Guernsey Post boss to become chief civil servant

Boley Smillie has spent his whole career at the Post Office, rising to chief executive in September 2010. He won through the interest of 26 candidates for the job, local and off-island, with the final four invited for interview.

‘We are very much looking forward to working with Boley,’ said Policy & Resources Committee president Lyndon 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.’

Deputy Trott was on the selection panel alongside Deputies Heidi Soulsby, Yvonne Burford, Rob Prow and Gavin St Pier.

The recruitment process was facilitated by Simon Nash from the Jersey Appointments Commission with support from HR at the States. The Policy & Resources Committee made the appointment on the panel’s recommendation.

Mr Smillie succeeds Mark de Garis, who took up the role of senior civil servant in July 2022 and announced in the summer that he would leave before next year’s general election.

He was educated at La Mare de Carteret School and joined Guernsey Post in 1991. As chief executive he has led the business through a restructuring exercise through changing trends and demands in postal services. He is also the non-executive chairman of Guernsey Mind.

‘I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the public service, and I can’t wait to get started next year,’ he said.

‘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.’

• Also in today's edition, former Guernsey Post chairman Richard Digard on the appointment.