Shernette Crichton appointed Half Moon’s first Jamaican managing director

Shernette Crichton has made history again at the Half Moon resort, becoming the first Jamaican and first woman to be appointed managing director of the iconic Montego Bay, St James property.

The announcement was made on Thursday by owner Guy Steuart III during the hotel’s reopening, marking another milestone in Crichton’s decades-long career at the property.

Crichton, who took the helm seven years ago, now joins the ranks of former leaders, including the late Heinz Simonitsch and Richard Whitfield, both Europeans, further cementing her place in the resort’s history.

Her elevation follows a series of accolades in recent years, including being named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year and Jamaica Hotelier of the Year.

Crichton’s journey at Half Moon spans more than three decades, beginning in 1990 as a trainee manager.

She steadily rose through the ranks, serving in roles including assistant sales manager, director of training and education, and hotel manager — becoming the first woman to hold that post in 2007.

She later served as director of resort operations before being appointed interim general manager in 2018, a role she formally assumed before now advancing to managing director.

Over the years, she has been credited with shaping key operational and training programmes at the resort, while maintaining a leadership style grounded in mentorship and hands-on engagement.

Chairman Guy Steuart III described her appointment as a natural progression, noting her longstanding contribution to the resort’s performance and culture.

Crichton is also widely recognised within the tourism sector for her role in maintaining Half Moon’s international standing, with the property earning consistent global accolades, including Forbes Four-Star ratings and recognition from Condé Nast, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards.

Janet.Silvera@gleanerjm.com

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