There aren't many businessmen in the middle of their lives who would walk away from the only industry they've ever known to blaze a trail in the world of non-profits.

But that is exactly what Derek Morris, 55, will do.

Next month he'll leave his role as Chief Executive at Bermuda Incentive and Conventions (BIC) to become Executive Director at the Bermuda National Trust (BNT).

"It was kind of a fluke," Mr. Morris said.

He and an industry colleague were chatting about the tourism industry - both lamenting over some of the poor numbers they had seen at their perspective businesses.

"We're having lunch at a restaurant," he reflected, "and I said 'if the right opportunity came along I might just bloody well take it.'

"And he said 'I think the National Trust is looking for somebody. Why don't you give Bill Holmes a call?'"

Mr. Holmes is the President of BNT and after a series of meetings decided to hire a man looking for a new challenge.

Mr. Morris won't completely leave behind BIC which he co-owns with his brother, but most of his time, beginning February 12, will be spent at the BNT.

"It's a challenge of a lifetime," he said.

One of the hot issues waiting for him when he arrives is the debate over Southlands - a five-star resort proposed for the south shore coastline in Warwick.

"We've got two positives here: one, they are looking for five-star status, and two, we have two Bermudians that want to do the developing. This is the first time in our history we've seen a major property of this size with two locals guys behind it. That within itself is an exciting thing for Bermuda."

However, he said: "The fact that we're doing it at Southlands is a concern and that we're going to destroy some more open space."

Mr. Morris, very honestly admitted, he's still grappling with the right balance of protecting open spaces and rejuvenating the tourism industry - and that includes Southlands.

While his soon-to-be colleagues at BNT have already come out in opposition to the project, Mr. Morris, who has a 30-year tourism background, has not.

He said of the Southlands proposal: "It does create a tremendous amount of excitement in the marketplace. And quite frankly the Fairmont needs some competition in my opinion. We've got one major incentive hotel in Fairmont Southampton. We need another one."

Mr. Morris has some time to make up his mind since he doesn't officially take the post for another three weeks.

But when day one comes he'll be heading to work with a great deal of excitement.

"I care a lot about this country and about its people and a lot of time I don't think we're always that proud of ourselves," he said.

"There's still separation in our races and our cultures and I think the National Trust can do a great deal to help bring a lot of that together."