Boley Smillie is appointed as the chief executive and head of the public service. He will take up the role early next year.

Boley Smillie has worked for Guernsey Post for 33 years and began there as a school-leaver in 1991.

In 2010, he became its chief executive and has led it through a period of change as traditional mail deliveries have died off and parcel deliveries from online retailers increasingly make up the bulk of deliveries.

The States say that 26 candidates went for the job currently being carried out by Mark de Garis, who earlier this year announced his intention to retire by June 2025.

The interview panel included deputies Lyndon Trott and Heidi Soulsby as the head and vice president of Policy and Resources, plus deputies Yvonne Burford, Rob Prow and Gavin St Pier and an external member.

It is P&R that appointed Boley Smillie to the chief executive role, and deputy Trott says he was the strongest candidate from the shortlist of four:

"He impressed the panel throughout the interview process, combining a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Guernsey with a fresh perspective on the public service.

I am very grateful to Mark de Garis, the current Head of the Public Service, in agreeing to provide a structured handover."

Boley Smillie says he cannot wait to begin his new role:

"Throughout my time at Guernsey Post, I’ve been proud of the positive difference that our team makes to islanders and businesses across the Bailiwick and I’m looking forward to continuing this work through the public service.

I will focus my energies on supporting colleagues and elected members to deliver the best outcomes for our community."