Fiona Kerley, managing director of the Ommaroo Hotel at Havre des Pas, is the new president.
She said: ‘I am delighted to be taking on the role and excited by the prospect of this new challenge.
‘We will be increasing support for our members and the industry in general to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of both our local customers and visitors from the UK and overseas.
‘The JHA has a rich past and most recently can be proud of its involvement in Visit Jersey. By working closely with our colleagues at Visit Jersey we will ensure that the Island’s hospitality businesses live up to the ‘Island break’ promise.’
The hotelier added that the hospitality industry continued ‘to provide a valuable contribution to Jersey’s economy and infrastructure’ and had ‘proved its resourcefulness in adapting to new challenges and customer/visitor demands’.
She is supported by two vice-presidents – Natalie Duffy, managing director of the Salty Dog bar and bistro in St Aubin and operations director of El Tico in St Ouen, and Marcus Calvani, owner of the Calvani Group which includes La Cantina restaurant, JB’s ping-pong gastro-bar and the Lido at Havre des Pas.
Other roles appointed within the organisation’s committee include treasurer (Dave Chalk, director, Jersey Opera House) and committee members Andrew Baird (executive chef at Longueville Manor), Martina McGibney (commercial director, AE Surcouf), Jeremy Swetenham (commercial director, Jersey Heritage) and Luke Wheadon (director, Wheadons Gin, Bella Luce Hotel and chairman of the Guernsey Chamber of Commerce tourism committee).
Association manager Helen Hart will continue to run the JHA’s day-to-day operations with accounts administrator Valerie Averty.
Ms Kerley added: ‘2017 is a milestone for the association in its 60th year and as we start the new season, on behalf of the new management committee and myself, we would like to wish all of our colleagues in hospitality a very successful 2017 season.’
