Entrepreneur Peter Watson is set to take over from Stuart Falla to oversee the regeneration of the island's east coast.

The Guernsey Development Agency was established in April last year, with the goal of regenerating the island's east coast.

Stuart Falla become Chair in July 2022, but on Tuesday (2 May 2023) he tendered his resignation.

In his resignation letter, he said that the recent demise of parts of the Garenne Group - which he helped build - had affected him greatly and led to this decision.

Peter Watson is now set to take on that responsibility.

The entrepreneur founded Vets4Pets and First Contact Health - and moved to Guernsey in 1991. 

Mr Watson had previously expressed interest in the role and put himself forward following Stuart Falla's announcement.

He says he is pleased to be taking on the role:

"While I respect his reasons, I was sorry to hear of Stuart Falla’s resignation. But I share his view that the establishment of an independent agency to develop our east coast is crucial to successfully delivering the sort of development that supports Guernsey’s economic future.

I’m looking forward to working with the States to firmly establish the Agency so we can start to make things happen.”

His application was unanimously supported by the Presidents of the three Committees which provide strategic direction to the Agency: Policy & Resources, Environment & Infrastructure and Economic Development.

President of the Policy & Resources Committee Deputy Peter Ferbrache says he is confident in Mr Watson's ability:

“I’m pleased that Peter has accepted the role of Chair Designate. He was a strong candidate when he first expressed an interest for the role and so I was hopeful he would still be interested in taking it on, and leading in moving the Agency forward.

His business background is up there with the very best, and we’re very lucky to have someone so capable and experienced to pick up where Stuart Falla leaves off.”

Mr Watson will be formally appointed in July following formal approval from the States.