New task: Martin Glass will succeed Tony Miller as Hong Kong's permanent representative to the World Trade Organisation in February.

Deputy Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Treasury) Martin Glass will succeed Tony Miller, who will proceed on pre-retirement leave on February 21, as Hong Kong's permanent representative to the World Trade Organisation, the Civil Service Bureau says.

Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue said Mr Glass is an experienced Administrative Officer with a strong record in public administration and proven leadership and management abilities.

"I am confident that he will continue to serve the community with professionalism and dedication in his new capacity, and ably lead his office to meet the challenges ahead," she said.

Miss Yue said Mr Miller has rendered 34 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community and has made exemplary contributions to the development of Hong Kong in various spheres.

"During his tenure as the permanent representative, he has put in commendable and tireless efforts in defending Hong Kong's trade interests. Particular mention should be made of his contribution to the success of the World Trade Organisation Sixth Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in 2005. We sincerely wish him a happy retirement."

Brief biographies

Aged 56, Mr Miller joined the Administrative Service in September 1972, and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in January 1993. He has been the permanent representative since August 2004.

Mr Glass, aged 54, joined the Administrative Service in June 1984 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in January 2001.

Mr Glass has served in various bureaux and departments, and was seconded to the UK Department of Transport from October 1990 to March 1993. He has been Deputy Secretary for the Treasury, later retitled as Deputy Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Treasury), since January 1997.