Spur Tree Spices Jamaica Limited (Spur Tree Spices) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kareem Tomlinson, as a Non-Executive Director with effect from September 15, 2024. Spur Tree Spices also wishes to advise that Mr. Kareem Tomlinson has been appointed to serve as a member of the Audit & Risk Committee as from September 19, 2024.

Wigton Windfarm Limited trading as Wigton Energy (“WIG”) has advised that it has appointed Mr. Norman Naar as WIG’s Chief Commercial Officer effective September 16, 2024. This new appointment comes in the wake of the changes that were made to the leadership and organizational chart in August 2023 and specifically related to the job position of Business Development and Innovation Manager, which job title has been changed to that of Chief Commercial Officer.

iCreate Limited, formally announces the appointment of Dr. Nick Rowles-Davies to the Board of Directors of iCreate Limited, effective September 9, 2024. Dr. Rowles-Davies will also assume the roles of Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Committee. His appointment is a critical part of our planned transition from iCreate Limited to Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited, as we build a world-class diversified investment holding company.

iCreate Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Rochelle Burnett as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Rochelle Burnett brings over a decade of experience in the digital and creative industries, with a strong background in operations and project management. Her career has included leadership roles at Tiny Robot Solutions, Muse 360 Integrated Limited, and Toucan Limited, where she managed major projects for leading brands such as Guinness, Heineken, GraceKennedy, and Grupo Campari.

Medical Disposables & Supplies Limited (MDS) is pleased to announce that, effective August 13, 2024, Mrs. Sheree Martin was appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company’s Board of Directors. Mrs. Martin has also been appointed as a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. MDS also wishes to advise that Mr. Christopher Williams has been appointed as Mentor to the Board of Directors, with an effective date of August 13, 2024.

Mr. Ian McNaughton, has joined Fosrich Company Limited’s executive team as Chief Operating Officer, reporting to the Managing Director, overseeing the daily operations of the stores located throughout the island among other responsibilities. Mr. McNaughton holds a Masters in Business Administration and a BSc. in Management Studies. Prior to joining Fosrich Company” Limited, he held senor positions in several. Private sector organizations.

LASCO Distributors Limited (LASD) has advised that Mrs. Hortense Edwards, a Senior Manager resigned from the Company, effective September 13, 2024.

Agostini’s Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dino Besomi as the Group Chief Strategy Officer, effective 1st September 2024. Mr. Besomi brings a wealth of experience in strategic consulting and advisory roles, most recently working with healthcare and finntech startups in his native Chile. He also spent several years at McKinsey & Co. in London and Florida, focusing on clients in the retail, pharmaceutical, and financial services sectors. Mr. Besomi holds an MBA from IMD in Switzerland, as well as an MSc and a first degree in Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Mr. Avinash Bissessar, Group Chief Investment Officer JMMB Group has tendered his resignation, effective September 18, 2024. Mr. Bissessar has made the difficult decision to leave his JMMB family to explore other opportunities for his personal growth and development . The JMMB team wishes Mr. Bissessar all the very best in his new endeavors. We are grateful for his impeccable and tireless service to JMMB. Mr Paul Gray Group Executive Special Projects, will return to the role of Group Chief Investment Officer on September 18, 2024. Mr Gray held this role prior to being seconded to our Dominican Republic operations, in the capacity Interim Country Head, in January 2017 when we needed his blend of leadership skills and experience to support their effective integration into the Group.

The Board of Directors of PROVEN Group Limited, hereby notifies the Jamaica Stock Exchange that it has received notice from PROVEN Management Limited (the Investment Managers of the Group) that Mr. Christopher Williams, the long-standing CEO of PROVEN Management Limited (“PML”) and co-founder of PROVEN Group Limited, will retire from hisrole in PML’s day-to-day operations effective January 31, 2025. Christopher Williams has served as President & CEO of PROVEN Management Limited since inception and January 31, 2025 marks a significant milestone, as it will be the fifteenth anniversary of the Group, which has benefited from his dynamic and visionary leadership at PML. Over this period, PROVEN has grown into one of the Caribbean’s premier providers of financial solutions, with significant strategic expansion, including the launch of PROVEN Wealth (Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Barbados), PROVEN Properties, PROVEN Private Capital and PROVEN Bank (with operations in St. Lucia and the Cayman Islands). While retiring from daily executive operations, Williams will remain a significant shareholder, active director of PML, and member of the Investment Management Committee and will continue to sit on the board of directors of a number of PROVEN Group’s subsidiaries. In these capacities, Williams’ expertise, strategic insight, and guidance will remain an invaluable asset to the ongoing growth and success of the Group.

Wisynco Group Limited (Wisynco) wishes to advise our shareholders and the investing public of the following change to our executive management team, in accordance with the main market rules of the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Wisynco is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Tabitha Athey as Chief Commercial Officer, effective July 1, 2024. She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in commercial strategy and sales management, and we are confident that her expertise will drive Wisynco to new heights.

Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Limited (JSE:CPJ) (“CPJ”) announced that A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited (JSE:ASBH) (“ASBH”) has acquired a
44.8% strategic stake in CPJ.  Nicholas Hospedales was appointed Chief Executive Officer of CPJ effective July 9, 2024. Mr. Hospedales is a senior executive at ASBH, having previously led its food and grocery, premium beverage and operations units over the last decade. Prior to his roles at ASBH, Mr. Hospedales held various regional leadership roles at Nestle. Richard Pandohie, the Chief Executive Officer of ASBH was appointed Chairman of CPJ effective July 9, 2024. Tom Tyler, CPJ’s Co-Founder was appointed Deputy Chairman of CPJ and will serve as a consultant to the Company focused on customer and supplier relationships and business development opportunities. Mark Hart and Candace Hart will remain the Directors of CPJ. In addition to Mr. Pandohie and Mr. Hospedales, ASBH directors Nicholas Scott, Michael Conyers and David Franco were appointed new directors of CPJ replacing Christopher Berry, Konrad Berry, Camille Shields, Frank O’Dowd and Mark Hall who has resigned.

tTech Limited announced, following a meeting of its Board of Directors on July 12, 2024. Effective July 12, 2024: Messrs. Kevin Gordon and Rob Mayo-Smith were appointed directors of the company.
Mr. Norman Chen resigned as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kevin Gordon was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer.
The Directors thank Norman for his service and leadership during his period with the company. His leadership as CEO since December 2022, has been instrumental in navigating the company through significant changes and challenges. His dedication and vision have contributed significantly to the Company’s growth and positioned tTech as a leader in the industry. and we wish him every success in his future endeavours. Mr. Chen continues to serve as a director. Kevin Gordon and Rob Mayo-Smith are the owners of Simply Secure Limited, a company which acquired 49.1% of the issued ordinary shares of tTech Limited. Both Kevin and Rob are experienced executives in the Telecommunications and Information Technology sectors, and the company looks forward to benefitting from their experience and expertise.

Access Financial Services Limited (AFS) wishes to advise of the changes in the leadership positions within the Board of Directors, as decided in the recent Board meeting held on June 27, 2024. The Executive Chairman, Mr. Marcus James requested a one-year leave of absence from his role effective June 27, 2024. During this period, Mr. James will continue to serve on the Board. His request was granted, and Mr. Michael Shaw was subsequently appointed as the new Chairman of the Board. Mr. Shaw brings extensive leadership experience in the financial sector, having served in senior positions where he consistently exceeded targets, improved efficiency, and delivered strong financial results. Additionally, the Board has appointed Mrs. Charmaine Boyd-Walker as the Chairman of the Audit & Risk Management Committee. Mrs. Boyd-Walker has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, with significant expertise in audit and accounting standards, internal controls, compliance, and risk management. The Board has full confidence in these changes and looks forward to the exceptional contributions that the new appointees will make in their respective roles.

Access Financial Services Limited (AFS), wishes to advise of the resignation of Ms. Sherri Murray as Company Secretary of the Board, effective July 8, 2024. The Board extends its gratitude to Ms. Murray for her contributions and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours. AFS further advises that Ms. Carla Stephens-Mullings has been appointed as the new Company Secretary, effective July 9, 2024.

The JPS Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Hugh Grant as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment takes effect on August 1, 2024. Hugh Grant has more than twenty-five years of experience in the utility business, with extensive industry knowledge across the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors of the industry. He joins JPS from Consolidated Edison Company, the energy company that serves the ten million people of New York and Westchester in the US. In his most recent position, Grant served as the vice president of Steam Operations at Con Edison. In this capacity, he was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and the P&L of the district steam business in Manhattan, a system that has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of any energy system in New York City. During his time at Con Edison, Grant served in a variety of positions, with increased responsibility and impact on the company. Prior to his most recent assignment, Grant was the vice president of Substation Operations and was responsible for the more than one hundred electric transmission and distribution substations throughout the service territory, serving a customer demand of over 13,000MW.Grant is of Jamaican origin. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Florida International University in Miami, Florida, a Master of Science degree in information
systems from Pace University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in New York City.

The management of Radio Jamaica Limited (RJL), the parent company in the RJRGLEANER Communications Group (“the Group”) advises that a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) designate, Ms. Karla Stephens-Hall has been identified. Ms. Stephens-Hall started work at the Group on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) wishes to advise that Mrs. Clair-Ann Kennedy the CEO of Supreme Ventures Services Limited and Ibet SV Ghana resigned effective 30 June 2024.  Mrs Kennedy has been a valuable and respected member of the SVL Group Executive team. SVL thanks her for the hard work and commitment that she has displayed during her tenure with the Group. Mrs Kennedy will be pursuing other interests and personal projects. In the interim period, Ms. Krista-Gaye Fisher SVP Legal, Regulatory and Compliance will assume the responsibilities of CEO for SVSL.

Mr. Doug Hewson resigned from the Portland JSX Limited (PJX) Board effective July 12, 2024 and Mr. Ricardo Hutchinson was appointed a Director and Board Chairman effective on the same date.

