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One of Jamaica’s most distinguished business leaders, Dr Dhiru Tanna, has died.

Dr Tanna founded the soap-making company Blue Power in 2001 and presided over it becoming a market leader over the next two decades.

He was always an advocate of the productive sector in particular manufacturing, and helped to start Lumber Depot back in 1998.

As a major Jamaican manufacturer providing essential items, he merged Lumber Depot with Blue Power in 2010 to form The Blue Power Group Limited and saw Blue Power become the largest manufacturer of bar soaps in Jamaica.

The Blue Power Group became the second listed company on the JSE Junior Stock Exchange.

Dr Dhiru Tanna’s expertise and advice were well sought and he served as Deputy Chairman of Jamaica National for many years, holding a seat on the Board since 1981. 

Former Chairman of Jamaica National, who also served as Chairman of the Gleaner Company, for decades, the late Oliver Clarke rated him highly and they worked well together.

Dr. Tanna held a PhD from the University of California, Berkley and a BSc (Econ) from the University of London. 

He was a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona and served on the Board of Directors of Neal & Massy and the Development Bank of Jamaica.

Speaking on the life and times of Dr. Dhiru Tanna, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Guardsman Group, Kenny Benjamin said: “ Dhiru was far more than a respected business leader to me; he was a brother. His passing is a profound loss, not only to Jamaica’s economic and business community but to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him personally.

“He carried his wisdom with humility, his strength with quiet grace, and his friendship with unwavering loyalty. Even in challenging times, his presence brought clarity, perspective, and calm.

“On behalf of my family and the wider Guardsman Group, I extend our deepest condolences to his loving wife. We will remember him not only for his remarkable contribution to Jamaica, but for the man he was, steadfast, principled, and deeply human. “

Chairman of the Blue Power Group and  CEO of the Pan Jam Group Jeffery Hall said: “It is with deep sadness that I must announce to you the passing of the founder of Blue Power Group and Lumber Depot Limited, Dr. Dhiru Tanna. For decades, Dr. Tanna brought to these companies his special blend of vision, leadership, caring, dedication to results and unshakable integrity. 

“These values defined the companies that he built, and we all rely on them today. Dr Tanna was recognised as a national corporate leader in Jamaica, and he also contributed to Jamaica’s development as a director of Jamaica National, the Development Bank of Jamaica and many other defining national institutions. We offer our deepest sympathies to Dr Laura Tanna, his wife and a fellow Director of Blue Power Group. As companies, we will look for ways to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr Tanna in due course. We use this note only to share with you that our thoughts and prayers are with him and his friends and family at this time.”

CEO of A.R.E. Media, Al Edwards, added: “ Dhiru was not just a corporate leader who knew how to get companies to perform but was a man for all seasons. He was worldly and humane. He had a great sense of humour and was compassionate. My condolences go to his lovely wife, Laura. I always thought they were a great couple, and there was a lot to be learned from them together on how to make a marriage work. His insights and experience were invaluable. He left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s corporate landscape.

Today, a new generation of business leaders is coming to the fore and they could benefit from Dhiru’s wisdom. He was a gentleman of the old school, worthy of maximum respect. Some people are quick to tell you about their accomplishments and people they know- that was never Dhiru’s way. He was always understated. He will be missed. A man of his erudition, dedication to the people of the companies he presided over, his character and dignity will not pass our way any time soon. “