William Francis, whose most recent post with the Bermuda Government was Permanent Secretary of Economic Development, has retired from the civil service.

After a career in IT, Mr Francis started his government career in the Telecommunications department, rising to director in 2003.

His positions within the government have included Permanent Secretary of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce; Permanent Secretary of Government Estates and Information Services, and Assistant Cabinet Secretary.

Derrick Binns, the head of the civil service, commended his years of service as “exemplary”.

“During his years with government, he has helped to shape telecommunications and electricity regulatory reform which, in turn, led to the creation of the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda.

“His expertise in telecommunications and in-depth knowledge about information technology, together with his quiet strength and guidance will be missed by me and my colleagues in the Civil Service Executive. I wish him every success in his retirement.”

Randy Rochester is to assume the position of Permanent Secretary of Economic Development, effective on Monday, and Aideen Ratteray Pryse will be the Acting Permanent Secretary of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities.