Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Tsang Wai-hung has been appointed Deputy Commissioner (Management) from January 7 when Gordon Fung retires.

Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Henrique Koo will be promoted to Senior Assistant Commissioner while Chief Superintendents Austin Kerrigan and Suen Kwai-leung will be promoted to Assistant Commissioners.

Commissioner of Police Tang King-shing said Mr Tsang, with nearly 30 years' service, has extensive knowledge of operations and management in the force.

Mr Tsang, 49, joined the force as an inspector in 1978. He was promoted to superintendent in 1989, chief superintendent in 1998, assistant commissioner in 2003 and senior assistant commissioner in 2005.

Mr Tang also praised Mr Fung for his contributions to the city's policing.

"In over 35 years of service Mr Fung has filled a number of key posts and undertaken a wide range of onerous and demanding duties. His outstanding achievements have contributed significantly to the maintenance of law and order in Hong Kong and the well being of the force."