Long-serving hospitality leader David Seymour has announced his retirement as Managing Director from the family-owned hospitality business Seymour Group.
After 43 years of dedicated service, 28 of those as Managing Director, David will be stepping down from his role, with his son Matthew Seymour taking the helm as the new Managing Director with effect from 2nd November 2024.
David has led the company through significant milestones and has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and success. Responsible for 15% of the Island’s hotel bed stock, employing more than 350 valued team members, his leadership has cemented Seymour Hotels as a trusted name in the Jersey hospitality industry.
Notable highlights of David’s tenure include:
- Overseeing more than £50m of investment in the Group’s infrastructure over the past 20 years, through continued economic challenges and a dynamic, ever-evolving visitor economy.
- The continued development of the Merton Hotel from a large guest house into the resort hotel it is today, with the introduction of the Aquadome Leisure Pool and FlowRider surf machine, unique in the Channel Islands.
- Development of the Merton Suites providing flexible self-catering excellence on the outskirts of St Helier.
- Acquisition and development of the Greenhills Hotel, establishing it as an award-winning luxury country house hotel, consistently recognised by industry – both Tripadvisor no.1 Hotel in Jersey and recognition in the Michelin Guide.
- Elevating the Pomme d’Or from a 3 to 4-star leading business hotel with numerous accolades including no.1 hotel in St Helier. One of four proud generations of the Seymour Family to welcome HRH King Charles and Queen Camilla for afternoon tea earlier this year.
- Steering the Hotel Group through the ordeals of Covid in the Company’s centenary year.
- Providing vision, guidance and security to more than 350 Seymour staff, whilst navigating changing circumstances in a challenging hospitality market and turbulent economic environment.
- A founder member of the Tourism Shadow Board responsible for the transition from Jersey Tourism to Visit Jersey where, pre-covid, along with fellow Board Directors a growth curve to the Island’s tourism fortunes was re-ignited.
Commenting on the news and acknowledging David’s impact, Matthew Seymour said: “My father has never been afraid to make difficult decisions that were needed to ensure the success, survival and future prosperity of our family business. Many tough and visionary decisions have been made throughout his 28 years as Managing Director and I recognise I have been incredibly fortunate to have been mentored by arguably the best tourism leader in the Island. I look forward to maintaining the secure and strong core of our family business, whilst embracing new opportunities to ensure many more years of Seymour Group success.”
Matthew Seymour will assume the role of Managing Director on 2nd November 2024. He is the fifth generation of the Seymour family to work within the Group. He joined the business in September 2017 as Group Operations Co-Ordinator, following a period of working and gaining experience and qualifications in the local financial services sector and was appointed to the Board of Directors of Seymours Limited in July 2022. He currently holds the position of Business Development Director.
David Seymour said: “It has been an honour to lead Seymour Hotels and the many professional and hard-working people engaged throughout our family business. I am immensely proud of all we have achieved together. Matthew is the same age I was when I took over the role from my father and with his energy, experience and commitment I have complete confidence in his ability, supported by a fabulous leadership team, to drive the company into its next chapter.”
Pictured: Left to right – David Seymour and Matthew Seymour
