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A well-known local business guru and Chair of the Association of Jersey Charities has revealed he previously applied for the £250,000-a-year role of Government CEO - but has ruled himself out of running for the top job again.
Following the resignation of the current Government CEO Suzanne Wylie after around just 12 months in office, speculation abounds as to who might be next to become the island's next top civil servant.
Over the course of his nearly 50-year career, Kevin Keen has held a number of senior roles within Jersey business community, including as Chief Executive of Jersey Post, Chairman of Jersey Water, the Managing Director of Jersey Dairy, Director at Visit Jersey and as an Advisor to the States of Jersey.
With such experience, it's perhaps no wonder that some had expected him to throw his hat in the ring.
However, Mr Keen ruled out that possibility on Twitter today, saying he was "fully committed to business and charity work".
For clarity I won’t be applying for @GovJersey ceo role. Reasons:
— Kevin Keen (@keenjersey) March 24, 2023
I am 65
I am fully committed to business & charity work.
But hopeful genuine effort will be made to recruit locally using a local search firm.
Lots of talent here & they will be familiar with our challenges.
He also cited his age as a reason for not seeking to step into Suzanne Wiley's shoes.
Mr Keen added that he hoped to see the job filled by a Jersey person.
During the recruitment process which eventually saw Mrs Wylie appointed, just one of the seven candidates invited to final interview was based on-island.
Pictured: Kevin Keen has ruled himself out of the role of Government CEO.
In the same thread, Mr Keen also confirmed that he had applied for the role in previous years.
"Always happy to help my island but definitely not in this capacity. Also failed last time I applied," he said.
"Even the offer of a 40% discount for my local alternative was not enough to persuade the Jersey Appointments Commission who made the decision."
The successful candidate in the next round of recruitment will be the fourth CEO to have led Jersey's civil service in just three years.
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