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#1 Dianna Blake-Bennett General Manager Salada Foods Jamaica Limited Businessuite 2019 Top Jamaica Main Market CEO By US$ % Change in Profit after Tax

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Mrs. Dianna Blake-Bennett joined Salada in February 2016 as the Commercial and Corporate Affairs Manager and was promoted to Acting General Manager in August 2016. Mrs. Blake-Bennett has over 15 years’ experience in Sales and Marketing leading in this area in a number of companies including Restaurant Associate, Mothers Enterprises Limited and the Jamaica Co-Operative Credit Union League.

Prior to joining Salada, she was the Sales and Marketing, Manager at Industrial Chemical Company. Mrs. Blake-Bennett holds a Postgraduate Diploma and an Executive Master in Business Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona School of Business.

The Company

Salada Foods Jamaica Ltd is the largest coffee processing company in Jamaica and the only soluble coffee processing plant in the Caribbean. We are the home of the renowned Jamaica Mountain Peak brand of coffees and instant teas.

Business Performance

Our 60th year as a company was truly historic.  We hit revenue of $1.041 billion and returned net profit of $219.18 million as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives – grow exports, introduce new products in the local market to improve our market share, improve factory utility and make Salada a great place to work.  It is our belief that delivering on these strategic pillars will improve shareholder value.

The introduction of a cess in April of USD$1.41 per kg on the importation of green coffee beans, the main raw material in our operations, impacted our bottom line adversely by $20 million. Since then, we have been lobbying Government to remove the cess on commodity grade and priced green coffee beans, as this is not available locally. If the cess remains, our bottom line will take a $90 million hit in the coming fiscal year.

Economically, the past year was a relatively stable one. There was growth in several sectors of our economy, lower unemployment aided disposable income availability which contributed to our revenue growth. Fluctuations in the exchange rate mid-year were concerning but by the last quarter of the year there was relative stability and our US investment portfolio was not negatively impacted.

The performance of LASCO in the distribution of brands is exemplary, sales to trade was $655 million, growing 13% above prior year.

Export sales grew by 21% above last year to $146.36 million as our collective efforts with our distribution partners in the United States, Canada and Barbados were successful.  Growth in the US was 10% year over year, with the Northeast showing signs of recovery posting 14% growth over last year. The Canadian and Barbadian markets grew year on year by 440% and 220% respectively.

Group Operating Profit & Net Profit Operating profit improved by 237.38% to $270.07 million, $33.70 million of this total was a write back relating to termination of medical benefits associated to retired employees.

Operationally, selling and promotional expenses increased by $12.15 million above last year’s $32.77 million which was associated with the launch of our Mountain Bliss 876 brand.

As Management paid focused attention, administrative expenses were curtailed at $118,348 million in comparison to $112,913 million prior year restated without retirement benefits.

Net profit of $219.18 million, our best to date, was the result of our increased revenue, lower operational expenses and improvements to finance income earnings due to foreign exchange gains.

Sales & Marketing

Launching our newly acquired Mountain Bliss 876 brand (MB876) was the centre of our marketing thrust as we sought to gain distribution presence and share of mind. At year-end we had attained 70% distribution of the two sku’s- MB876 gold and classic in supermarkets across the island.

Our flagship brands Jamaica Mountain Peak Coffee and Ginger products broke new ground as we executed on our strategic platform to engage a younger consumer base. We launched several activities on our university campuses, primarily The University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of Technology (UTECH), including a loyalty card with our campus partner Narda’s Coffee Shop and sponsorship of UWI 5K to assist students with tuition were a few of the activities that has endeared our brands to them. Social media activities played a pivotal role in the brands gaining our younger consumers’ attention and loyalty. Operations & Quality Full introduction of flexi work week in our packaging operations positively impacted cost of labour with the resultant improvements to factory overheads and gross margins.

In October, the first month of the new fiscal year, we had a boiler accident. It took longer than expected to get the boiler back up, thus production was affected for the first two months of the new year and will impact our first quarter results.  Operations resumed in December and we have in place plans which will realign our performance going forward.

We continue to operate as a certified Safe Quality Foods (SQF) manufacturing facility and were re-certified in November 2018. Subsidiaries During the year significant efforts were made to divest Salada’s shares in the Pimora subsidiary, but without success.  Production and sales of Pimora smokers were discontinued, this caused a further impairment of the assets, with a resultant net loss of $6.5 million.

