The Island’s Chamber of Commerce has a new captain at the helm — the owner of the award-winning stationery and gift store Pulp & Circumstance.

Store chief Kristi Grayston has taken over from Ronnie Viera as president of the chamber, which represents business interests across the island.

Ms Grayston said: “I intend to continue the good works of the chamber in supporting the interests of all local businesses.

“2014 will see a move towards more thought-provoking discussions on topical issues as we continue to lobby Government on behalf of our membership.”

Mr Viera, who stepped down after two years as president following the chamber’s AGM earlier this month, said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time as president and hope that my efforts and contribution over the last two years have made the chamber a stronger and more visible organisation.”

And he thanked fellow board members — six of whom are also standing down — for their support.

The new members of the board are Jonathan Howes of Bermuda Press Holdings, the parent company of The Royal Gazette, BF&M’s John Wight, Stevedoring Services Warren Jones, Anchor Investments’ Nathan Kowalski, Peter Pearman of CD&P and KPMG’s Steve Woodward.

Ms Grayston is a past board member of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and a former treasurer of an Island-based exempt company, as well as a past trustee of the Bermuda National Gallery.

She was recognised by the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World in 2003 and in the same year won the Take the Next Step business development grant.