Paul Martin Appointed New BHC General Manager
Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch held a press conference this afternoon [July 5] to announce that Paul Martin will serve as the new General Manager of the Bermuda Housing Corporation.
Minister Burch’s remarks:
Good Afternoon,
I am pleased to be joined this afternoon by the Junior Minister of Public Works, Senator Owen Darrell, the Chairman of the Bermuda Housing Corporation, MP Vance Campbell, the General Manager of BHC – Major Barrett St. Vincent Dill and the General Manager Designate Mr. Paul Martin.
This occasion is coming a year later than originally planned as Major Dill gave us plenty of notice that he would retire in July 2020. In light of Covid and our request that he stay on for another year – he agreed with the understanding that there would be no further delay.
Major Dill began his employment on May 8, 2006 as a consultant – Director of Customer Services and Staff Administration.
On April 1, 2007 he was hired by BHC and appointed Deputy General Manager on 14 June 2007. Two years later on November 18 2009 he was appointed General Manager. Following the General Election in 2017 – he was one of the three heads of housing related Quangos – the BHC, Wedco and BLDC who began research into some form of amalgamation of the 3 Quangos. On November 1, 2018 he was appointed Interim CEO – Bermuda Land Development Company. On February 1st this year Major Dill relinquished that responsibility so he could concentrate on preparation for his anticipated retirement.
As you will see, Major Dill has had a varied engagement with the BHC and been successful in every aspect. Of course our relationship extends many years beyond the 14 he has spent at BHC – we served together for many years in the Bermuda Regiment. Barrett, I take this opportunity to warmly thank you for your service and wish you and your lovely wife, Shirley, a most enjoyable retirement.
With that knowledge the Board decided in early 2021 to put the wheels in motion to seek a replacement.
In February this year, the Board hired Performance Solutions to assist the subcommittee in the recruitment of a new General Manager. The advertisement ran in the Royal Gazette on February 26th, March 1st & 2nd 2021 and on the Bermuda Job Board from February 26th – March 13th, 2021. Applications were due no later than March 13th and in total we received 14 submissions [12 Bermudian/ 2 Spouse of Bermudian]. Two candidates later withdrew.
Following a review of the candidates a short list of six were selected for an initial interview. The structure of these interviews was designed to have the candidate showcase their background, areas of expertise and demonstrate how their past experiences positioned them for the GM role.
Five candidates were then selected for a second interview using a structured scenario based format. Each received one question in advance, in order to prepare a presentation to the interview committee. These took place between April 23rd – May 3rd, 2021.
At the conclusion of the second round, the committee met on May 5th, 2021 and unanimously identified Mr. Paul Martin as the preferred candidate.
Mr. Martin comes to the job with a solid business experience with 8 years in a general manager role with experience in managing, budgeting and strategic business planning. Paul is Bermudian and throughout the interviews, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the BHC mandate, the key properties, challenges and opportunities.
He has met the Board and staff and began his employment today as the General Manager Designate and will assume the mantle on August 11th – thus allowing for a substantial and smooth transition. I welcome him to the team and look forward to working with him.
I’ll now ask Major Dill to give a few remarks followed by Mr. Martin.
Thank you.
WTF?