When you choose to live in Canada there is one unfortunate guarantee — being cold more than being warm most of the year. Navigating to work through mounds of snow and slush, fighting a blistering -30 degree wind-chill, inevitably brings about visions of living on a tropical island, basking in the sun.

For Michael Critchley, FundSERV's new communications specialist in the industry relations and corporate communications

department, this wasn't just a dream vacation but, instead, a reality in 2004.

After working for two years in marketing and communications at Butterfield Bank in Bermuda, Critchley joined FundSERV this past July, a year after he returned to Toronto.

"Most people think I'm crazy to have come back," says Critchley. "But it was mostly for personal reasons that I returned. My wife and I wanted to be closer to our families and friends. Two years was definitely enough time to get the full Bermuda experience."

Working in Bermuda provided Critchley with a fantastic life experience. "Not only did I get to work and live in paradise, but I got to work in one of the primary offshore international business jurisdictions, which was a great learning experience," he says.

Critchley brings an eclectic mix of corporate communications experience to FundSERV. Prior to joining FundSERV, he worked in communications at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was primarily responsible for internal and executive communications.

Before relocating to Bermuda, Critchley also honed his corporate communications skills at CIBC, where he was responsible for retail communications and media relations relating to CIBC's branch closure program and other retail-related issues. He also managed CIBC's Ontario sponsorships and donations program.

"Michael brings a great deal of communications and marketing experience we feel will benefit FundSERV employees and stakeholders," says Carol Walker, director of industry relations and corporate communications. "We're very happy to have him onboard."

When not watching reruns of the classic 80's show Miami Vice on DVD, or his favourite television show Entourage, Critchley's other interests include traveling, writing music on his guitar and piano, reading classic novels, swimming, and playing ball hockey. He also likes battling his buddies on a variety of sports games on his Xbox.

Critchley says he is excited to be working with a great communications team and for a company that plays such an important role in the investment fund industry. "I hope to make a real difference here at FundSERV and help advance all the initiatives that will be happening going forward."

When asked what he misses most about Bermuda, Critchley says, "Having a permanent tan."