Department of Telecommunications, writes Patrick Burgess.

The move comes after the 41-year-old was seconded from BELCO to the Civil Service where he managed Government's Year 2000 Programme.

Mr. Swan replaces 30-year veteran Ted Pitman.

A Government spokesman said Mr. Swan will be responsible for the co-ordination, development and implementation of telecommunications policy and will provide professional advice to the Ministry of Telecommunications and E-Commerce.

He will also be responsible for the management of the Department. In January, Minister Renee Webb said of the requirements for the job: "The market is now much more competitive and the post will require someone with a broad understanding not just of the industry, but of what is required locally...'' Mr. Swan holds a mechanical engineering degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

Before joining BELCO in 1988, Mr. Swan worked with AT&T in Winston, Salem, North Carolina and Phoenix, Arizona. In 1991 he participated in the Stone and Webster Executive Management Development Programme.

BUSINESS BUC