Farewell to our General Manager Didier

 

Farewell to our General Manager Didier

Dear Members,

By now you may have heard the news that our skilled and accomplished General Manager Didier Saugy will be leaving us to take up an exciting new position as Executive Director of the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

Over the last five years, Didier has helped steer the Club through probably the most challenging times in our recent history, including the last three years dominated by ever-changing government pandemic regulations, early closing hours, uncertainty over our building lease and the departure from Hong Kong of so many longtime members, friends and colleagues. Throughout it all, and with his calm and unflappable demeanour, Didier has kept the Club on an even keel.

Since I took over as President in January 2021, I’ve come to know Didier as a partner, confidante and friend. I want to extend to Didier my personal thanks and best wishes for his new adventure in my old stomping grounds, Washington D.C. Our loss is the National Press Club’s gain.

Didier will be with us through the end of May and our Annual General Meeting. The Board at the upcoming Saturday meeting will be naming a current member of Didier’s executive management team as interim club manager while a designated search committee conducts a search for a new general manager. The next Board to take office in May after the AGM will be responsible for confirming the new general manager. We want to ensure you there will be a seamless transition. You should not notice any disruption to Club activities.

In the meantime, let’s raise a glass to Didier in thanks for helping get the Club through these tough times. And let’s wish him and his family the best as he leaves behind the Lion Rock for the wonders of Rock Creek Park.

Excelsior! Keith