Guernsey Post boss to become head of civil service

Former postie Boley Smillie has been named the new head of Guernsey's public service

The CEO of Guernsey Post has been appointed as the new head of the island's civil service, the States has announced.

Boley Smillie is due to take up his new role as chief executive and head of the public service early next year.

He started at Guernsey Post in 1991 as a postie and worked his way up the firm taking over the top job in 2010.

He said he was "honoured" to take on the role and "could not wait to get started next year".

Mr Smillie said: "I’ve been proud of the positive difference that our team [at Guernsey Post] 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."

'Challenges and opportunities'

Mr Smillie will take over from Mark de Garis, who will leave his post next year.

The States said 26 people applied for the job, with four candidates interviewed in September by a six-strong panel made up of members of Policy and Resources (P&R) and an external panel member.

Chief Minister Lyndon Trott, who was on the panel, said: "We are very much looking forward to working with Boley.

"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."

Trott thanked Mr de Garis for providing "a structured handover".