The Solomon Islands-based Forum Fisheries Agency has a new head, James Movick from the Federated States of Micronesia.
Mr Movick, who had been the deputy director for the past several years, replaces Su'a N.F. Tanielu.
The selection of Mr Movick gives the directorship to a citizen of one of the eight members of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement bloc, which since establishing its first secretariat in Majuro in 2010 has driven major changes in the tuna fishing industry for the region.
Controversy had plagued the Forum Fisheries Agency selection process after the Marshall Islands and other countries in May challenged the short-listing of five of the 10 candidates.
Those challenges led to all 10 candidates being interviewed for the FFA's top job.
The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority Director, Glen Joseph, congratulated Mr Movick who had his appointment confirmed earlier this month during FFA meetings in Tonga.
Mr Joseph also added he was satisfied the challenge had allowed the best candidates to be considered in the final selection round.
