Robert E. Cawthorn has retired from his post as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bermuda Biological Station for Research after three years at the helm. Brian Duperreault has been elected to replace him.

According to the BBSR, Mr. Cawthorn (pictured) made possible, by both his leadership and personal financial commitment, the realisation of the Michael R. Naess Laboratory, BBSR?s new 14,000 square foot state-of-the-art laboratory.

He was also been instrumental in the acquisition of the new deep-ocean vessel, the

Dr. Anthony H. Knap, president and director of BBSR said, ?Rob was an extraordinary presence in the boardroom as well as the everyday life of BBSR. He and his wife Sue have meant so much to us and we owe them both a deep debt of gratitude.?

Mr. Cawthorn has been named a Trustee Emeritus and will continue to support the BBSR from that position, both in his role as a major donor as well as roving ambassador on behalf of ocean sciences and education.

He said: ?I have been so proud to represent the BBSR as its chairman these past three years. Little did my wife Sue and I know how involved we would become. The work that scientists at BBSR accomplish becomes ingrained in you and its hard not to wake up every morning with the thought of how to advance their mission of discovery. I?ve been honoured to be a part of this extraordinary effort and both Sue and I will continue to participate in whatever way we can.?

Mr. Duperreault is chairman of Ace Limited, and is also chairman of Bermuda?s Centre on Philanthropy.