Meyer Group of Companies yesterday announced the promotion of Cheryl Hayward-Chew to the position of president. She assumes the role from her father, Henry Hayward, who remains chief executive officer.

In addition, the company announces the promotion of Captain John Moore to senior vice-president of marine operations for Meyer Shipping and Stephen Paynter to the position of vice-president of freight with Meyer Freight. Meyer Group of Companies is a diverse business involved in shipping, freight, travel, tours, IT services and property development.

Mrs. Hayward-Chew has led the Meyer subsidiary, Meyer-Franklin Travel, for the past five years and its predecessor company, Meyer Travel, before that. She also worked for 10 years in retail pharmacy.

Mr. Hayward said: "For the half century I have been with the company, Meyer has evolved steadily from our roots in Bermuda's shipping industry to the expansive group of companies we are today.

"Cheryl has been a strong contributor to the company's growth and direction, and her new position as president will allow her to take an increasing role in the Meyer Group's future. The dedication she brings and her keen knowledge of our businesses will be a benefit to the company as it continues to build and diversify."

Ms Hayward-Chew said: "It's a privilege to assume the role of president for a company I have known my entire life. With our recent growth into technology services tied with our established strengths in shipping, freight, travel, and properties, Meyer Group of Companies is well positioned for the future. To lead the company toward further growth is a challenge and opportunity that I look forward to."

Capt. Moore joined the company in 1968 as a ship boarding agent, becoming shipping manager and port agent in 1972 before taking on the role of vice-president of marine operations in 1975.

Mr. Paynter joined Meyer in 1971, working as a port agent in St. George's for 14 years. In 1985, he transferred to Meyer Freight in the Hamilton office, was appointed as traffic manager in 1987 and, in 2004, took on the additional responsibilities of Meyer Freight manager.

Mr. Paynter is responsible for coordinating the Somers Isles cargo shipments between Fernandina Beach, Florida and Bermuda as well as overseeing the daily operations of the Meyer Freight department.

Codrington Partners Ltd., a leading international provider of software for electronic payment systems, yesterday announced the appointment of Darren Rennick as president.

Mr. Rennick brings 15 years of global finance and software development experience to CPL, having served most recently as CEO of an industry leading internet security company where he managed several rounds of funding and oversaw developers engineering its proprietary software systems. He has an established history of building and leading successful multimillion-dollar product sales and service organisations with significant technology emphasis.

He started his career at the Canadian National Railway Company where he was a senior marketing and operations executive.

"We're very pleased to have Darren join our management team," said Mike Muscato, CEO of CPL.

"He's a respected leader who has proven his ability to manage both software development teams and to build sales and support organisations. Darren has earned praise from his colleagues and has been consistently recognised for his leadership ability and technical achievement throughout his career."