Francis Mussenden retires today as president and chief executive officer of the Bermuda Telephone Company, ending a 35-year career with the firm.

He will be replaced by Lloyd Fray, CEO of M3 Wireless and Logic Communications and a director of BTC, the company announced last night. All three companies are part of the KeyTech Ltd.

KeyTech CEO Sheila Lines will assume the CEO responsibilities for M3 Wireless and Logic Communications for an interim period.

In a letter to staff, Ms Lines wrote: "The BTC board of directors has accepted the early retirement of Mr. Francis Mussenden, CEO of BTC effective 1 September 2010."

She continued: "Francis has enjoyed a long and distinguished career with BTC that spans 35 years. He has been the recipient of the prestigious Sir John Cox Award, and excelled in many areas where he has worked, resulting in continual career progression throughout BTC.

"While at BTC, Francis completed his Electrical Engineering degree at Howard University and an MBA and MA in Management at Webster University as well as executive programmes at Harvard Business School, Queens University, Wharton School of Business and at the London Business School."

Mr. Mussenden has been president and CEO of BTC for the past eight years.

In announcing his replacement, Ms Lines said: "Lloyd is a seasoned leader who brings strong knowledge of Bermuda communications and our group of companies to the role.

"These new responsibilities reflect Lloyd's continued career progression at KeyTech."

In the interim transitional period Mrs. Lines will assume the position of CEO of M3 Wireless and Logic Communications.