Richard Byles (left), president and CEO of Life of Jamaica, listens keenly to comments by Emil George, new chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), who gave the main speech at the insurance company's High Flyers luncheon at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, Tuesday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Financial Services Commission (FSC) chair-man Emil George sidestepped comment Tuesday on whether there was rivalry for the post of executive director (ED) saying only that the issue was soon to be settled.

George Roper, a deputy director, has been acting as ED since the departure of Brian Wynter last December after six years.

The FSC, which was established in 2001, regulates the pensions, securities and insurance sectors.

No other names have surfaced for the position.

George said, when asked by Wednesday Business, that he was unable to say immediately whether any other applications were before the commission's board.

"At the present time, there is no CEO," said George earlier while addressing the Life of Jamaica (LOJ) High Flyers Recognition Club ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

"We have an acting CEO and a meeting of the committee will soon be required to make a recommendation to the commissioners so the whole matter can be settled," said George. "This is very important because a great deal of the function of the commission relies on the CEO."

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com