Colombia’s President, Juan Manuel Santos, appointed Frank Pearl as the country’s new minister of the environment and sustainability on Monday.
“We have obtained a person of honor, who has just accepted the position as minister,” Santos said. “The country knows him well.”
The president commended Pearl’s experience in both the private and public sectors, stating that he initially began his career in private projects, followed by “very successful and important public activities in the previous administration.”
Pearl served as the high commissioner of reintegration under the administration of former President Alvaro Uribe. In 2008, Pearl also replaced Luis Carlos Restrepo as the high commissioner of peace, and began coordinating hostage releases the following year.
Santos also announced that the new minister will work with the assistance of Senior Presidential Advisor Sandra Bessudo, who has asked to stay on as the high councilor for environmental management and biodiversity.
