Jersey's airport and harbours to get same chief officer

Senator Alan Maclean hopes the new CEO will be in place by the summer

One senior civil servant will oversee the running of Jersey's harbours and airport in future.

The economic development minister, Senator Alan Maclean, said appointing a group chief executive officer was part of plans to combine the management of the two transport hubs.

He said the airport and harbours had common functions, and the new CEO would focus on making improvements.

But the minister said each department would retain operational leadership.

Last year's resignation of Jersey Airport director Julian Green has provided the opportunity to review the senior management structure at Jersey Airport and Jersey Harbours, Mr Maclean said.

He said it would be one of the objectives of the new CEO to focus on strategic challenges and to improve the efficiencies of both departments.

The role will be advertised locally and nationally.

Senator Maclean said: "Like all States departments, Jersey Airport and Jersey Harbours face some challenging times ahead and the time is right to appoint a dedicated resource to focus on their specific needs and explore future joint opportunities that may be presented."

It is hoped the new head of the harbours and airport will be in the job by the end of the summer.