Attorney-at-law Lisa Penn-Lettsome has been appointed executive director of International Business for the British Virgin Islands.

In her new role, Penn-Lettsome will be the government's chief technical and policy advisor on international business and financial services. She replaces Neil Smith.

Penn-Lettsome is a lawyer with over 25 years' experience and has served in the public sector for over 11 years, several of these as deputy managing director of the Financial Services Commission, prior to a 13-year run as head of Regulation.

"The expertise and experience she brings to the table can only add value to the forward direction of the industry and the wider diversification and strengthening of the territory's economy. It is a great pleasure that the Public Service is able to attract such talent," premier and Finance Minister Andrew Fahie said in a statement.

Her areas of responsibility will include coordinating BVI's responses to international initiatives, coordinating and facilitating the development of product and business development legislation, facilitating corroboration between the Government of the Virgin Islands (including BVI House Asia and BVI London Office as appropriate) and the regulators and the private sector.

Financial Secretary Glenroy Forbes and Acting Permanent Secretary in the premier's Office Kedrick Malone jointly congratulated Penn-Lettsome on her appointment and added that they are looking forward to working with her in the area of financial services.