Roland “Andy” Burrows is taking over as chief executive officer of the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

He takes up the position on December 1, six months after Ross Webber stepped down as CEO following a short spell on administrative leave. Mr Webber had led the BDA for almost four years.

Mr Burrows was most recently chief investment officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority. The BTA’s investment concierge service, which is designed to facilitate hotel development in Bermuda, will also become part of the BDA.

Paul Scope, chairman of the BDA said: “Andy is a successful strategic leader with a strong track record of financial services and investment experience, in-depth knowledge of the Bermuda global business market, and deep understanding of the island’s public and private spheres — all of which are critical for the leadership of the agency.

“He will be a passionate advocate for Bermuda’s international business sector, and we look forward to welcoming him.”

Mr Burrows worked for 25 years in the financial services industry, including a decade at HSBC Bermuda, where he served as head of commercial banking. He was head of the BTA’s investment division for about 4½ years, and had responsibilities that included identifying and developing hotel investment and other infrastructure across the local tourism industry.

He said: “I am in the fortunate position of leaving one great team to join another.

“I look forward to bringing the results-driven strategies of the past four years at the BTA with me to the BDA, where I trust I can add value to the fantastic work already under way to strengthen Bermuda’s economy and enhance the island’s standing in the global business community.”

Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said: “Andy’s exemplary work at the Bermuda Tourism Authority over the past four years is clear and everyone here congratulates him on his new leadership role at the Bermuda Business Development Agency.

“With Andy at the helm, we look forward to building on our common links with the BDA as we both look to attract investors and other high-net-worth individuals to Bermuda for business and leisure.”

Mr Burrows will also become an executive member of the BDA board.

Sean Moran has served as interim CEO of the BDA since late May. Mr Scope praised him for his leadership during the transition period, along with the rest of the agency’s management and employee team.

Mr Scope said: “The board would like to give special thanks to Sean for his significant contribution over the past several months, during which he assumed additional responsibilities. He kept the agency on track and focused on achieving strategic business-development goals.

“The BDA team also deserves credit for its dedication and hard work, and we look forward to continuing the agency’s important mission to help create economic and job growth for Bermuda.”