Simon Soar, the Chief Executive of the Jersey Hospitality Association, is stepping down after nearly four years in the role.
The head of the JHA is joining Jersey Business as Head of Hospitality and Tourism.
Simon joined the JHA in 2018, first as Manager, before becoming the CEO of the trade association which now has over 230 members from more than 300 venues in the hotel, restaurant, events, travel and other associated sectors.
In 2020, he was recognised for his efforts to help JHA members through the Covid-19 pandemic by receiving a Bailiff’s citation and was nominated twice for an IoD award.
Tim Hubert, Chair of the JHA Committee, said: “Although I have only been on the Committee for a relatively brief time, I have appreciated the energy and passion Simon has brought to the JHA. Before Simon became CEO, the JHA was facing an uncertain future, but working with the Committee, he has turned that around and we are now a thriving organisation that stands up for the interests of a large section of Jersey businesses.
“I would like to personally thank Simon for all that he has done for the JHA. This has been an incredibly difficult year for our industry and Simon has been relentless in his desire to make sure we were not left behind by the effects of the pandemic. A lot of people owe him a huge debt of gratitude and I want to be the first to say how much we will miss having him as our CEO.”
Simon will stay on until October as the work starts to find his successor. The JHA will make sure there is a seamless handover, providing continuity for all members.
Simon said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the JHA, even when facing some of the less than desirable challenges of the last year. I have been supported throughout by the JHA Committee who shared my vision of bringing our membership together so that we remain stronger as one.
“My new role at Jersey Business will see me working closely with the JHA as we develop the strategic aims for the industry in a post-Covid environment. It will be a huge but exciting challenge which means I will continue to work very closely with the JHA and its members. Without a doubt, this has been a devastating time for the industry but every day I have witnessed how hard its members work to ensure as many of their staff as possible will continue to have a future in this industry. I am not going far, but I will greatly miss working on behalf of those who have worked so hard throughout this crisis.”
Graeme Smith, CEO of Jersey Business, added: “We have been working closely with Simon and the JHA for a number of years and I am looking forward to seeing how he will build on that great relationship as he develops his new role. In these uncertain times, it is important that we continue to forge strong links between the Government and businesses and this role that Simon is taking up will be vital to that.”
