The Anguilla Tourist Board has confirmed the appointment of a new chair and board director in a reshuffle aimed at strengthening governance and leadership.
Sean Richard will take on the role of chair from Cecile Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, whose tenure has been reduced. She will continue as board director.
Meanwhile, Lockhart Hughes has been appointed as a new director, effective 1 June, a press release from the board said on 27 May.
Get members-only articles and editorials, giveaways and discount codes with Anguilla Focus. Click here to join from just $4/month.
Tourism minister Cardigan Connor confirmed the appointments, which he described as “an important step” in advancing the strategic leadership and governance framework of the board.
“Strong and effective board leadership remains essential to supporting the continued growth, sustainability and competitiveness of our tourism industry,” he added.
Connor thanked Vanterpool-Kubisch for her “dedicated leadership, commitment and invaluable contributions” during her tenure.
“Her service has helped guide the board during an important period for Anguilla’s tourism sector, and we are pleased that she will continue to contribute as a member of the board,” he said.
Richard brings more than 20 years of experience in tourism and luxury hospitality management to the role.
He is general manager of TEI Anguilla, doing business as Altamer Luxury Villas, and previously held executive leadership positions at Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club and CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa.
His expertise spans managerial leadership, financial oversight, governance, strategic planning and luxury hospitality management, the board said.
Richard has also excelled in the Caribbean Training Institute (CTI) Good Governance Certification Programme and served as chair of the Anguilla Social Security Board from 2015 to 2020.
He said it is an honour to serve as chair at such an “exciting and progressive time” for Anguilla’s tourism industry.
The new chair is looking forward to working with the Government of Anguilla, the Ministry of Tourism, board directors, ATB management and staff, industry partners and wider tourism stakeholders.
He added that the aim is to “further strengthen Anguilla’s global brand, enhance visitor experiences, and support the sustainable advancement of the destination”.
Hughes brings extensive managerial and hospitality leadership experience, currently serving as general manager of Carimar Beach Club.
His professional background also includes leadership roles at Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club and Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel.
Hughes previously served as a board director of the Anguilla Tourist Board from 2017 to 2019, contributing to destination marketing initiatives, organisational restructuring and the expansion of source markets.
