THE Department of Education has announced that Mark Browne is to be its new permanent secretary.
Mr Browne has 36 years' experience in the civil service and since 2013 has been deputy secretary in the Executive Office.
From Belfast, he will take up his new post on March 1. He replaces Derek Baker as head of the department.
Education Minister Peter Weir said Mr Browne had an extensive range of skills and experience that were essential in such a key post.
"Mark is joining the department at a time when we continue to deal with the impact of Covid-19 on the education sector," he said.
"I look forward to working with Mark in tackling the significant strategic challenges facing the education sector in the months and years ahead."
Mr Weir also paid tribute to the former permanent secretary, who has retired.
"I want to thank Derek Baker for his hard work, dedication and contribution to the department and the wider education sector. He was widely respected by his colleagues and held many senior positions during his 40 years in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. I wish him all the very best in his retirement," he said.
