Expertise Group has promoted Claudia Philipsz-Jones to chief executive, succeeding Douglas Soares, the company’s founder, from January 1.

Ms Philipsz-Jones, the company’s current chief experience officer, joined the Bermudian-based human resources and recruitment firm 25 years ago as an entry-level management consultant.

She has since held senior roles in consulting, business development and executive leadership, becoming a shareholder in 2014. She also led Expertise’s consulting practice and helped establish its Cayman Islands office, where she served as managing director.

Mr Soares, who founded Expertise in Bermuda in 1999, will become executive chairman while remaining chief financial officer. He said he would focus on group strategy and support the incoming CEO and leadership team.

“I have enormous confidence in Claudia’s ability to lead Expertise,” he said. “She thoroughly understands every aspect of our business and is deeply respected by our people and our clients.”

Ms Philipsz-Jones said she was honoured to be entrusted with leading the organisation.

“I am fortunate to be taking on this role alongside an exceptional and long-serving leadership team,” she said. “I am excited about what lies ahead.”

Expertise provides human resources, recruitment, immigration and payroll services to more than 500 local and international employers in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.