Robert Wright has been appointed the new president and chief executive officer of Export Development Canada (EDC).

In his career of 30 years in the public service, Wright has occupied key positions in the government of Canada.

His current position is national security advisor to the prime minister and associate secretary to the cabinet, Privy Council Office. From November 1999 to May 2003, Wright was commissioner of customs and revenue. His previous positions have included deputy minister of national revenue, high commissioner for Canada to New Zealand, deputy minister of agriculture and agri-food, and deputy secretary to the cabinet (plans), Privy Council Office. He joined the Public Service in 1975 as an economic analyst with the department of external affairs.

Wright replaces acting EDC president Gilles Ross.