RCMP Commissioner William Elliott admits his time in the job hasn't been without controversy, but says he's learned from it.

Elliott was appointed Thursday as the international police agency Interpol's representative to the UN.

Elliott, who will enter the three-year Interpol post starting in November, had told the government early this year that he was stepping down from the RCMP.

A career civil servant, Elliott faced some controversy during his time in the job. Senior officers criticized his management style and suggested he needed anger-management training. Elliott reorganized his office following the criticism, including demoting then deputy commissioner Raf Souccar, who was among the commissioner's critics.

"We certainly haven't been without our difficulties or controversies," Elliott said Thursday in an interview with CBC News.

"I think there were some lessons for me to learn with respect to my own style and communications."

But he says he's hearing different comments now.

"I am getting very, very positive feedback from the rank and file that recognize that things are better, that the RCMP is stronger, and thanking me for, as they put it, my service to the RCMP," Elliott said.

CBC News has learned the government has drawn up a short list of possible replacements and plans to announce Elliott's successor this fall.

A statement from Interpol says Elliott will "work to facilitate and enhance co-operation between Interpol and the United Nations and its agencies on matters of terrorism, transnational organized crime and international police co-operation."

The decision to take on "this key role" as the primary liaison between Interpol and the UN "will enhance the relationship between the two organizations and benefit international law enforcement co-operation,” said Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.

Noble said he is grateful to Canada "for its support for Mr. Elliott in his new position and for Canada’s ongoing commitment to Interpol and to international policing."

He described the RCMP as "one of the best-known and most respected police agencies in the world."