Jamaican hotelier Shernette Crichton becomes first female managing director at Half Moon

Jamaican hotelier Shernette Crichton has made history at the renowned Half Moon Resort, becoming the property’s first female managing director after a steady rise through the organisation’s ranks.

The appointment was announced on Thursday by George Terpilowski, senior vice president of operations at Salamander Collection, which manages Half Moon Resort. “We felt strongly that it was both imperative and appropriate to elevate Shernette from general manager of Half Moon to managing director,” Terpilowski said, emphasising the confidence placed in her leadership.

Crichton’s promotion was supported by Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection, and Guy Steuart III, chairman of Half Moon, who announced the milestone during the resort’s reopening. Steuart noted the elevation as a “natural progression” in recognition of her longstanding contribution to the resort’s performance and culture.

Crichton’s career 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 and was appointed interim general manager in 2018 before formally assuming the role of general manager prior to her current promotion.

Over the years, Crichton 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. She has also earned numerous accolades, including Caribbean Hotelier of the Year and Jamaica Hotelier of the Year.

Chairman Steuart highlighted her contributions, saying, “Shernette has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to the resort’s culture and people. Her promotion reflects her decades of dedication and her instrumental role in maintaining Half Moon’s international standing.”

Under her guidance, Half Moon Resort has continued to receive global recognition, including Forbes Four-Star ratings and accolades from Condé Nast, Travel + Leisure, and the World Travel Awards, cementing Crichton’s place as a transformative leader in Caribbean hospitality.