An advocate with experience in law, governance and business strategy has been named as the new chief executive of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer Woods was said by the organisation to bring a “wealth of expertise”, and stood ready to drive innovation and growth for the island’s business community.

Her appointment comes five months after the termination from the role of Danielle Riviere.

Ms Woods served as assistant vice-president for Bermuda legal at Global Atlantic Financial Group Ltd before she joined the chamber.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer as our new CEO,” said Marico Thomas, the chamber president.

“Her strategic vision, energetic leadership and commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient business environment make her the ideal choice to guide the chamber through this exciting period of transformation.”

The chamber said that Ms Woods has also held leadership roles at BF&M, including legal counsel, head of regulatory reporting and complaints officer, working across the company’s 16 operating jurisdictions.

It added that she earlier completed legal training with Appleby and practised at Carey Olsen, which allowed her to gain experience in both corporate law and private practice.

The chamber said: “In addition to her corporate background, Woods is a dedicated community advocate.

“She serves as vice-president of the Bermuda Boxing Federation, where she has been a board member for the past eight years.

“Her passion for mentorship and youth development is reflected in her past leadership of the youth peer-mentoring programme at YouthNet, formerly Bermuda’s largest mentoring programme, which offered traditional, peer, reading and workplace mentoring.”

Ms Woods added: “I am honoured to step into the role at such an exciting time for Bermuda’s business community.

“The chamber plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for businesses of all sizes, and I look forward to working closely with our members, stakeholders and the wider community to foster sustainable growth and economic prosperity.”

As CEO, the chamber said, Ms Woods will focus on strengthening the organisation’s advocacy, expanding member services and fostering partnerships to enhance Bermuda’s business landscape.

Ms Riviere was removed from the post last October, 20 months after she was appointed.

She appeared in Magistrates’ Court last month when she denied dishonestly obtaining $15,725 through a money transfer on September 27.

Ms Riviere faced a separate charge under the false accounting section of the Criminal Code.

On that count, she denied dishonestly using a chamber vendors invoice form which she knew was, or may have been, “misleading, false or deceptive” with a view to gain “furnished information”.

It was alleged that the offence occurred on September 24.

The case is expected to call again next month.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case