Published on 21-Sep-09

Oranjestad -- Sept. 21, 2009 -- The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) and its board of directors is proud to announce the addition of James Richard Hepple as AHATA’s next President and CEO.

Takes over from Rob Smith

Oranjestad-- Sept. 21, 2009 -- The Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) and its board of directors is proud to announce the addition of James Richard Hepple as AHATA’s next President and CEO.

James Hepple is a distinguished tourism professional who holds ample experience in the Caribbean region, and who will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset in the development of programs for AHATA members and in the further promotion of the destination of Aruba. Hepple comes to Aruba from his last post in Saint Lucia, where he held a key position for the Saint Lucia Tourism Board (since 2007). In recent years, Hepple has served in tourism director positions with Trinidad & Tobago (2005-2007), Curacao (2001-2005), Bahamas (1993-2001 and 1983-1989), and with Trusthouse Forte Hotels in Bermuda (1989-1991).

Previous to his Caribbean appointments, he first developed his tourism experience with the English Tourist Board (1973-1976). He later emigrated to Canada and joined the Toronto, Canada office of Pannell Kerr Forster as a consultant working on many hotel related studies. In 1979 he joined the Ottawa office of Thorne Stevenson & Kellogg, as Senior Consultant where he was responsible for numerous tourism marketing and feasibility assignments.

Hepple was born in Hexham, England and holds a PhD in Economic Geography and a First Class Honors BA degree in Geography, both from the University of Hull, Yorkshire, England. He has two children, Cameron 21 and Brittany 18.

AHATA looks forward to welcoming Hepple to Aruba and to the AHATA staff in the fourth quarter of this year, after completing the appropriate legal requirements for his stay on island and on the job with AHATA. Hepple will replace the outgoing AHATA President & CEO Rob Smith, who is scheduled to vacate his current position with AHATA on October 16, 2009.

After completing a successful two-year run as the President & CEO of AHATA, Smith will be assuming responsibilities as the new general manager of the Radisson Aruba. AHATA board, staff and members look forward to his continued participation in the association as a resort GM.