Andrea Mowbray will followed in her father's footsteps and take over the helm of the Bermuda Employers Council.

Ms Mowbray will succeed Malcolm Dixon as Executive Director when he retires at the end of December.

Ms Mowbray's father, Louis, is a past president of the BEC and was heavily involved in labour relations for much of his career.

Now Ms Mowbray, who has also been involved in labour relations for most of her working life, will have a pool of knowledge at her fingertips when she takes over at the beginning of next year.

"I am very happy they have the faith in me to offer me the job," said Ms Mowbray, 34 from Smith's Parish, who has been with the BEC since February, 2000. We have got some ideas for new services. And we will continue to update our database and work with employers as new precedents are set."

Ms Mowbray originally joined as director of training and marketing, but soon moved to the post of director of membership services.

Before this she was employed as a human resources manger at LOM, and has worked at the Bank of Bermuda.

She has just completed an intensive labour course at the International Institute of Labour Studies in Geneva, Switzerland - she was chosen as one of eight out of 350 labour organisations world-wide.

Now she will work with Mr. Dixon at the helm as Executive Director Designate until the hand-over at the end of the year, but will be taking another intensive course in the autumn.

She will attend the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labour Relations in New York in order to broaden her knowledge of labour relations.

"I am delighted that Andrea has been appointed," Mr. Dixon told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

He will be leaving the post after 14 years in the job, but will continue to act as a consultant for the BEC.

He will be retiring, but said he hopes to continue to work in labour relations but has not decided what avenue he will take.

He said the highlight of his time in office was seeing the membership of the BEC drastically increase to close to 400.

"It is also gratifying to see employers wishing to adopt good practices," he added. "If you work, and you work diligently things get better. The services are getting better, the database is improving and it is extremely gratifying. I have been lucky because I have had tremendous support from both members and board which has helped me fulfil my role."

When asked what advice he would give to Ms Mowbray, he said: "To be level headed, think things out carefully and don't be frightened to ask advice from colleagues. And be receptive to others."

Ms. Mowbray said she will make sure the BEC follows new trends in employment practices and keeps up with the global trends. Being members of organisations like the Caribbean Employers Confederation and the International Organisation of Employers in Geneva help us keep abreast of international trends for employers," she said.