January 14 2011 -- Following amendments to the Public Utilities Corporation Act, approved by the National Assembly in December 2010, the President James Michel has appointed Mr. Benjamin Choppy as the new Chairperson of PUC. "ª "ª

Mr Choppy is presently the Principal Secretary for Information Communication Technology, and holds a Masters Degree in Information Technology & Education, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Theoretical Physics.

 His appointment as Chairman of PUC takes immediate effect."ª

Mr. Robert Stravens has been appointed the new chief executive officer the PUC. "ª "ª

Mr. Stravens, who is aged 37 years, was the chief engineer of the Indian Ocean Tuna Company between 1999 and 2004, and has been the process improvement manager of the HJ Heinz Company since 2005, covering the company's operations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. "ª

In addition to his qualifications in Engineering, he has also trained in management, accounting and business improvement, and expects to be awarded an Executive MBA from Imperial College of London shortly. "ªMr Stravens' appointment will be effective from 1st February 2011. "ª

Mr. Joel Valmont will continue to serve as deputy CEO of PUC."ª

The posts of CEO and chairman of PUC had previously been combined into the single post of Executive Chairman, which had been vacant since August 2010. The amendment to the PUC Act provided for a separation between the posts of Chairman and CEO."ª