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Boley Smillie has been appointed as the new Chief Executive and Head of the Public Service in Guernsey.
Currently the CEO at Guernsey Post, he'll be taking up his new position early in 2025.
We're told that he succeeded in being appointed to the role - running the island's public services and managing all public sector and civil service employees - following a "highly competitive recruitment process".
That recruitment process was managed by the Policy & Resources Committee, following the announcement by the current postholder, Mark de Garis, that he intention to step down next year.
Pictured (l-r): Mark de Garis and Boley Smillie.
P&R has said the role "attracted a high level of interest locally and nationally".
There were 26 applications received with each going through a "rigorous selection process", before four shortlisted candidates were interviewed in September.
The quarter were interviewed by P&R President Deputy Lyndon Trott, P&R Vice-President Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Deputies Yvonne Burford, Rob Prow, and Gavin St Pier together with external panel member, Mr Mark Eban.
The recruitment process was facilitated by Mr Simon Nash (Jersey Appointments Commission) with support from the Head of HR (States of Guernsey).
Mr Smillie was selected as the desired candidate and was offered the role "on the recommendation of the panel".
"We are very much looking forward to working with Boley," said Deputy Trott.
"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."
Mr Smillie said: "I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the public service, and I can’t wait to get started next year. 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."
Mr Smilie's career started at Guernsey Post.
He was born and raised in Guernsey and educated at La Mare de Carteret Secondary School before starting work at Guernsey Post in 1991 after completing his GCSEs.
Since then, he has held a range of roles at Guernsey Post - and other positions within the public, private, and third sectors.
He was appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Guernsey Post in 2010 and since then he has led the company through a number of changes as the business has been restructured in the face of changing postal trends and developing technologies.
Outside of the post office, he has been a Director of HR Air and Guernsey Ports, and has been an Industrial Disputes Officer for the States of Guernsey.
Mr Smillie has also been the Non-Executive Chairman of Guernsey Mind for the last five years.
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