BDA Appoints New CEO: Roland Burrows

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) Board of Directors has appointed Roland (Andy) Burrows as its next chief executive officer. He will take up the position effective December 1.

Former BDA CEO Ross Webber stepped down from the position effective May 17. Sean Moran, the agency's head of business development, acted as interim CEO during the transition period.

Mr. 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.

During nearly 4 1/2 years as head of the BTA's Investment Division, Mr. Burrows was responsible for identifying and developing investment across the local tourism industry in the form of hotel development and other infrastructure. He worked to stimulate capital investment; facilitate immigration, permits, and tax issues; and helped create investor-friendly legislation to increase Bermuda's competitiveness to attract inward hospitality investment.

Prior to joining the BTA, Mr. Burrows spent 25 years in the financial services industry, including a decade 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.

BTA CEO Kevin Dallas 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."

Mr. Burrows said, "I look forward to bringing the results-driven strategies of the past 4 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."

(Newly appointed CEO of the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), Roland (Andy) Burrows, is pictured above. Photo is courtesy of the BDA.)