Mountain Peak Food Processors Limited continues to operate as the distribution arm of the Group and posted profits for the second year running.

Corporate Social Responsibility

We continue to execute our plan to have Jebb Memorial Basic School certified as an early childhood facility. This year, a breakfast programme was instituted to help children that come to school without that very important meal. Additionally, classrooms were tiled, and industrial strength ceiling fans installed, which were required components for certification.  We continue to finance their lunch, yard maintenance and pest control programmes.  Our support continues to engender community support and goodwill.

Outlook

Economic Conditions Jamaica’s macro-economic outlook is positive, with unemployment trending downwards and inflation set to be relatively stable at 4%. We expect that domestic sales will continue to grow as our strategies to enter new channels and eek out new opportunities in existing channels are realized.

Exports too, are expected to continue its upward trajectory with us capitalizing on the performance in the United States, Canada and Barbados whilst seeking opportunities in other markets.

We will continue to leverage our manufacturing expertise and capitalize on our contract manufacturing segment while developing new products for future introduction.

Social media straddled with the use of traditional media sources will remain the main platforms utilized in the execution of our selling and promotional activities as we undertake to convert brand awareness into consumption of our products.

Our biggest risks are the changes to the regulatory environment and the lack thereof of a transparent policy that governs the coffee industry and specifically the importation of coffee beans since the country does not produce commodity grade or priced coffee for manufacturing.  We will continue to lobby Government to ensure that a policy is put in place and to ensure that our manufacturing interest is considered.

As we continue to grow shareholder value, management will continue to pay keen attention to key areas of the business.

Dianna Blake-Bennett General Manager Salada Foods Jamaica Limited

To view full 2018 Annual Report click HERE

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Businessuite Women

Corporate Movements: Margaret Campbell Appointed CEO of GKMS Group; Lee-Anne Bruce Named COO

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GraceKennedy Limited (GK) is pleased to announce leadership changes at GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS) as part of its ongoing succession plan and strategic talent development and deployment.

Effective April 1, 2025, Margaret Campbell will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GKMS Group. Campbell, who has worked with GKMS for over 25 years, has served as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2020. She joined GKMS in 1996 and has held several leadership roles during her tenure including, Financial Controller, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Country Manager for GKMS Jamaica. A Fellow Certified Chartered Accountant, Campbell also holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Manchester and serves on several GK subsidiary boards. She is also the current President of the Jamaica Money Remitters Association.

Frank James, Group CEO of GraceKennedy, expressed confidence in Campbell’s leadership, stating, “Margaret has demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional value and convenience to our customers across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, in keeping with our vision of being the number one Caribbean brand in the world. I have no doubt she will continue to drive GKMS forward.”

Grace Burnett, CEO of GKFG, added, “Margaret’s industry expertise and strategic approach make her the ideal person to lead GKMS into the future. Her experience and passion for operational excellence will be instrumental as GKFG continues to grow and evolve.” The announcement of Campbell’s appointment comes as Burnett, who has led GKMS since 2019, prepares to retire from GraceKennedy later this year.

Lee-Anne Bruce

Additionally, GraceKennedy has named Lee-Anne Bruce as the new COO of the GKMS Group, also effective April 1, 2025. Bruce holds a bachelor’s degree from the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. With over a decade in senior leadership roles at GK, she has served as Group Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and most recently, Chief Audit Executive. She began her career at GK in 2003, when she played a key role in GKMS’ expansion into the Eastern Caribbean.

Margaret Campbell, incoming GKMS CEO, welcomed Bruce’s appointment, stating, “Lee-Anne is no stranger to GKMS and her extensive experience and understanding of our business will undoubtedly be invaluable in her new role.”

In light of the leadership changes at GKMS, Judith Chung, Group Chief Compliance Officer & Senior Legal Counsel, will act as Chief Audit Executive of GraceKennedy Limited, while Jason Bailey, Head of Risk, will temporarily assume responsibility for the Compliance portfolio.

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Businessuite Women

GraceKennedy Limited (GK) Announces Additional Leadership Changes

These leadership changes align with the Company’s commitment to fostering a performance-driven culture while promoting innovation and consumer centricity.

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GraceKennedy Limited (GK) has announced key leadership changes set to take effect in 2025 as part of the Company’s succession plan.

