THE chief executive of the Jersey Hospitality Association is stepping down.
Claire Boscq took over from previous incumbent Simon Soar last year, but has decided to move to Dubai to ‘find new opportunities’.
Work to appoint a new chief executive has begun, with Ms Boscq due to remain in the role until October.
‘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,’ she said.
Tim Hubert, chair of the JHA committee, said the organisation was ‘extremely sad to see her go’ but was also ‘looking forward to meeting her successor’.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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,’ he added.
Ms Boscq added: ‘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.’
