Paul Luxon has been appointed CEO of Condor Ferries and will take up the role on May 1.
The ferry company, which currently doesn’t have a CEO, said it felt it was time to appoint one.
"With a strong and talented senior management team in place, and an executive chairman to lead the business, there was never a rush to fill the CEO position," said a spokeswoman
"However, the board feels that now is the right time to return to a full time CEO as the business plans for the future and Paul is an outstanding addition to the team."
Luxon will report to executive chairman Russell Kew, who will take more of a strategic role.
A Guernsey resident, Luxon has worked in Jersey and Guernsey for more than 25 years and is a well-known figure in Channel Island political and business life.
He is the current chair of the Jersey Hospitality Association Strategy Group, a Guernsey Sports commissioner and chartered director.
Previously MD of the Channel Islands’ largest food and drink, agency and distribution business, Cimandis, in 2011 he was elected deputy of the States of Guernsey and has since taken the role of minister for the Health and Social Services Department. He will step down from these political roles in April.
"Condor Ferries has a long and proud history of serving our Islands and I’m looking forward to working with the staff and management team to grow the business through delivering an excellent and reliable service," said Luxon.
"Although 2015 has been a challenging year for the business, there are strong foundations from which to build for the future."
