The island’s new Deputy Governor will be a diplomat at present posted to the British Embassy in Moscow, Government House announced yesterday.

Tom Oppenheim will replace Alison Crocket, who is scheduled to step down at the end of April.

Mr Oppenheim said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed Deputy Governor.

“Good governance and the rule of law have a critical role to play in making everyone’s lives better.

“I am keenly anticipating taking up my post and delivering for the people of Bermuda on your beautiful islands.”

A Government House spokeswoman said Mr Oppenheim was expected to take up his post at the beginning of June.

He is the counsellor for press, public diplomacy and programmes at the Moscow embassy.

He has worked in the diplomatic service since 2006 in a variety of roles covering economic, politico-military, political, human rights and press work.

He has also been Deputy High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, twice at the British Embassy in Moscow and in the British Embassy in Zimbabwe.

Mr Oppenheim was a financial adviser before he joined the Foreign, Commonweath and Development Office.

He will be accompanied on the Bermuda posting by wife, Elmarie, and their three teenage children.