A search has started for a new Bermuda bank chief -- who must have worked in a "multi-cultural environment''.

The criteria has been laid down for the Bank of N.T. Butterfield's new chief executive officer -- who will take over from Michael Collier.

Fifty-year-old Mr. Collier went on indefinite leave earlier this month due to health problems and will not be returning to work.

It was Mr. Collier who stirred up controversy when he said he was puzzled by the concept of institutional racism.

However last night a bank spokesman said the multi-cultural environment criteria related to the fact that the bank had offices around the world and had nothing to do with Mr. Collier's remarks.

"The CEO is responsible for the Bank of Butterfield in several jurisdictions around the world and in the past the CEO has travelled to those areas.

"Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment has always been a necessity for the job,'' added the spokesman.

No-one from the Bank's board was available for comment yesterday and it is not known whether the job is being advertised abroad.