Effective February 14, 2025, Andrea Coy will assume the role of CEO of GraceKennedy Foods, a move which will see the integration of the domestic and international segments of GK’s food division under a single leadership structure.

Since joining GraceKennedy in 2005 as Hi-Lo’s Financial Controller, Coy has held several key leadership roles within GK, including General Manager of Hi-Lo Food Stores and World Brands Services, CEO of Hardware & Lumber, Senior General Manager of the GK Foods Global Category Management Unit, and CEO of GK Foods Domestic. She has led GK’s international food operations since 2018 and is a member of the GK Executive Committee. Under her leadership, both GK’s domestic and international food businesses recorded significant growth in revenues and profitability. Coy holds degrees in Accounting from the University of the West Indies and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica. She specializes in Turnaround Management and has completed advanced studies in the field at Harvard Business School. She serves on the Board of the Bank of Jamaica.

Later this year, following a distinguished 25-year career at GK, Grace Burnett will retire as CEO of the GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG), effective August 14, 2025. Upon her retirement, Steven Whittingham, the current Deputy CEO of GKFG, will step into the role of CEO, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.

Grace Burnett

Burnett joined GK in 2000 and has held several key leadership roles within the Group. She previously served as Managing Director of GK General Insurance and Allied Insurance Brokers, where she led strategic operations for GK’s insurance business. From 2014 to 2019, she was the CEO of GK’s Insurance Segment, driving growth and innovation in the sector. An attorney-at-law, she has been the CEO of GKFG since 2016 and holds the position of the President & CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services. She is also a member of the GK Executive Committee. Well-known for her expertise in customer service, operations, and talent development, Burnett has earned accolades both within GK and externally. Her outstanding contributions to the insurance industry and exemplary leadership were formally recognised in 2024 when she received the prestigious Insurance Association of Jamaica Leadership Excellence Award.

Steven Whittingham

Whittingham joined GK in 2013 and has been Deputy CEO of GKFG since 2022, overseeing the Group’s Insurance Segment, merchant banking, and investment portfolios. He is a member of the GK Executive Committee and leads GK’s digital transformation. He has held various leadership roles within GK, including Chief Investment Officer of GraceKennedy Limited, Chief Operating Officer of GKFG, President of First Global Financial Services and Managing Director of GK Capital Management. During his tenure he has been instrumental in driving GK’s expansion through strategic mergers, acquisitions, and greenfield startups, consistently delivering impressive growth across portfolios. Whittingham holds dual degrees in Systems Engineering and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. In 2024 he was appointed Chairman of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and he has served on several public and private sector boards.

These announcements come as GK prepares for another major leadership transition later this week. Last month, the Company confirmed that Group CEO, the Honourable Don Wehby, CD, OJ, will retire on February 14, 2025, stepping down from the Board of Directors after a distinguished tenure.

He will be succeeded by Frank James, current CEO of GK Foods Domestic and former Group CFO. GraceKennedy remains steadfast in its commitment to executing its strategy and ensuring excellence across all its operations.

These leadership changes align with the Company’s commitment to fostering a performance-driven culture while promoting innovation and consumer centricity. As the GK team strives to achieve its vision of becoming the number one Caribbean brand in the world, these appointments will provide continuity and strategically position GraceKennedy for sustained growth and innovation in the years ahead.

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The Rise of Female-Led Companies in the Caribbean: Driving Business Success and Breaking Barriers

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The corporate landscape in the Caribbean is experiencing a transformative shift as more women assume leadership roles, enhancing company performance and fostering diverse, inclusive work cultures. This trend is not only contributing to breaking the corporate glass ceiling but is also producing measurable business success. Studies reveal that female-led companies tend to outperform their male-led counterparts, benefiting from unique perspectives and leadership approaches that drive innovation and resilience.

One such example is Audrey Tugwell Henry, President and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, who has championed initiatives supporting women-led businesses through programs like the Scotiabank Women Initiative in Jamaica. This initiative aids women entrepreneurs and business owners with access to financial resources, networking, and mentorship, crucial for enabling their businesses to thrive. Under Henry’s leadership, Scotiabank has established the Caribbean Inclusion Council, focusing on fostering diversity and supporting the advancement of female professionals across the region. Henry’s involvement in the Scotiabank Caribbean Network’s Mentorship Program also highlights her commitment to nurturing future leaders, reinforcing a culture where female professionals are equipped to break through barriers in corporate leadership.

