Kendaree Burgess has been appointed as the new chief operating officer of the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

Ms Burgess will officially begin at the BDA on March 6, which coincides with the first day of the organisation’s three-day Bermuda Risk Summit.

Reporting to CEO David Hart, Ms Burgess will oversee the BDA’s operations and manage internal processes, policies and procedures to achieve its overall strategic goals and objectives; support and drive strategic priorities aligned to the CEO and board’s vision and guidance; and create, enhance and review operational systems and frameworks that ensure delivery of its core mission, while maintaining a focus on capital, resources and efficiency.

Mr Hart said: “After an open and competitive search, we are excited to announce that Kendaree Burgess has accepted the position of COO at the BDA. The wealth of talent located in Bermuda never ceases to amaze me, and we look forward to Kendaree bringing her significant experience to our team, particularly those skills garnered since May 2014 in her role as CEO of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.”

As CEO of the chamber, the BDA said, Ms Burgess not only focused on economic development, public policy and fiscal responsibility, but also helped to drive legislative changes to benefit industry, and successfully shepherded a game-changing report for Bermuda’s economic development.

A career executive with more than 25 years’ experience, the BDA said, Ms Burgess has gained invaluable insights across a wide range of sectors including financial services, hospitality and healthcare.

Ms Burgess said: “The purpose of the BDA is to promote and protect, in collaboration with government and the private sector, sustainable and equitable economic growth, diversity and prosperity in Bermuda.

“I am thrilled to be joining a team with such an important mission, at such a critical time.”