Claire Boscq, the Chief Executive of the Jersey Hospitality Association, is stepping down from her role, leading the industry body that represents over 300 businesses.
After more than twenty years in Jersey, Claire has decided to move to Dubai to pursue other interests.
Claire joined the JHA last year, taking over from Simon Soar who, up to that point, had steered the association through the pandemic. Taking on the JHA at a time when Covid-19 was still forcing hospitality businesses to close, Claire stepped in to begin the process of moving the JHA forwards.
Tim Hubert, Chair of the JHA Committee, said: “Claire joined the JHA at a time when the industry had gone through its most difficult period since the Occupation and from day one it was clear that we had made the right choice. She was soon winning over the membership with her enthusiasm and love of the industry which she worked in when she first came to Jersey.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Claire and watch how she has used her role to support our members and forge new relationships which have greatly benefitted the JHA, particularly with politicians and within Government. Claire had a clear vision for how to move the JHA on from the disruption of the last two years and is putting that plan into action. We are extremely sad to see her go, but we are looking forward to meeting her successor.”
Claire will stay on until October and the work to appoint a new CEO has begun. A seamless handover will ensure there is continuity for all members.
Claire Boscq said: “I first came here to work in hospitality from France thirty years ago, settling in Jersey permanently in 2000. Hospitality has always been my passion and I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the JHA, but it is time for me to find new opportunities in Dubai.
“It is a privilege to be working with the dedicated and talented people that make up the hospitality sector in Jersey. Hospitality is facing some serious challenges, but we have made considerable progress in supporting our members and addressing some of those issues. By working with the Government of Jersey we were able to extend work permits and visas for seasonal staff and welcome the first group of professionals from Antigua and Barbuda to work in the industry this year.
“We have also built up some strong relationships with the newly elected politicians, and, through the publication of our own ‘election manifesto’, the JHA will continue to lobby hard on behalf of our members and be the voice for hospitality in Jersey.”