of the Swiss Bank, and a Director of the London Steam Ship Owners' Mutual Insurance Association (Bermuda) Ltd. A keen oceanographer with a passion for shipwrecks and the sea, he is a founding Trustee of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, a founding Director of the Professional Shipwreck Explorers Association, and a Fellow of The Explorers Club.

Personal life

Saul was married to wife Christine and was the father of two children - son Jonathan and daughter Robin.

His charity work has been mostly with Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and other such institutions.

Death

Saul died at his Devonshire Bay on 15 May 2017, aged 77.