The chief executive of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, David Hart, is headed home after 2½ years on the job.

Mr Hart, credited with steering Bermuda’s global business reputation out of the Covid-19 pandemic, said it had been a tenure of “nearly constant overseas travel”.

Mr Hart returns to Florida for more time with family, including a first grandchild due in the months ahead.

“I will for ever count myself as an ambassador for Bermuda and look forward to finding ways to assist Bermuda’s ongoing economic growth,” he said.

“As the organisation completes its metamorphosis into a best-in-class investment promotion agency, I have every confidence that the BBDA will continue to capitalise on future opportunities to further develop and diversify Bermuda’s economy.”

Michael Hanson, the BDA chairman, said: “David’s leadership through our post Covid buildout phase was invaluable in re-establishing the Bermuda brand in our most important regions.

“As we continue our pivot to a more data-driven foreign direct investment agency, David’s ongoing assistance and contribution to the process has been exemplary.”

He wished Mr Hart and his family the best.

Mr Hanson also thanked Kendaree Burgess, chief operating officer, whose “knowledge of and success in both the public and private sectors along with oversight of our board and independent directors will continue delivering on our mission of driving foreign direct investment to Bermuda in line with Bermuda’s Economic Development Strategy”.

Mr Hart said updates on the BDA’s next chapter would come in the months ahead.

Jason Hayward, the economy and labour minister, said it had been a pleasure to work alongside “a true ambassador for Bermuda”, and wished Mr Hart all the best.

He added: “I was able to appreciate his level of professionalism and his commitment to promoting Bermuda’s value proposition, as we worked together on many overseas economic development missions.”