“As the JSE looks to the future, it will be crucial to find a leader who can match, if not exceed, Dr. Street Forrest’s impressive legacy.”

Introduction
Dr. Marlene Street Forrest, who has led the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) for nearly two decades, is set to retire, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and resilience. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements and overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, setting a high bar for her successor.

Accomplishments and Achievements
Dr. Street Forrest’s tenure at the JSE has been transformative. Under her leadership, the JSE has seen a notable increase in market activity, listings, and the introduction of new financial instruments.

She spearheaded the launch of corporate secretarial services to assist smaller companies in maintaining compliance and accurate reporting, which is crucial for their growth and sustainability​​.

In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Dr. Street Forrest received several prestigious awards, including the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) in 2016 and the Afroglobal Excellence Award for Global Impact from Canada the same year​.

Her efforts have not only enhanced the visibility and credibility of the JSE but have also contributed significantly to Jamaica’s economic resilience and development.

Overcoming Challenges
Leading the JSE in a male-dominated industry came with its challenges. Dr. Street Forrest often had to navigate skepticism and bias, proving her competence through relentless hard work and strategic vision.

The global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges, yet she successfully steered the JSE through these turbulent times by promoting market stability and investor confidence​.

Her focus on digital transformation and enhancing regulatory compliance helped the JSE remain a pivotal player in Jamaica’s economic strategy. She emphasized the importance of high-quality, timely financial information and investor education, which are critical for maintaining market integrity and attracting capital​​.

The Road Ahead: What Her Successor Needs
As the search for Dr. Street Forrest’s successor begins, the JSE requires a leader who can build on her legacy of innovation and resilience. Key characteristics for the next managing director include:

Visionary Leadership: The ability to foresee and adapt to market trends and technological advancements.
Strong Regulatory Knowledge: Ensuring compliance and fostering investor trust through transparent practices.
Commitment to Digital Transformation: Embracing new technologies to enhance market operations and accessibility.
Economic Insight: Understanding market dynamics and economic policies to drive growth and stability.
Collaboration Skills: Building strong relationships with stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and listed companies.

Benchmarking against global stock exchange leaders, the new head of the JSE should embody a blend of strategic foresight, regulatory acumen, and innovative thinking. Leaders like Adena Friedman of Nasdaq and David Schwimmer of the London Stock Exchange exemplify these traits, balancing market growth with robust governance.

Conclusion
Dr. Marlene Street Forrest’s leadership at the JSE has set a high standard, marked by significant achievements and resilience in the face of challenges. Her successor will need to bring a mix of visionary leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to digital transformation to continue driving the JSE’s growth and success. As the JSE looks to the future, it will be crucial to find a leader who can match, if not exceed, Dr. Street Forrest’s impressive legacy.

Early Life and Career Beginnings
Roxane De Freitas has a distinguished career marked by her leadership and strategic roles in major companies. She has served as a pivotal figure in the Caribbean business community, with extensive experience across various sectors. Her early career saw her rising through the ranks in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, which laid the foundation for her expertise in corporate leadership.

Professional Accomplishments
Roxane De Freitas is well-known for her significant contributions to Scotiabank and Massy Stores. She recently retired from the Board of Directors of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago, where she played a critical role in steering the bank’s strategies and operations. In her tenure, De Freitas contributed to the bank’s growth and its robust community initiatives through the Scotiabank Foundation, emphasizing the well-being of women and youth in Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition to her banking career, De Freitas has been instrumental at Massy Stores. As CEO of Massy Stores Trinidad, she oversaw the expansion of the chain, including the implementation of innovative self-checkout services, which have been lauded for enhancing customer convenience and operational efficiency. Her leadership during the rollout of these services across multiple locations demonstrates her commitment to modernizing retail operations and improving customer experience.

Roxane De Freitas also has a robust background in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, having held several key positions at Unilever Caribbean Limited. Her roles included Country Manager for Unilever Jamaica and General Manager for Unilever Caribbean, where she oversaw operations in multiple territories across the Caribbean. Her leadership has been marked by strategic initiatives that drove growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved market share.

Recent Appointments
On June 6, 2024, Roxane De Freitas was appointed to the Boards of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited and The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited. This new role signifies her continued influence in the Caribbean banking sector, where her strategic insights and extensive experience are expected to drive further growth and innovation for Scotiabank in Jamaica.

Industry Impact and Legacy
De Freitas’s impact on the Caribbean business landscape is profound. Her strategic vision and leadership have not only driven financial performance but also fostered community development and corporate responsibility. At Massy Stores, her efforts in promoting sustainable practices and efficient retail technologies have set new benchmarks for the industry.

A Role Model for Future Leaders
Roxane De Freitas’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and strategic thinking in achieving corporate success. Her career path serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders, particularly women in business, demonstrating that perseverance and innovation can break barriers and lead to significant achievements in diverse sectors.

As she takes on her new responsibilities with Scotiabank in Jamaica, the business community will undoubtedly be watching her next moves, anticipating further contributions to the growth and development of the Caribbean’s financial and retail sectors.