The State Services Commission has appointed Peter Hughes, as the new Secretary for Education.
He has been acting secretary since February and replaces Lesley Longstone, who left the role after just over a year.
Mr Hughes, a career civil servant, said he applied for the job because education is at the heart of helping children and young people be the very best they can be.
His previous roles include chief executive of the Health Funding Authority, Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Social Development.
