Michael Bernard, managing director of Carreras Limited has after over two decades of executive service to the Carreras group announced his retirement on Thursday. Bernard will retire as MD effective December 31, 2010, making way for Richard Pandohie who has been on secondment with British American Tobacco Caribbean and Central America for the past three years.

Bernard first joined the Carreras group in 1988 and was appointed general manager of subsidiary the Jamaica Biscuit Company in 1991. He has served as managing director of the Cigarette Company of Jamaica Limited, the Agricultural Products of Jamaica Limited and since 2005, Carreras Limited.

Mr. Bernard has steered Carreras through a period of significant change during his years as managing director. Under his stewardship, Carreras has moved from a multi-business enterprise to an organisation that is focussed on driving its core tobacco business.

Bernard will remain on the Board of Directors of Carreras in a non-executive capacity to allow for his experience and expertise to continue to be made available to Carreras.

Bernard’s successor Pandohie formerly served Carreras at the Jamaica Biscuit Company as operations manager and as managing director, general manager and country manager for local and international companies prior to returning to Carreras.

In a release sent by Carreras, the company’s Board of Directors along with its management and staff said they extend thanks and best wishes to Mr. Bernard and welcome Mr. Pandohie to his new role.