The University of the West Indies, Mona congratulates two of its distinguished alumni—Frank James and Ian Kelly—on their recent appointments as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of GraceKennedy Limited and Derrimon Trading Company Limited, respectively.

“These outstanding leaders continue to demonstrate the excellence, vision, and leadership qualities that are emblematic of the ideal UWI graduate,” the institution said in a statement to the media.

James, a graduate of the Class of 1997 with a BSc in Management Studies with Accounting, has been appointed CEO of GraceKennedy Limited, a leading Jamaican conglomerate. His appointment marks a significant milestone in his career, since joining GK in 2005 as a Vice President of Strategic Planning and Corporate Development and moving through the ranks of the organization with senior roles in both the financial services and food divisions over two decades.

“We have no doubt that, given the solid academic foundation he gained at The UWI Mona Campus, Frank will continue to drive growth and innovation at GraceKennedy,” the university added.

Similarly, Kelly, a graduate of the Class of 1995 and 1998 for the BSc and MSc in Accounting, has been appointed CEO of Derrimon Trading Company Limited, a leading Jamaican enterprise which operates across retail, distribution, manufacturing and logistics.

“Ian’s leadership at Derrimon was pivotal in helping to shape the company into the success it is today as it celebrates its 25^th anniversary of operation. He was pivotal in the arranging of the company’s IPO in 2013, a remarkable achievement which positioned Derrimon as a major enterprise in the corporate landscape in Jamaica.  We are confident that the skills and capabilities Ian developed while pursuing his MSc in Accounting while here at Mona will serve him well in transforming and growing the company in the years ahead.

The University of the West Indies, Mona said it is “extremely proud to see both Frank and Ian stepping into these transformative roles that will help to change lives and build our communities and a better Jamaica”.

It added: “We extend heartiest congratulations to both distinguished alumni and wish them well in their new roles.”