Hunt for new head begins, to be announced in near future
Rick Hamilton
RACHNA LAL
SUVA
Rick Hamilton has been immediately removed from the role of chief executive of Tourism Fiji by the board of directors. This follows Mr Hamilton’s advice that he had signed an employment agreement for a role in a tourism office of a competing travel destination.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, in a statement, acknowledged Mr Hamilton’s contribution since taking up the role in January the past year.
“Since taking on the role in January 2013 and under guidance of the Board of Directors, Rick has assisted the implementation of an important phase of the organisation’s restructure,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“The board also acknowledges the role Rick played in establishing the team that co-ordinated the successful inaugural Fijian Tourism Expo the past week.
“The organisation is now placed to fit a leader with a skill set necessary for the evolution of Tourism Fiji and its strategic plan.”
Mr Hamilton’s mobile phone was switched off when the Fiji Sun tried to contact him yesterday.
The statement said when Mr Hamilton was appointed chief executive, it was with the understanding that his family would relocate with him to Fiji.
The board was advised after Mr Hamilton began his tenure that their relocation was not possible, and understands his wish to no longer be separated from his family and take up a position in the same location.
Tourism Fiji board of directors are giving careful consideration to potential permanent candidates for the chief executive position. An announcement is expected to be made in the near future.
We sent questions to Tourism Fiji as to whether there will be an acting chief executive whilst the hunt for a permanent one continues.
However, no response was received when the newspaper went on press last night.
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj