A new chief executive has been appointed for the Bermuda Hotel Association after “an extensive advertising and recruitment process”.

Greg Ramey, the managing director of BermudAir Holidays — a role that he will retain — assumed the position on October 1.

The BHA launched its search for someone to lead the organisation as it prepared for the retirement of Stephen Todd, who served as chief executive for 12 years.

Mr Ramey joined BermudAir in 2023 and built BermudAir Holidays, the airline’s flight-and-hotel packaging business, from its inception.

Before moving to Bermuda, he was the second employee at Blade, the US short-distance aviation company, and held multiple leadership positions there.

He also cofounded Batch, a venture-backed group travel platform, serving as its chief revenue officer.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Vermont.

Clarence Hofheins, the BHA president, said the board believes Mr Ramey’s overall business experience aligns perfectly with the association’s core objectives.

He added: “The extensive local and international experience that Greg brings to the BHA will permit him to work in close collaboration with the BHA board of directors, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, as well as all industry sectors, in the implementation of a core sales and marketing business model and strategic plan, with oversight by the board, with the objective of achieving measurable and significant growth in our key hospitality industry sector.”

Mr Ramey added: “Bermuda is home for my family, and our hotels are the heartbeat of the visitor experience.

“I’m grateful to Stephen for his 12 years of leadership and for his help with the handover.

“I look forward to working with our members, the BTA, the Bermuda Government and our travel partners to make Bermuda a true year-round destination.”

Mr Hofheins thanked Mr Todd on behalf of the BHA board and association members.