A member of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s executive team will lead the organisation on an interim basis, the board announced yesterday.

Glenn Jones will act as the CEO “until an executive search can identify a long-term leader” for the public-private body after the sudden resignation of post-holder Kevin Dallas. Mr Jones is the BTA’s chief experience development officer and will continue in that role as well.

Paul Telford, the BTA chairman, said: “Glenn is a Bermudian who has grown and developed within the ranks of the BTA and performed very well in a variety of evolving roles, latterly in the C-suite.

“I have no doubt he will be able to step into the CEO role with strength and confidence during this interim period.

“He has an extremely strong leadership team around him, which I’m certain will support him to the fullest, in liaison with the board. “We’re confident in Glenn’s ability to pilot the BTA on its ever-successful trajectory.”

Mr Jones joined the authority in January 2015 as director of public and stakeholder relations.

He then led the introduction of Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan when he was the BTA’s director of strategy and corporate communications.

The BTA said that Mr Jones headed a team responsible for “empowering Bermuda entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop on-island experiences, driving growth in visitor spending, and maintaining high visitor satisfaction”.

Mr Jones will fill the vacancy left by the departure of Kevin Dallas. Mr Jones said: “I’m proud for the opportunity to lead a team that helped fuel a 37 per cent increase in air arrivals for Bermuda since 2015.

“During this interim period, I hope to inspire our team and the industry to the same principles that got us here — data-driven decision-making, commitment to stakeholder engagement, and strategic focus on the long view.

“At the same time, we’ll be focused on an agile response and innovative thinking to navigate the formidable headwinds we face in the near term.”

Mr Dallas stepped down last month, after three years at the helm, to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

The BTA said the board planned to “expedite timing for the launch of a robust recruitment process for the permanent CEO position, ensuring continuity and ongoing leadership” for the authority, which was launched in 2014.

Tourism minister Zane DeSilva said: “I was thrilled to hear of Glenn’s appointment.

“Having known him for many years and working with him in my capacity as Minister, I have no doubt he is capable of holding the reigns of the BTA until a long-term leader is secured.

“The experience will do him well and I look forward to working with Glenn and the BTA team in achieving the goals and objectives of the National Tourism Plan.”

• UPDATE: This story was amended to add the comment from Zane DeSilva