Chair of Ports of Jersey to step down

The Chair of Ports of Jersey’s Board, Mark Chown, has given notice that he intends to step down at the end of 2023 after completing six years’ service.  The Board will be chaired by his deputy, Jeff Hume, from January 2024 until Mr Chown’s successor has been appointed.

Mr Chown said: “It has been an honour to guide Ports of Jersey, in conjunction with the Government of Jersey, through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, proactively managing the impact on our business, customers, stakeholders and fellow Islanders. We have a strong executive team and dedicated employees led by Chief Executive Matt Thomas, and I am pleased that we have continued to develop our critical air connectivity, grown profitability, and developed exciting investment plans for the Harbour and Airport.

“The Board has agreed an ambitious self-funded business plan which features a £200m investment in much-needed infrastructure at both the Harbour and Airport over the next five years. I have reflected on my future involvement in these well-advanced plans, which will take several years to deliver. I feel that now is an opportune time to hand over to a successor who can provide continuity as these projects come to fruition.”

The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Ian Gorst, said: “Mark has seen the business through really challenging times and Ports of Jersey has emerged in better shape.  The company has a business plan which promises to continue delivering the objectives set at Incorporation. I thank him for his strong and strategic leadership and wish him well in his future.”

Ports of Jersey Chief Executive, Matt Thomas, said: “I would like to thank Mark for his guidance during his time as Chair.  Working with the Board has helped accelerate the development of Ports of Jersey, and Mark has been a valued critical friend to me as Chief Executive and to the management of the wider organisation.”