Adam Stewart, who recently succeeded his father as executive chairman of both Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group of Companies, turns 40 today.

The future and well being of one of the foremost Caribbean companies now rests in his hands and he must not doubt himself in going forward and demonstrating leadership.

He has garnered a reputation as an effective operator and has brought a certain élan to the projects under his purview. The car showrooms on Kingston’s Waterloo Road, the ATL motor centre in Montego Bay, the Kingston AC Marriott, Starbucks, Porsche, BMW masterdealership are successes he can point to after perseverance and having the chutzpah to put his imprimatur on these businesses.

Great leaders are of their time and turning 40 during the third decade of a century sees him coming to the fore after 20 years of working closely with his father, the indomitable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.

The torch has been now passed to a new generation.

Alexander succeeded Phillip of Macedon at 20 and conquered the known world by the time he was 33, never returning home. Cyrus the Great became King of Anshan (Iran) at 20 then moved on to become King of all Persia and then all of the ancient world. Winston Churchill was appointed Head of the British Admiralty by Prime Minister Asquith when he was 37, later becoming an inspirational prime minister who led the country during the Second World War.  John Fitzgerald Kennedy still remains the youngest elected President of the United States, doing so at 43. Two of England’s greatest queens, Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II, ascended to the throne at 25 and 27 respectively.

Vitality is a prerequisite of leadership and there can be no doubt about that.

They were all leaders of their time, bringing youth, stamina, energy and a willingness to change the status quo to the task at hand.

The stars have aligned for Adam Stewart. Sandals was launched in 1981, the year of his birth, by his father who at 27 founded ATL (1968) and at 40 began Sandals. At 40, Adam is taking the reins from his father, becoming the second chairman in both companies’ histories.

It is a responsibility that he has accepted and in doing so becomes one of Jamaica’s, indeed the Caribbean’s, key figures. This remit extends beyond business but into the social well-being of the countries where Sandals and ATL have a presence.

Jamaica today is no country for old men. It already has a youthful prime minister, and there is a new generation coming into their own who will shape the country’s future. In Adam Stewart they have one of their very own who comes to his new role with experience already under his belt.

ADAM STEWART IS NOT HIS FATHER

Comparisons to his father will be made but he is not his father. He has his own character, ideas, management style and brings a generational perspective to what was built by Butch Stewart.

During the last 40 years, Butch Stewart demonstrated to the world that Jamaica can build and operate some of the best resorts. The legacy bequeathed to his son is to continue to make the country and the Caribbean a leading tourism destination and to make Sandals even better – Butch would be happy with that playing dominoes in the afterlife with a cherubim playing a harp at his shoulder!

At 40, not only must Adam lead the companies that his father built into a new era but he must be a transformative figure taking Jamaica into a post COVID age when young people can count on a better tomorrow and a bright future of their own making.

Another mercurial business leader, the founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson once said: “The future needs passionate, happy and confident young leaders, willing to challenge the status quo and stand up for their convictions.”

These are words the new Sandals and ATL boss can draw upon.

Adam’s vision speaks to the possibilities. Today, you can pick up your mate at the Kingston AC Marriott, stop off at Starbucks for a latte, go check out the latest LG Smart TV at ATL, read the news online in your new BMW on your way to Sandals Royal Plantation. Now, who would have thought that possible 40 years ago?

Adam, happy birthday and I will leave you with this quote from another great Brit, the one and only Winston Churchill:

“Hear this young men and women everywhere and proclaim it far and wide. The earth is yours and the fullness thereof. Be kind but be fierce. You are needed now more than ever before. Take up the mantle of change. For this is your time.”