The RCMP has announced a new series of senior appointments, following word from Commissioner William Elliott that further change in the top ranks would arrive by the New Year.

Deputy Commissioners Tim Killam and Darrell Madill are retiring from the force, as is Assistant Commissioner Gerry Lynch. The RCMP announced their retirements internally on Dec. 23.

Killam will begin pre-retirement leave next month. Until then, the RCMP says he will work closely with his replacement, Assistant Commissioner Line Carbonneau who "will immediately assume responsibilities" as Deputy Commissioner, Policing Support Services.

Madill is retiring after more than 37 years of service with the RCMP. He will be replaced by Assistant Commissioner Doug Lang, who takes over as Deputy Commissioner, Contract and Aboriginal Policing. Kevin Brosseau will be appointed as Director General, Contract and Aboriginal Policing.

Lynch is retiring at the end of January. Chief Superintendent Cal Corley will be promoted to Assistant Commissioner and will take over Lynch's duties as Senior RCMP Envoy for Mexico and the Americas.

In a statement, Elliott thanked the outgoing Mounties for their service and wished each of them "a happy and healthy retirement."

Their departures come at the end of a tumultuous year in the senior RCMP, in which the civilian commissioner found himself in a conflict with some top Mounties over his style of leadership.

Word leaked out that a group of senior Mounties had complained about Elliott's behaviour and the federal government paid former CSIS director Reid Morden to complete a "workplace assessment" as a result.

Madill and Killam, the outgoing deputy commissioners, were among those asked to speak with Morden in July.

In his statement on the newly announced appointments, Elliott made reference to the many changes that have been made in senior RCMP management over the past few months.

The commissioner said the team at the top is now "well positioned to move the Force forward and to lead our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible services to Canadians and the best possible support to our employees."

Elliott recently told CTV.ca that an announcement about senior appointments was likely to occur before Christmas.

The RCMP has also announced several other senior appointments.

Superintendents Joe Loran and Wayne Rideout will each be promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent. Loran will be the new Deputy Criminal Operations Officer (Contract) for "K" Division, while Rideout will helm the same position for "E" Division.

Chief Superintendent Brad Hartl will become the Regional Human Resources Officer, Pacific Region. Chief Superintendent Ron Mostrey will become the Regional Human Resources Officer, Central Region. Superintendent Vince Dancho is being promoted to Chief Superintendent and he will become the Corporate Management Officer of the North West Region. Superintendent Brenda Butterworth Carr will be promoted to Chief Superintendent and will head the National Aboriginal Police Services in Ottawa.

In his statement, Elliott said that "further changes are anticipated." He also said that new commanding officers for "O" and "C" divisions are likely to be announced in January.