A global tourism leader with more than two decades of experience has been appointed chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Jan Hutton, who worked in various roles in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, will step into her new role from July 1, the quango announced today.

Last June, the BTA confirmed the resignation of Tracy Berkeley, who had worked with the authority since 2020 and served as chief executive since March 2023.

Ms Hutton’s appointment follows a lengthy process that started in August, following which about 80 people applied for the top post.

The BTA board said it recognised Ms Hutton as “a people-centric transformation leader working at the intersection of destination strategy, AI innovation and sustainable growth”.

William “Bill” Griffith, chairman of the BTA, said: “The BTA Board of Directors welcomes Ms Hutton and looks forward to working with her for the ongoing advancement of our tourism product.

“She brings a wealth of experience in destination marketing, digital transformation, and visitor economy strategy across three continents. Her expertise will help drive the BTA mission of making Bermuda a premier destination for visitors.

“Ms Hutton joins the BTA at a critical time when new significant foundations are being laid in our visitor economy — new hotel capacity, airlift development and product investment.

“Her role is to make sure the marketing and commercial strategy is ready to capture and capitalise on what's coming.”

Ms. Hutton said she was “genuinely honoured” to join the BTA.

She said: “I don't take lightly the responsibility that comes with this role. Before I do anything else, I'm here to listen.

“The BTA team has been holding the line through a difficult period — they know this destination, they know this industry, and their perspective is essential. I'm coming in with eyes open.”

Ms Hutton said Bermuda was a rare destination with genuine emotional resonance, a loyal visitor base and a proud tourism legacy.

She added: “Global destination marketing has entered the most transformative period any of us have seen — driven by AI, shifting traveller values, intensifying competition and a fundamental reset in how people choose where to go and why. No destination gets a free pass through that. There is real work to be done.

“Bermuda competes in one of the world's most demanding tourism corridors. We have to earn our place every time. I'm here to do that work, alongside the team, our industry partners and the community who are at the heart of everything we do. This is a shared endeavour, and I'm proud to be part of it.”

Her roles have included Managing Director within Ogilvy Group, Director at Nielsen Company, Chief Marketing Officer roles at Deloitte Consulting, South African Tourism, Destination Gold Coast and Destination NSW.

With global corporations such as Salesforce, Barclays and BHP Group having also shaped her career, the BTA said she is widely regarded as a trusted voice for destinations navigating economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviour.

Ms Hutton has been recognised with numerous industry accolades.

She was listed among Most Impactful Women Shaping Australian Travel & Tourism last year as well as Most Influential CEO in Tourism Strategy in 2023.

She has also served on Australia’s THRIVE 2030 “Reimagining the Visitor Economy” panel as Director on the Griffith Institute for Tourism advisory board.

The BTA said Erin Wright, the acting chief executive, will resume her role as Chief Operating Officer once Ms Hutton takes up the position.

Mr Griffith thanked Ms Wright “for her dedication and leadership” during her tenure in the post.

He said: “She has provided critical stability and continuity for the organisation during a significant transition period, while ensuring the BTA continued to deliver on its core mandate and strategic priorities.

“Under her leadership, the organisation strengthened key stakeholder relationships, advanced important initiatives, and successfully recruited several senior leaders that will help support the BTA’s next phase of growth and transformation.”