Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Life Limited, Earl Moore, has been tipped to replace Earl Samuels as managing director of the National Housing Trust (NHT), The Gleaner has been reliably informed.

This development comes as the board of the NHT yesterday announced pending executive management changes at the housing entity.

Moore is well known in the life insurance industry, locally and internationally.

Samuels' contract expires at the end of this month and the board has indicated that it would not be renewed.

Howard Mitchell, chairman of the board of the NHT, yesterday said Samuels served the agency with distinction since joining the trust in 1992.

Salutes achievements

"The board of directors of the trust acknowledges and salutes Mr Samuels' achievements and his considerable contribution to the NHT," Mitchell said. "Despite oftentimes difficult circumstances facing the NHT, Mr Samuels has helped to establish the trust as one of the more businesslike, progressive and customer-oriented public sector entities, known for efficiency and good customer service."

Samuels was confirmed as managing director in 1998 after acting in that position for about a year.

At a special board meeting, Mitchell disclosed that following consultations between himself and Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who has portfolio responsibility for the NHT, it was decided to seek new leadership direction for the trust.

Meanwhile, Mitchell said the managing director had agreed to assist in the leadership-transition process.

The NHT says a new managing director will be appointed by the end of January 2010.