Cheryl Packwood has been formally named the new Overseas Representative for the Government of Bermuda and Director of the Government’s office in Washington, DC.

Ms Packwood, who served as CEO of Business Bermuda for six years, will be responsible for maintaining relationships integral to Bermuda’s economic partnership with the United States, such as with congressional committees including the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

She has also been tasked with identifying and developing influential networks in the United States, the Americas, and Asia to sustain and promote Bermuda’s position as an international financial services centre.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet office said: “The primary goal of this activity is to steer and diversify the flow of foreign direct investment to Bermuda from North America, Central and South America, and Asia.”

Ms Packwood said she was honoured by the appointment, saying: “Bermuda is a leader in the global community, and there is so much we can and should be doing to ensure that we not only maintain but enhance our position in the world.

“The United States is our most important market both politically and economically, and we must continually work to strengthen our relationships and advance our alliances with its government and business leaders.

“In addition, China is Bermuda’s second largest trading partner with growing economic and political importance.

“I look forward to this new challenge and the opportunity to further advance Bermuda’s political and economic agenda in the Americas and Asia.”

Prior to joining Business Bermuda, Ms Packwood acted as the general manager of Digicel Bermuda and the Director of Legal, Enforcement and International Affairs at the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

The Harvard Law School and Yale University graduate has also worked in Africa and North America, working as a lawyer in New York and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire before joining Western Wireless International.

Premier Craig Cannonier said: “Government is delighted to have Ms Packwood heading up our Washington DC Office.

“She is highly experienced in international business and international relations and will do a good job for us in Washington.”

The Royal Gazette reported earlier this month that Ms Packwood had been selected to run the “semi-consular” bureau, replacing Department of Communications and Information director Beverle Lottimore.

The Washington office was first opened in 2009 to maintain open channels of communication with US policymakers and their advisers while facilitating business development opportunities for Bermuda, but opposition MPs called said the initiative was extravagant.

Premier Cannonier said in February that Government was in the process of reviewing the office’s role and responsibilities.