 

Melanie Subratie, Chairman and CEO of Stanley Motta Limited, has also made strides by assembling the Caribbean’s first all-female board of directors, a move that exemplifies female empowerment in the region. This leadership model helps to combat stereotypes and serve as a beacon for other companies.

A recent S&P Global study corroborates the advantages of female leadership, finding that companies led by women experience greater stock price appreciation and improved profitability. This impact is not isolated to the Caribbean; internationally, firms with gender-diverse boards and executives often see benefits like better financial returns and more robust decision-making, attributed to the inclusive perspectives women bring.

The broader Caribbean is seeing more female executives shaping policies that foster inclusivity and drive long-term business success. For example, across the Caribbean, there has been an increase in programs and policies that promote gender equality on boards, a trend aligned with research by the World Economic Forum indicating that companies with a greater share of female leaders tend to outperform their peers in productivity and innovation. As these leaders pave the way for upcoming generations, they provide valuable mentorship, reinforcing a sustainable talent pipeline that will likely benefit the Caribbean’s economic and social development.

With the region’s growing emphasis on female representation, Caribbean businesses are well-positioned to leverage the diverse insights women leaders bring. This shift holds promise for not only driving business growth but also creating a legacy of equality and opportunity in the region’s corporate framework.

Businessuite Highlights A Few Of These Female Business Leaders Driving Business Success And Breaking Barriers

Melanie Subratie: Visionary Leadership at Stanley Motta Limited

As the Chairman and CEO of Stanley Motta Limited, Melanie Subratie has driven a unique transformation in commercial real estate, spearheading growth that emphasizes technological advancement and sustainable infrastructure. Melanie’s leadership portfolio spans various sectors, holding high-level roles across numerous companies, including Musson (Jamaica) Limited, Seprod Limited, and PBS Group. Her guidance has established Stanley Motta as a key player in business process outsourcing (BPO) with 58 HWT, one of the Caribbean’s largest technology parks.

Stanley Motta’s recent performance reflects her strategic vision: the company reported a 95.8% increase in Net Operating Income, reaching J$1.86 billion, and total comprehensive income rose by 111.2% to J$1.77 billion. Shareholder equity grew 26% to J$7.66 billion, and the market capitalization stood strong at J$4.08 billion at the end of 2023. This robust financial position signals the company’s ongoing success and its potential for further expansion under Subratie’s direction. Moreover, with an all-female board that includes experts like Blondell Walker and Sandra Glasgow, Stanley Motta is a trailblazer in championing gender diversity in corporate leadership.

Anya Schnoor and Audrey Tugwell Henry: Strengthening Scotia Group Jamaica Limited

Anya Schnoor, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Audrey Tugwell Henry, President and CEO, are redefining leadership at Scotia Group Jamaica Limited (SGJL). With over three decades in the financial sector, Schnoor’s strategic vision has been essential in aligning SGJL with global standards, positioning it as a premier financial institution in the Caribbean. Tugwell Henry, with a strong focus on empowering women, spearheaded the Scotiabank Women Initiative, providing crucial support for women-led businesses.

Under their leadership, SGJL’s financial results for the year ending October 31, 2023, are impressive. Net income rose by 67% to J$17.2 billion, a testament to their operational efficiency and risk management. SGJL continues to invest in digital innovations, with initiatives such as the improved Online Banking platform and Q-Flow automated queuing system, enhancing customer experience. With a productivity ratio of 49.81% and a Return on Equity of 15.15%, SGJL’s commitment to shareholder value and operational excellence is evident. The recent launch of Scotia Protect, a digital-first insurance subsidiary, marks a new chapter for SGJL, aligning with the bank’s strategy to diversify services and deepen its market reach.

Daniela Bucaro and Ginelle Lambie: Navigating Growth at Unilever Caribbean

Daniela Bucaro

At Unilever Caribbean, Daniela Bucaro, Chair, and Ginelle Lambie, Managing Director (Ag.), are leading an ambitious shift towards profitable growth amidst challenging market conditions. Bucaro, a marketing expert, and Lambie, a seasoned finance professional, bring a balanced leadership approach that addresses both consumer insights and financial resilience. Under their stewardship, Unilever Caribbean has focused on expanding its Beauty and Personal Care line, which now accounts for 52.6% of total revenue—a significant increase from 39.8% in the previous year.

