For one reason or another some CEO’s make single and periodic appearances on the list. We have always maintained that a consistent presence on the list is the true hallmark of excellence. Up to 2008 two CEOs exhibited this unique trait. Patrick Hylton at NCB Jamaica and Richard Byles at Sagicor Life Jamaica are the two in question. However one of these CEO who has been on the list since the inception in 2005 did not make it for 2009.

Richard Byles President and CEO of Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited (SLJ) made the number 6 spot for 2008 however his results for 2009 could only get him the number 14 position.

2009             2008             Change %  $ growth

Sagicor Life Jamaica         4,885,565   4,542,251        7.56%           343,314.00

2009 was a successful year for Richard Byles and Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited (SLJ), posting improved financial results for the ninth consecutive year.

• Net Profits of $4,390 million, attributable to Stockholders, up 12% over 2008;

• Basic earnings per share of $1.17, up 11% over 2008;

• Dividends per share of $0.57 ($2,141 million), compared to $0.44 in 2008 ($1,650 million);

• Return on opening Shareholders’ Equity of 28%, compared to 25% for 2008;

• Growth in Shareholders Equity of 28% from $15,544 million to $19,863 million.

The primary drivers of this performance include:

• The successful integration of the former Blue Cross health insurance portfolio;

• Cost efficiencies and synergies arising from a management restructuring exercise;

• Success of our sales teams in employee benefits and individual life in writing new business.

Total assets of the Group were $135,466 million compared to $117,791 million last year, representing a 15% growth. Total assets under management, including pension fund assets managed on behalf of clients and unit trusts, amounted to $210.4 billion (2008: $183.9 billion).

Stockholders’ Equity as at December 31, 2009 was $19,863 million, compared to $15,544 million as at December 31, 2008. This substantial growth was in part due to the growth in retained earnings and the improved value of available-for-sale securities held. During the year, the company paid $2,141 million in dividends to shareholders, or a dividend per share of 57 cents (2008: 44 cents). This represents a dividend payout ratio of 49% as against 42% in 2008.

We now take a brief look at some of the others who did not make the 2009 list and some of the pass list makers.

Francis L.A. “Tony” Haynes at #20 for 2008 did not make the list in 2005 and 2006, but entered the 2007 ranking at number one. For 2009 however he was not even among the top 20.

William McConnell at #15 for 2008 was ranked number one for 2006; however he did not make the list for 2007 and 2005. For 2009 he was ranked at number 19.

Milton Brady formerly at First Caribbean Bank Jamaica retained his #6 ranking in 2007, having also ranked #6 in 2006; He was not ranked in 2005. Milton is no longer the CEO. First Caribbean was ranked at #17 in 2008 and #16 for 2009.

Moving from being a non-qualifier in 2005 to #2 in 2006, Grantley Stephenson did not make the 2007 and 2008 list despite having led Kingston Wharves into a new era of modernization and expansion. His performance for 2005 was an admirable feat, with the company at the time undergoing a major expansion of its storage capacity and extending its ability to handle larger vessels. Grantley Stephenson did not make the top 20 list for 2009.

Donavan Perkins at Pan Caribbean Financial Group made The List at #8 for 2006 having not ranked in 2005. He missed the list for 2007 and 2008 where he was ranked #14. Despite being through many mergers and acquisitions, Pan Caribbean is viewed as being relatively conservative. However, Donovan would probably tell the critics not to confuse conservatism with prudence. Currently, Pan Caribbean is one of the few investment houses to exhibit stable earnings growth in recent times and boasts a healthy investment revaluation reserve. Donavan was ranked at number 15 for 2009.

Curtis Martin at Capital and Credit Merchant Bank having ranked at #9 in 2005, the first year of reporting has not been seen on the list since. He was ranked at #16 for 2008 and #20 for 2009. This will be the last year of account for Capital and Credit Merchant Bank on The List. For 2010 Capital and Credit Financial Group, the ultimate parent company headed by Ryland T. Campbell Chairman/ Group President and CEO will be tracked.

The 2005 joint #1 on the list Jacqueline Holding and Rodney Davis, due to overlapping tenures finished outside of the time frame and did not make The 2006, 07, 08 and 2009 List. Many might argue that their selection in 2005 was due to a number of one-off financials transactions, and this may very well be true. Both CEO are no longer with the company.

Ranked #2 in 2008 Kingsley Cooper Executive Chairman – Pulse Investments Limited was not ranked in the top 20 for 2009. He did not make the 2007 List, neither did he make the 2006 and 2005 listings, but we predicted that if he continued along his current financial path, chances are he may just make his entry onto the 2008 List which he did.

Ranked #4 in 2008, Michael Bernard Managing Director Carreras Group leaves the company in 2010 having ranked #18 for 2009. As General Manager for the Cigarette Company of Jamaica; he was responsible for the Group’s “cash cow”. He has led this entity through a number of restructuring exercises over the years.

Robert Levy Chairman Jamaica Broilers Group of Companies was ranked #5 for 2008, the last period he served as Group CEO, having passed on the reins to his Son, Christopher Levy. Christopher Levy has been learning the business literally from the ground up since he was a teenager, and now it is his turn to run the five-decade-old Jamaica Broilers Group, over which his father Robert Levy has majority control and has imprinted his personality as a strong and steady operation.

Ranked at #9 for 2008 Gary Peart – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mayberry Investments Limited (MIL) was not able to make the list for 2009. Gary Peart joined Mayberry Investments Limited in May 2005 as Chief Executive Officer after building his resume and developing his management techniques throughout the financial industry over the course of 15 years. BM