LENNOX Cornette, a former journalist who is now a communications consultant and preacher, has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Communications Network (NCN), reliable sources have confirmed.

Cornette was selected by the NCN Board ahead of veteran broadcasters Enrico Woolford and Dennis Chabrol, and former Director of Tourism and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Indira Anandjit, who had all applied for the top post at the country’s state radio and television.

Cornette formerly worked at the Guyana Chronicle, and later worked in the Communications Department of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). He was also Communications Manager at Conservation International (Guyana).

Cornette is expected to take up his post at the end of the month, sources told the Guyana Chronicle. When contacted, Chairman of the NCN Board, Mr Bish Panday, said he would issue a statement when he is ready.

The top job at NCN became available when Molly Hassan resigned, giving the entity three months’ notice, which expires at the end of this month. She may stay on an extra month to allow for a smooth transition.

The new CEO will be tasked with rebranding efforts at NCN.

“There has been an intense and ongoing review of both the current programmes, systems, staff and technical facilities. In addition to internal work being done on re-branding, re-programming, training and creating a new content culture, a nationwide call is currently out for announcers, producers and fresh programme ideas,” the State broadcaster had said in a statement announcing Hassan’s resignation.

The company said it was likely to invest heavily in new technologies to create the changes it envisions.

“Several urgent needs in the area of physical space, telecommunications infrastructure, training, management and equipment have been identified. The board has been vigorously pursuing resources to rectify these problems, and intends to continue this process in 2016,” NCN has said.