Ian McWalters will succeed Grenville Cross as Director of Public Prosecutions from October 22, the Department of Justice announced today.

Mr Cross will go on final leave on the same day after 31 years' Government service.

Mr McWalters, currently the deputy director, became a Government Counsel in 1985. He was promoted to Senior Government Counsel in 1988, to Deputy Principal Government Counsel in 1994, and to Principal Government Counsel in 2006.

Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung said Mr McWalters has deep legal knowledge, strong professional competence and leadership skills. He also praised Mr Cross for enhancing the image of Hong Kong's prosecution authority internationally.