John Wight, the chief executive officer of BF&M Ltd, is take over as president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Wight replaces Kristi Grayston, who died suddenly last month.

He said yesterday: One of the objectives I have is to raise the profile of the chamber and enhance the value of membership for our members.

“There are many issues affecting Bermuda’s future that I think needs elevating to higher and broadened discussion.”

And he added: “Each quarter, starting this quarter, there will be an article in The Royal Gazette focusing on my opinion about a topical issue relevant to Bermuda.

“This will be followed by a panel discussion with qualified speakers for our members to attend and participate in.

“We will then survey our members on the particular topic in question and take any action following that we deem necessary on behalf of our members.”

Kendaree Burgess, the Chamber’s executive director, said: “We look forward to welcoming John as president — he has been an avid supporter of the chamber in the past year.

“John’s passion for and leadership development will enable us to further develop our member engagement strategies.”

Mr Wight, a qualified accountant and property and casualty underwriter, is also a council member of the Bermuda Stock Exchange and a member of the Ministry of Finance insurance advisory committee.

He is also a past chairman of CPA Bermuda and a past president of the Bermuda Insurance Institute.