If this was ever truly 'a man's world', the appointment of Cheryl Hayward-Chew to the head of the Meyer Group of Companies, is proof positive times are a-changing.

The Bermudian firm was established as a shipping and coal-bunkering agency in 1876, and has since developed into a diversified group of companies whose interests run to shipping, freight, travel, tours, IT services and property development.

Mrs. Hayward-Chew has been named president of the company, a role previously held by her father Henry Hayward, who will remain as CEO. She most recently led one of the firm's subsidiaries, Meyer-Franklin Travel. As head of the Meyer Group of Companies, she also takes on responsibility of Meyer Freight, Meyer Shipping, Meyer Properties and Meyer Technologies.

"I actually hadn't thought much about being a female in a male-dominated industry, partly because gender hasn't proven to be an issue to date and partly because my mentor has been my father, who is part of the old school shipping industry," Mrs. Hayward-Chew said when interviewed about her promotion earlier this week.

"It's a privilege to assume the role of president for a company I have known my entire life. With our recent growth into technology services tied with our established strengths in shipping, freight, travel, and properties, Meyer Group of Companies is well positioned for the future. To lead the company toward further growth is a challenge and opportunity that I look forward to."

Mrs. Hayward-Chew spent ten years in retail pharmacy before joining her father at the Meyer Group of Companies. The combined work experience provided her with the "strong business background" and acumen, required for the new post, her father stated.

"For the half century I have been with the company, Meyer has evolved steadily from our roots in Bermuda's shipping industry to the expansive group of companies we are today," said Mr. Hayward.

"Cheryl has been a strong contributor to the company's growth and direction, and her new position as president will allow her to take an increasing role in the Meyer Group's future. The dedication she brings and her keen knowledge of our businesses will be a benefit to the company as it continues to build and diversify."

His daughter was equally pragmatic about her new duties.

"It is a huge responsibility to be entrusted with a company that has successfully evolved over the past 132 years," she said. "It's not just the historic significance but it is in recognition of all the Bermudians who have been employed by Meyer, especially over the past decades, and whose hard work and determination built the company.

"This, of course, includes my father, whose half-century of leadership has guided Meyer to be a key player in the shipping, freight and travel industry and to expand into IT services."

With Mrs. Hayward-Chew's appointment, also came news of two other senior promotions within the company. Captain John Moore was named senior vice-president of marine operations for Meyer Shipping, and Stephen Paynter vice-president of freight, with Meyer Freight.

Captain Moore joined the company in 1968 as a ship-boarding agent, becoming shipping manager and port agent in 1972 before taking on the role of vice-president of marine operations in 1975. He continues to be involved in all aspects of Meyer Shipping operations as well as liaising with the Bermuda Government to develop the annual Bermuda Cruise Ship Schedule.

Mr. Paynter joined Meyer in 1971. He worked as a port agent in St. George's for 14 years before transferring to the Hamilton-based Meyer Freight, in 1985. Appointed traffic manager in 1987, he took on additional responsibilities in 2004, when he was named manager of Meyer Freight. It falls to Mr. Paynter to co-ordinate the Somers Isle cargo shipments between Florida and Bermuda, and to oversee the daily operation of the Meyer Freight department.

"I am very fortunate that our Meyer 'family' is made up of nearly 60 experienced, hard-working Bermudians, the majority of whom have been with Meyer for 20-plus years," said Mrs. Hayward-Chew.

"Many of our executive and management team are considered to be leaders in their respective industries. Together, we will ensure that Meyer continues to be the leader in our core industries of shipping, freight and travel."

Such a strong foundation can only aid in Meyer's continued success, she believes.

"Meyer's growth has always been conservative yet focused on the long-term vision of the company," she added.

"Presently, we are developing our properties, especially Hunter's Wharf and Somers Wharf in St. George's and growing My Tec's IT services and we are looking to continue to diversify with new ventures."