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Condor's Executive Chair left the company just as the tender process to choose a new provider for the Channel Islands was originally due to conclude.
Recently published Companies House records show that Russell Martin Kew stopped being a Director of Condor UK Holdings Limited – the investment company in charge of Condor Ferries – on 30 September 2024.
When asked about his departure by Express, a spokesperson for Condor did not comment beyond stating that Mr Kew had retired.
Brittany Ferries and DFDS were the two frontrunners for the Channel Islands' key ferry contract, which has been subject to a procurement process over the past 10 months.
Guernsey unilaterally announced on Wednesday that it intended to “push ahead alone” and enter negotiations with Brittany Ferries, having failed to reach an agreement with Jersey on which company should be given the tender to serve the islands for the next 15 years.
Brittany Ferries is the parent company of Condor, for which the States of Guernsey has previously helped to purchase a ferry and loaned £26m.
In a statement, Jersey's government said there were "further questions that need to be answered" and held crunch talks with Brittany Ferries and DFDS yesterday to obtain more detailed financial information. Economic Development Kirsten Morel said in a confidential memo seen by Express that he wanted reassurance over the financial stability of the operators. Separately, he told Express that he did not want Jersey taxpayers to be left at risk as a result of the 15-year decision.
Jersey's Ministers met at midday today to make their final decision. Discussions remain ongoing, and it's currently expected that their final view will be communicated on Monday.
Meanwhile, Deputy Morel's Guernsey counterpart, Deputy Neil Inder, told Express that he does not believe that taxpayers in the island will be at any risk as a result of its preferred ferry bidder decision. He claimed one of the key considerations had been that DFDS did not have a fleet ready to go.
Pictured: Guernsey's Economic Development President Neil Inder.
Contract negotiations between Brittany Ferries and the States of Guernsey are now beginning – and the door has been "left open" for Jersey.
Follow Express for updates...
Confidential memo sheds light on Jersey's ferry hesitation
TIMELINE: On tender-hooks... The ferry-tale (or nightmare) so far
Fears Jersey "under pressure" while ferry bidder finances remain unclear
Jersey calls for answers as Guernsey goes it alone with Brittany Ferries
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