The Bermuda Tourism Authority has a new chief executive officer, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The island’s top tourism agency has appointed Bermudian Charles Jeffers II to the post. 

Jeffers was hired through a global search to fill the office left vacant by former CEO Kevin Dallas, who stepped down in February 2020. 

Jeffers had served most recently as the COO of Visit Baltimore. 

“While global tourism grapples with the fallout of the ongoing pandemic, it’s crucial that tourism’s leadership is in capable hands as we work to get to the other side of the crisis. So, after an exhaustive recruitment exercise, through specialist international tourism recruitment firm SearchWide Global, we are delighted to welcome a home-grown professional with over 26 years of high-level tourism experience to this critical role,” said Philip Barnett, Chairman of the BTA Board HR subcommittee. “Charles’ solid credentials and the passion and purpose he brings as a career destination management executive makes the Board and the Minister confident he is ably suited to lead the team through the post-COVID-19 era and beyond.”

Jeffers’ previous experience includes serving as Chief Operating Officer for Destinations International, a global trade association for destination organizations. 

Glen Jones had been serving as interim CEO since last year. 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Glenn Jones, who assumed the interim role just as the global health crisis hit. His tireless work ethic, adaptability and deft communication skills helped steady tourism’s ship, while keeping our staff and industry stakeholders engaged in the wake of unprecedented disruption this past year,” said Wayne Caines, chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. 

—CJs