A wealth of experience

Commenting on the appointments, Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong said the officers have amassed rich experience in public administration through various postings in their civil service careers.

"I have full confidence in their leadership abilities. I am certain they are capable of leading their teams in their new capacities to take forward various initiatives in the development of Hong Kong on various fronts and enhancing public services," he said.

On the retirement of Andrew Leung, Mr Wong said he has served in the civil service for 37 years, providing distinguished service to the community. In particular, he has made a sterling contribution to the promotion of Hong Kong's economic and trade interests in the UK and in Europe.

Biographies

Andrew Leung, 58, joined the Government in 1967 as an Executive Officer. He transferred to the Administrative Service in 1973 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in 1998. He has been Director-General, London since September, 2000.

Rita Lau, 50, joined the Government in 1976 and rose to her present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in 1999. Mrs Lau has served in various bureaux and departments.

Carrie Lam, 46, joined the Government in 1980 and was promoted to her present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in 2001. She has served in various bureaux and departments. She took up her current appointment as Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands (Planning & Lands) in November.