A Hong Kong police chief superintendent turned public relations adviser will lead the government’s Information Services Department, becoming the first non-administrative officer to take up the post.

John Tse Chun-chung, who has served as the government’s information coordinator since 2024, is expected to take up the post on a three-year contract on Tuesday.

Tse, 49, joined the force in 1999. He became a well-known face during the 2019 anti-government protests, when he led the police’s daily press conferences while still a chief superintendent.

He left the force in 2022 and served as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s communications secretary before becoming information coordinator in June 2024.

Announcing the appointment on Monday, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan commended Tse for his extensive experience in public administration, outstanding leadership and skill in handling the media and public relations.

“I am confident that under his leadership, the Information Services Department will strive to promote public understanding of government policies and positions, and tell the world about the good stories of Hong Kong,” Yeung said.

The government’s press release announcing the appointment noted Tse had served in various positions “both at frontline department and policy bureau” without mentioning his police background.