Ginelle Lambie:

Despite a 20.1% decline in revenue due to economic pressures, Unilever Caribbean achieved a 393.5% increase in Profit Before Tax, reaching $26.5 million. Cost optimization measures improved operating margins to 12.4%, underscoring the team’s commitment to sustainable, profitable growth. Unilever Caribbean’s dedication to delivering shareholder value is evident, with total dividends reaching $0.56 per share, supported by a robust cash reserve and favorable retained earnings.

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Who is Marlene J. Street Forrest, Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Group?

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Transforming the JSE into a Global Benchmark
Dr. Marlene J. Street Forrest, CD, JP, has been a transformative figure at the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), serving as its Managing Director for nearly 20 years. She is credited with steering the Exchange into a modern era characterized by transparency, technological innovation, and diversified offerings. Under her leadership, the JSE has seen major milestones, including the demutualization of the organization and the establishment of the Junior Market and the US Dollar Denominated Market. These initiatives have significantly increased capital accessibility for businesses and bolstered the Exchange’s regional and global profile​

A Career Defined by Leadership and Vision
Dr. Street Forrest’s journey in financial services and leadership spans multiple sectors, both in Jamaica and internationally. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies and an MBA from Barry University in Florida. Her academic grounding paved the way for a career marked by strategic vision and operational excellence. Recognized as a Certified Business Consultant, she has brought expertise in enterprise risk management, cybersecurity, and governance to her work at the JSE​

Celebrated Achievements and Global Recognition
Her contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the Order of Distinction (Commander Rank) in 2016 and the Afroglobal Excellence Award for Global Impact the same year. She has also been recognized as a Business Leader of the Decade and honored with an honorary Doctorate in Public Policy by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in 2021. Her authored works, such as On Leadership: Discipline, Discretion, and Daring, offer insights into her philosophy and strategies for effective leadership​.

Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Dr. Street Forrest overcame significant challenges through a combination of resilience, strategic networking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her success reflects her ability to lead with integrity while navigating the complexities of the financial sector.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for the JSE
With Dr. Street Forrest set to retire, her successor will need to embody characteristics of innovation, foresight, and adaptability to sustain and surpass her achievements. The incoming leader will face the challenge of continuing digital transformation, expanding market reach, and maintaining the JSE’s reputation as a global benchmark in financial services.

The legacy of Dr. Marlene J. Street Forrest will undoubtedly serve as a guiding beacon for the next era of leadership at the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

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Who Is Hon. Fayval Williams, Jamaica’s New Minister of Finance and Public Service?

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Trailblazing Leadership
Hon. Fayval Williams recently made history as Jamaica’s first female Minister of Finance and Public Service, appointed on November 1, 2024, following Dr. Nigel Clarke’s transition to his new role as Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund. This appointment marks a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s governmental landscape, reflecting a strong commitment to gender representation at the highest levels of public service leadership. Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted this move as part of a broader strategy to shift towards aggressive economic growth policies​

A Career Marked by Excellence
Before her groundbreaking role as Finance Minister, Williams served as Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Youth, and Information, where she tackled critical reforms in education policy and skills development. She has also held positions in the private sector, including as a Senior Vice President at Cable & Wireless Jamaica and as Chief Financial Officer at Air Jamaica. Her extensive financial expertise, underscored by a strong academic background—including an MBA from The Wharton School and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University—has prepared her for the intricacies of managing public finances​

Vision for Jamaica’s Future
As Finance Minister, Williams is expected to focus on accelerating Jamaica’s economic growth while maintaining fiscal discipline, a hallmark of her predecessor’s tenure. She inherits a robust financial portfolio, but her challenge lies in building on Jamaica’s economic stability to drive transformative development initiatives. With a senior advisor in financial strategy, Alok Jain, supporting her, Williams is positioned to engage with private sector stakeholders to create impactful partnerships​

Looking Ahead
Williams’s leadership underscores her ability to break barriers, adapt to complex challenges, and inspire through innovation. As she embarks on this historic journey, her tenure promises to reshape Jamaica’s fiscal policies and growth trajectory, setting a new benchmark for inclusive leadership in the region.

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