In October 2011, Kevin Francis took over the CEO role from Matthew Mayne after he unexpectedly resigned in 2011.
Kevin was a more mature look similar to past CEOs Stephen Joyce that left the position to pursue his high profile political career and iconic company founder John Sandford.
Prior to his Jasons role, Kevin spent his early years as an officer in the British Army and after arriving in New Zealand 16 years ago has been involved in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, internet, IT and, the Online / Digital Marketing industries.
From a motel industry point of view, the apparent revolving door of CEOs is not the best look as Jasons reps ready themselves to visit the living rooms of motels throughout the country.
Jasons Travel Media Accepts CEO Resignation
Jasons Travel Media today announced the resignation of its Chief Executive, Kevin Francis, effective 13 May 2013.
Board Chairman John Sandford said he has accepted Mr Francis’ resignation with sadness following an exciting period of change within the company.
“It’s with real regret that the Board of Jasons has accepted Kevin’s resignation”, said Mr Sandford. “His departure is for personal reasons and he is very sorry to be leaving the tight-knit team at Jasons.
“Kevin’s extensive knowledge of quality management, technology and digital marketing has helped re-shape the face of Jasons over the past 18 months. His exemplary performance has seen him engage really well with our customer base, build a highly talented new executive team in the company, and create and lead significant strategic change to restructure and refocus the business around its core functions. Ironically, the work that Kevin has done in restructuring the business and delegating authority means that his departure will be far less disruptive than it might otherwise have been.
Mr Francis says that due to personal circumstances, he needs to focus his energies elsewhere and is unable to offer Jasons the commitment that the role of CEO demands.
“Jasons has been an exciting and rewarding role for me,” said Kevin Francis. “We’ve made significant changes to the direction, structure and overall strategy to ensure that we continue to bring to market the unique multi channel capabilities that no other travel media company in New Zealand can offer. The year ahead looks very positive in realising the benefits of these changes and I will be working with my Chairman and Board on a transition plan over the following few months.
“I am not engaged in other career opportunities. I am a committed supporter and shareholder of Jasons and do not intend to sell my shares in the company”, he said.
Meanwhile John Sandford says the Board and staff of Jasons will be sorry to see Kevin leave.
“We sincerely thank Kevin for his diligence, progress and care with our business. The Board will now undertake a review of future requirements and expects to announce its plans regarding the transition early next month.”
Jasons Travel Media is a multi-channel media company specialising in exciting and dynamic sectors – travel, tourism and leisure.
Ends
For further information please contact:
John Sandford, Chairman
Cell: 021 926 942
3 comments:
Rats leaving a sinking ship
As a former staff at Jasons, I was one who deserted the ship a few months after the appointment of Kevin Francis. In my mind, his appointment was a real disaster for Jasons in terms of staff morale. I am sure he did not resign but was given an option of resigning or be fired.
The first month of Kevin's joining, Greg Runnerstrum who was the marketing Manager was forced out. And then with his authoritarian style of leadership, he tried to impose dress codes - so no t-shirts or jeans and everyone had to be dressed as a business professional. This nearly caused a staff revolt as it meant that almost everyone had to get a change of clothes and a change to company culture.
Things got so bad that Kevin was forced to hire an intermediary (COO) to deal with staff as most of them were now disgruntled with his style of leadership and were not on talking terms with him.
And he had to deal with the resignation of a lot of senior staff including the CFO, Sales Manager, IT Manager and many in the IT team, Finance and Customer team. The turnover during his reign as CEO was around 70%
All in all a total disaster and even after Kevin Francis's departure, Jasons will struggle.
Appreciate you checking-in Anonymous @9:51PM.
Sounds like this was a "character building" experience for you...Trust you have found new employment with a little less stress;-)
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