Simon Galpin was appointed Director General of Hong Kong Investment Promotion with effect from April 9, a government press release said on Friday.

The appointment was confirmed following an open-and-in-service recruitment exercise, according to the press release from the Information Services Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

Hong Kong Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue said Galpin's extensive knowledge and experience in investment promotion and proven management abilities will help lead Invest Hong Kong.

Galpin joined InvestHK in 2001 and was part of the start-up team in establishing the department. As Associate Director-General, he has been assuming a leading role in shaping InvestHK's strategy and business planning process.

He has participated actively in the activities of chambers of commerce and business associations and has established an extensive international business network.

Before coming to Hong Kong he worked for the Scottish Enterprise, the British government's agency to attract direct foreign investment to Scotland, the press release said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2009)