and general manager of Astwood Dickinson, has stepped down from the two posts and left the Island.

Returning to his native England, Mr. Smith left the Island last week for personal reasons.

George Grundmuller, president of the Phoenix Stores Ltd., has succeeded him as the head of the Chamber's retail division while his post at Astwood Dickinson has now been made redundant.

Mr. Smith came to Bermuda two and a half years ago and joined Astwood Dickinson soon after it had formed an association with Colombian Emeralds.

Thomas Dickinson, president of the company, clearly impressed with Mr. Smith, said he recruited him after a training programme he conducted with staff of the store.

"He worked with the Colombian Emeralds shop in Barbados and came to Bermuda to train our staff and he was great,'' Mr. Dickinson said, "after that we really wanted him.'' "We're very sorry to see him go,'' he continued. "I've never known anyone to have such a positive impact on the retail scene in as short a period as Ian did.'' "We will not be hiring a replacement for that job,'' Mr. Dickinson said. "We are going into our off-season now so we will pause and have a look at where we are and assess our needs for the future.'' Ian Smith