Simon Soar has been appointed the new Vice Chair of IoD Jersey.
Simon (pictured) began his career in catering, before starting a training business for bar staff, managing and launching several new hospitality businesses, and then becoming CEO of the Jersey Hospitality Association, and most recently Head of Hospitality with Jersey Business.
Mr Soar received a Bailiff’s Citation in 2020 in recognition of his ‘Exceptional leadership qualities of communication, adaptability, and compassion’ during the first year of the pandemic. The following year, he was also awarded a Chair award in the 2021 IoD Jersey Awards, for his leadership of the Jersey Hospitality Association and the community it served during the pandemic.
In addition, he set up the not-for-profit organisation, Mindful Serve this year, to support hospitality workers suffering from mental health issues, and other personal challenges.
Simon said: “I am driven by a passion to help individuals improve themselves and become the best they can be, as well as to establish nurturing environments where businesses can thrive. These are all values which I know the IoD stands for. It’s therefore a great honour to be appointed Vice Chair and be able to assist our new Chair, Natasha Egré in leading IoD Jersey and ensuring the organisation provides modern, diverse, and forward-thinking support for its members and the Jersey community we serve.”
Natasha Egré, IoD Jersey Chair, said: “I am delighted that Simon has been appointed our IoD Jersey Vice Chair. He has the support of our whole committee and I am looking forward to working with him to drive positive change. We have some major challenges ahead as we tackle inflation, supply chain issues, and recruitment hurdles for all the industries we support and I think Simon’s experience will be paramount to achieving our goals.”
The role of IoD Vice Chair is voluntary. Simon is currently Head of Hospitality and Tourism at Jersey Business, where he is focusing on strategy for the industry, in particular recruitment, skills development, and workplace accommodation.
