New tourism post for Kevin Keen

Tuesday 22 July 2014

The outgoing Jersey Post boss has taken up the reigns at Visit Jersey – the new body taking over from Jersey Tourism.

Kevin Keen, who previously ran the Jersey Dairy and is a former president of the Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed Transition Director of Visit Jersey from 1 August to the end of January 2015.

The move follows a report that criticised the current Tourism department for having no overall plan, for having effectively managed the decline of the tourism industry and being afraid to innovate and take chances.

That report – by a shadow board of experts – said that a new independent body should replace the Tourism department, and Mr Keen’s appointment is the first step in that process.

Commenting on his appointment, Kevin Keen said: "Being invited to play a small part in tourism’s resumption of growth in the Island is a challenge that I find very exciting.

“As a long-term advocate for the industry, which benefits every resident of Jersey, I am looking forward to this opportunity to work with Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean, the shadow board and the team at Jersey Tourism, to bring Visit Jersey into being."

Mr Keen recently announced that he was standing down from his role as Chief Executive of Jersey Post, where he led an extensive programme of change, including managing the service through the withdrawal of Low Value Consignment Relief – the UK tax rule that allowed an internet mail order fulfilment sector to briefly flourish in Jersey.

The end of that loophole caused the loss of hundreds of jobs, and led to problems at Jersey Post, which had expanded to serve the fulfilment sector.

Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean welcomed the appointment.

He said: “I am delighted Kevin has agreed to accept this role. He has demonstrated, both at Jersey Dairy and Jersey Post, his ability to bring about fundamental change in a quiet but effective way and we know he will approach the task in hand in his usual thoughtful manner.”