A NEW chief executive for the GTA University Centre has been appointed.
Simon Le Tocq, who is currently the GTA’s deputy chief executive, will assume the role on 1st March 2015 and takes over from interim chief executive Dr Elaine Monkhouse who is moving to Italy.
‘On behalf of the board I am delighted to be able to make this announcement and I am particularly pleased that the board was able to appoint someone with Simon’s specific knowledge and experience which will provide organisational stability and consistency in the GTA’s continued development. I am looking forward to working with Simon in this important role,’ said chairman of the GTA University Centre board David Leafe.
Dr Monkhouse said Mr Le Tocq was the natural choice to take over.
‘This is good news for Guernsey as it means a continuation of the GTA’s purpose which is to contribute to the success of the Bailiwick by providing excellent postgraduate, professional and technical training on island that meets the future needs of the Island’s businesses and community,’ she said.
Mr Le Tocq joined the GTA in 2008 as a programmes manager and has progressed through the organisation to his current position of deputy chief executive.
He brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to the role having previously worked at the University of Southampton and in China where he was Director of Studies at a private language school in Shanghai. His qualifications include a BA in English and American Lit, an MA in Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching and an MBA from the University of Southampton which he achieved whilst working at the GTA.
As a representative for the GTA, Mr Le Tocq, who is married with two children, has worked closely with Skills Guernsey and the Commerce and Employment Department to help develop a skills strategy for the island.
‘My priority will be to ensure that the GTA continues to develop the right courses and educational services that will meet the current and future needs of the island’s business community. It will be important to increase our collaboration with employers, professional bodies and local training providers on the island to ensure the most effective use of limited resources,’ he said.
He added that he was privileged to work with an experienced and committed team and would be supported by Kate Lenfestey and Duncan Spencer.
‘I am confident that everyone at the GTA is committed to achieving our aims. In Kate and Duncan, I will have the support of an experienced management team who will ensure stability and consistency in the GTA’s approach. Kate will continue her responsibilities for managing administration at the GTA and Duncan will help focus the organisation on business development.’
Kate joined the GTA after spending 10 years working in an HR function within the States of Guernsey. Kate has responsibility for the internal operations of the GTA and also looks after a portfolio of courses within the insurance and law sectors. Qualified as ACIS Kate has also recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing.
Duncan Spencer –
Duncan has an MBA from Warwick University and over 30 years experience in sales and marketing working for multi-national blue chip companies such as 3M, Cap Gemini and NRG International. He has responsibility for business development and marketing, and represents the organisation on Skills Guernsey.