23 February 2011
The Minister for Treasury and Resources is to lodge a proposition recommending that the States Assembly appoint Baroness Margaret Ford, the existing chairman of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, as Chairman of the States of Jersey Development Company (SoJDC).
Baroness Ford is a nationally recognised figure with strong experience in both the public and private sectors working on regeneration and development projects. She was appointed chairman of the Olympic Park Legacy Company in 2009 by the UK Government and is responsible for securing the long-term development of the Olympic Park after the 2012 Games. She is also chairman of the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company in Scotland which is tasked with regenerating 5 towns on the west coast of Scotland with a combined population of around 90,000.
Baroness Ford was selected after a comprehensive recruitment process both locally and nationally. The process was overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission. Interviews took place earlier this month.
As non-executive chairman of the SoJDC, Baroness Ford will act as an independent representative of the company as it delivers new property development for the States of Jersey. She will be accountable to the Minister for Treasury and Resources and will be responsible for the leadership of the board.
Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Philip Ozouf, said “I’m delighted to recommend the appointment of Baroness Ford to the States Assembly. The Appointments Commission, which consisted of 3 panels including a panel of scrutiny and backbenchers, all reached the unanimous conclusion that, even with a strong list of candidates, Baroness Ford was an outstanding appointment.”
Subject to States approval, Baroness Ford will take up her role in early April following the establishment of the SoJDC. She is currently working with the Treasury Minister, assisting in the selection of 3 non-executive directors. This recruitment process should be completed on Monday 28 February and these appointments will also be taken to the States for agreement alongside that of the chairman.
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