DAVID Kennedy is set to leave his post as chief executive at the Jersey Football Association, in order to carry out the same role at Jersey Sport.
Following the departure of long-serving chief executive Catriona McAllister in January, Kennedy picks up the mantle and will work closely with all relevant stakeholders across the Government of Jersey, the Island’s sporting community and Public Health, leading the Jersey Sport team to deliver sport and physical activity programmes and interventions to the local community.
Kennedy has previous experience within the arm’s length organisation, having worked as general manager up until April 2020, prior to his move across to the JFA.
High on the new chief executive’s agenda will be the aim to re-define Jersey Sport’s remit, in the aftermath of the government led independent report reviewing sport policy, strategy and delivery.
The document, written by Simon Cooper, a former head of sport for the Mayor of London, highlighted “serious concerns” regarding the current relationship between the government and Jersey Sport and that it should be “strengthened” as a priority.
Overall, the 114-page paper made 21 recommendations for consideration, and enacting those recommendations will be of key importance at the beginning of Kennedy’s tenure.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking over as CEO at Jersey Sport and really looking forward to the new challenge ahead.
“I have been lucky enough to have always worked in the sports industry, and those who know me best know my passion for wanting to use it to improve the lives of everyone in our community.
“I know the job will have its challenges and an early priority will be to work through the recommendations of the recent Sports Review, but the team at Jersey Sport are great and I look forward to getting the sleeves rolled up and working with them.
“This is probably the only opportunity I could see myself leaving the Jersey FA for and I have thoroughly
enjoyed the last four years there.”
Meanwhile, Andy Jehan, the Minister for Infrastructure and Assistant Minister for sustainable economic development, with responsibility for sport, added: “I am extremely delighted with the appointment of David Kennedy and I’m certain he will be an excellent fit for the post. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Jersey Sport team in the future.”
