A top executive at Bermuda Telephone Company abruptly left the company in a surprise move last week.

Michael Tucker, who was vice-president of operations, is leaving to pursue "other options in the telecommunications industry effective immediately", said the BTC press release.

Vice-president of Government and Carrier Affairs Averylon Simons will assume Mr. Tucker's former responsibilities for the time being.

Mr. Tucker, a chartered engineer, said he had greatly enjoyed working at BTC for the past two-and-a-half years.

"I have very much enjoyed working with the BTC family and have made many friends," he said in the press release. "I wish all my friends and colleagues every success in the future."

BTC president Francis Mussenden thanked Mr. Tucker for his efforts.

"I have found Mike Tucker to have a wealth of knowledge regarding the engineering aspects of the telecommunications industry and I wish him well in his future endeavours."