The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau will recruit a suitable candidate to fill the post of the Director of Broadcasting through an open recruitment and in-service appointment exercise.

The vacancy arose from the Civil Service Bureau's approval of Chu Pui-hing's early retirement application in line with the relevant civil-service regulation. Mr Chu will complete all his leave in August next year and leave the Government. The Deputy Director of Broadcasting Gracie Foo will act as head until the new broadcasting chief assumes office.

Noting the public concern about the arrangements regarding the appointment, the bureau considers it necessary to allow eligible candidates from the private sector and within the civil service to apply for the position through an open process. The appointment will be for a term of two and a half years.

The broadcasting chief must be familiar with the local environment and social conditions, so the recruitment exercise will be conducted locally. Candidates should be permanent Hong Kong residents and experienced in managing a large public or private organisation. They should also possess leadership and management capabilities in heading a local public broadcasting organisation.

Incumbent substantive directorate officers at Directorate Pay Scale Point 2 or above within the civil service who have equivalent managerial or administrative experience may also apply.

The Government will engage an executive search agency, and advertisements for the post will set out details of the requirements for potential candidates.