Noyes-Thomas to retire from Christel House role

Christel House International has announced that Vivienne Noyes-Thomas, its European development director, is retiring at the end of the year.

A former senior executive at RCI, Noyes-Thomas has been a stalwart of the charity, as well as the timeshare industry, for many years, but has decided to retire, with effect from 1 January 2017.

Vivienne Noyes-Thomas at the recent Christel House Europe golf day

A statement from the charity, which helps children in Africa, India, Mexico and the US to break the cycle of poverty, said it was indebted to Noyes-Thomas for her hard work and dedication to its mission to transform the lives of some of the world’s poorest children.

Christel DeHaan, founder and CEO, said: “We will miss Vivienne a great deal, but the good thing is that our friendship will continue, as will her advocacy for Christel House.”

New director

Looking to the future, the charity is set to welcome Ann Gilchrist who will take over the role of development director for Christel House Europe from 1 January 2017.

Gilchrist has worked for a number of organisations in the timeshare industry, culminating in senior management roles with the Karma Group, and her experience in the industry and strengths in communications and marketing are all set to benefit Christel House. She will be training in Indianapolis during September and report to Noyes-Thomas until year-end when she will fully assume her new responsibilities.

In an open letter to friends and industry colleagues, Noyes-Thomas said the decision to retire had been a difficult one after enjoying a “long and life-enhancing relationship with the world of Christel DeHaan, first at RCI and subsequently with Christel House”.

Ann Gilchrist

Personal pursuits

She added: “After a lifetime of working, it’s time to focus on the future and allow more time for personal pursuits. I am very fortunate to have been able to support Christel House for the past six years and to work with you all – together we have made a significant contribution to the world of those less privileged than ourselves.

“I am deeply grateful to you all for your generous commitment over the years. As well as receiving your wonderful financial support, Christel House Europe has benefited in so many ways from your advice and counsel, enthusiasm and expertise and introductions to new contacts.

“This is a bittersweet decision but I shall always be a passionate advocate for the work of Christel House in a personal capacity – I hope you too will continue your wonderful commitment to transforming so many lives via the Christel House model.”