Bermudian Paul Telford has been appointed general manager of The Shore Club Turks and Caicos, the only resort on Long Bay Beach, Providenciales.

He was previously managing director at Rosewood Bermuda from 2015 until May, and is chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

In a statement, The Shore Club said Mr Telford brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the 106-room luxury resort, where he will oversee all functions of the property.

“Telford’s easy going and energetic spirit perfectly complements the resort’s playful and vibrant atmosphere. Telford’s extensive hospitality career encompasses a management progression starting in food and beverage at the age of 18 where he worked as a bus boy at the Elbow Beach Hotel in Bermuda, then evolving through a variety of other divisions including spa and wellness, activities and rooms, and eventually to operations as a general manager,” the statement said.

Mr Telford’s international experience includes roles in Washington DC, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Bermuda, where he worked with brands like Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, as well as independently owned and operated properties.

Kevin Dallas, CEO of the BTA, said: “We commend Paul on this well-deserved executive appointment that underscores his impressive career journey to date.

“While we will miss him in Bermuda, we are proud to salute a Bermudian who represents a stellar example to young people looking to advance in the hospitality industry.”

He added: “One of the BTA’s core mandates is to support and encourage talent into tourism, and there can be no better example of home-grown talent who has risen through the ranks of the hotel business, and excelled every step of the way.

“We thank him for his service to Bermuda tourism and look forward to continuing to benefit from his expertise at the BTA.”

Mr Telford will continue to lead the BTA to the end of this year, and will remain a director through autumn 2020.

Stan Hartling, owner and chief executive officer of The Hartling Group, said: “It is an honour to have Paul join The Hartling Group as the general manager of The Shore Club.

“Paul has a strong operations background and we’re confident he will produce results, contribute innovative ideas and challenge our team to be the best they can be.”

Mr Telford said: “I’m excited and honoured to be moving on to this next stage of my career.

“I’m so proud to have been part of our national effort to rebuild Bermuda’s tourism and to have witnessed the recent rejuvenation of the industry as a result of the BTA team’s innovative and proactive approach. I will continue to serve the authority and remain committed to supporting Bermuda’s efforts to ensuring our island’s tourism product grows and thrives.”

The Shore Club Turks and Caicos is Travel + Leisure magazine’s No. 1 resort in the Caribbean in 2019.