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Ports of Jersey’s Chair is set to step down at the end of the year, describing it as an "opportune time" to hand over to a successor to oversee the airport and harbour operator's "ambitious" £200m infrastructure improvement plans.
Mark Chown has completed six years of service after being appointed to the Board in November 2017.
A chartered accountant, Mr Chown brought experience in the private equity, leisure, property and aviation sectors to the role of Chair. He held senior executive and non-executive positions with Flybe Group over 18 years, including as Deputy Chair.
Mr Chown was also previously Senior Operations Advisor on the Governance Board of the now collapsed Jersey Reds, and later a Director of the new company whose purpose was to raise funds from benefactors and pass it on to the rugby club.
Pictured: Mr Chown held senior executive and non-executive positions at Flybe for 18 years.
Following Mr Chown's resignation, the Ports of Jersey’s Board will be chaired by his Deputy, Jeff Hume, from January 2024 until a successor is appointed.
Outlining the reasons for his departure, Mr Chown said: “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.”
A key element of the plan for the coming years is redeveloping Elizabeth Terminal, as well as creating a new ‘lift-on, lift-off’ berth next to the existing ‘ro-ro’ ramps in the Elizabeth Harbour.
During the pandemic, the airport and harbour operator saw its income fall by 38% and it made a £8.2m loss compared to a £12.4m profit in 2019 – but bounced back into the black as travel restrictions lifted.
Over summer, Ports of Jersey was given permission by the Treasury Minister to more than double the amount of debt it can take out to fund its major upgrade plans – with the borrowing ceiling rising from £60m to £150m.
Pictured: The proposed work in the harbour area includes building a suspended deck out from the existing eastern RoRo pier and dredging the seabed.
Treasury Minister Ian Gorst said Mr Chown had “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," he added.
Ports of Jersey CEO Matt Thomas, thanked Mr Chown for his "guidance".
"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," he commented.
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