Mr Mitchell replaces former Secretary, Edwin Pittman.

The new Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry has extensive experience as a legal expert who has represented the Cook Islands at a wide rango of national, regional and international forums, the government revealed.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister, Wilkie Rassmussen, he has a proven executive management record as a Solicitor General, and is a pragmatic and lateral innovator.

The Independent Selection Committee chair Tonumaivao Navy Epati added that the committee has full confidence that Mitchell can institute the nescessary administrative structures to address internal management issues, and the leadership qualities and vision to lead an effective executive team at the Ministry.