BDA reveals new CEO following search for Webber replacement

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) has appointed Roland (Andy) Burrows as CEO and non-executive member of the BDA board, effective December 1.

Burrows most recently served as chief investment officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA).

"Andy is a successful strategic leader with a strong track record of financial services and investment experience, in-depth knowledge of the Bermuda global business market, and deep understanding of the island's public and private spheres, all of which are critical for the leadership of the agency. He will be a passionate advocate for Bermuda's international business sector, and we look forward to welcoming him," said BDA chair Paul Scope, adding the BTA's investment concierge service, designed to facilitate hotel development in Bermuda, would also move to the BDA.

Prior to the BTA, Burrows has 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including ten years at HSBC Bermuda, where he served as head of commercial banking. He has also been a director on numerous boards, including HSBC Cayman Islands, and currently serves as a director of Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Raleigh Bermuda and Pathways Bermuda.

"I am in the fortunate position of leaving one great team to join another," said Burrows. "I look forward to bringing the results-driven strategies of the past four years at the BTA with me to the BDA, where I trust I can add value to the fantastic work already underway to strengthen Bermuda's economy and enhance the island's standing in the global business community."

Burrows’ appointment follows a formal executive search by the BDA board following the departure of Ross Webber as CEO in May - a position he had held since 2014.

Sean Moran served as BDA’s interim CEO during the transition period

BTA CEO Kevin Dallas commented: "Andy's exemplary work at the Bermuda Tourism Authority over the past four years is clear and everyone here congratulates him on his new leadership role at the Bermuda Business Development Agency," said. "With Andy at the helm, we look forward to building on our common links with the BDA as we both look to attract investors and other high-net-worth individuals to Bermuda for business and leisure."

Scope added: "The board would like to give special thanks to Sean for his significant contribution over the past several months, during which he assumed additional responsibilities. He kept the agency on track and focused on achieving strategic business-development goals. The BDA team also deserves credit for its dedication and hard work, and we look forward to continuing the agency's important mission to help create economic and job growth for Bermuda."